The Factory of Maladies - by Debbie Hartung (Paperback)

About the Book

When Debbie Hartung awakens in a psych ward, her memories fragmented, she embarks on a harrowing seven-day journey. Born from the pages of a notebook smuggled in by a kind nurse, Hartung's tale is intertwined with dark humor and raw honesty.

Book Synopsis

A harrowing seven-day journey. The Factory of Maladies is an unflinching memoir that delves into the realities of mental illness, the complexities of family dynamics, and the search for healing.

An inspirational life story. When Debbie Hartung awakens in a psych ward, her memories fragmented, she embarks on a confusing and disorienting experience. With dark humor and frank honesty, Hartung's narrative exposes the stigma surrounding mental health, uncovers the impact of her family's dynamics, divulges the danger of cults, and explores the inadequacies of our current mental health system.

From heartbreak to healing. Born from the pages of a notebook and a miniature pen smuggled in by a kind nurse, this memoir is both heartbreaking and hopeful, offering readers a deeply personal yet candid story of healing. Through her stream-of-consciousness writing, Hartung confronts PTSD, depression, and anger, turning pain into healing. The Factory of Maladies is more than her experience in the psych ward; it's a book about healing yourself-an inspirational life story that uncovers, enlightens, and ultimately provides healing to the hopeless.

Review Quotes

"What is mental illness? Well, you won't find the answer in Debbie Hartung's gripping The Factory of Maladies. Instead, what you'll encounter is a harrowing, firsthand account of the experience of being institutionalized. The author can't answer the question, 'Why does society lock up its disturbed and suffering souls?' But she can beautifully and clearly describe what seven days in a psych ward felt like to her. Don't miss her observations and revelations!"-Eric Maisel, PhD, author of The Future of Mental Health and Humane Helping

"Debbie Hartung's The Factory of Maladies is a striking and unforgettable memoir that lingers long after the final page. Hartung thoughtfully delves into the difficult yet essential topic of suicidal thoughts and how society often responds to those in need. Hartung's bravery in telling such a profoundly human story offers us all an opportunity for reflection and empathy."-Juliana J Bruno, author of Reasons to Live, content creator, and host of the I Care About You podcast

"Debbie Hartung's memoir, The Factory of Maladies, takes us into a world where human frailty, strength, cruelty, kindness, indifference, empathy, suffering, and survival collide. Hartung's honest and vulnerable first-person narration draws the reader into a visceral, vicarious experience of mental illness and offers a much-needed dose of insight and understanding."-Kim Colegrove, author of Mindfulness for Warriors and Wellness Warrior Style

"In this beautifully written memoir, Debbie Hartung provides a window into the emotions and actions of her conscious and subconscious mind while being held against her will at a psychiatric hospital. Debbie takes us through the tumultuous ride of emotions she experienced, from confusion, haze, and fear to trust, awareness, and clarity, all the while exploring the effects of relatable issues such as toxic relationships, manipulation, mental health, and the quest for love, joy, and balance."-Angela LoMenzo, author of Wildly Creative Women

"In her debut memoir, The Factory of Maladies, Debbie Hartung shares the reality of in-patient mental health treatment in the United States medical system. Her raw and real account explores complicated family dynamics and questionable spiritual leadership while dispelling myths about mental health care. A must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the 'locked ward' as well as those of us who've been there who will nod along as we feel seen and heard."-Nita Sweeney, bestselling author of Depression Hates a Moving Target

"This book serves two crucial purposes. First, it offers the reader a feeling for persistent mental illness and humanizes anyone who's struggling. But this read is also a call to arms for the psychiatric community, a mandate to cultivate a more humane environment for those who are suffering and to recognize the individuality and humanity of each patient, regardless of presentation."-Dr. John Duffy, author of Parenting the New Teen and Rescuing Our Sons

"[Debbie] weaves these scenes into accounts of harrowing details of her day-to-day life, and readers may be shocked by some of the unexpected events on the ward that she recounts. An engaging firsthand account that mixes intrigue with a promise of hope in the midst of despair."-Kirkus Reviews

"The Factory of Maladies is a gripping, highly emotional and raw account of a week on a San Francisco psychiatric ward. Dark humor, descriptive narrative, and dialogue immediately immerse the reader into the world of an underfunded hospital and the protagonist's struggle to be released."-BookLife