A partnership between CMHA-NL and Breakwater Books, Ltd., Out Loud is a collection of more than fifty essays by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all walks of life who have been affected by mental illness. There are essays by those who have experienced mental illness themselves, by family and friends, by community members, and by professionals who deal with mental illness. The voices here are ones of hope, pain, and honesty. The true meaning in this compelling collection is found in the willingness of the essayists to step forward and share their experiences in hopes of lessening stigma and broadening the conversation about mental illness.

Out Loud also contains an introduction by Ramona Dearing, author of the short story collection So Beautiful and host of CBC Radio Noon. To hear Ramona's interviews with select essayists from the book that were originally aired during Mental Health Week 2010 (May 3 - 9), see the media coverage below.

Where to buy Out Loud

To purchase Out Loud, please visit your local bookstore or buy online from the Breakwater Books website or from Chapters. Royalties from the sale of the book will benefit CMHA-NL, the Pottle Centre, the Schizophrenia Society of NL, and CHANNAL (Consumers' Health Awareness Network Newfoundland and Labrador).

Out Loud Media Coverage

CBC Radio Noon:
Episode 1  - Interview with Heather Boone (Monday, May 3, 2010)
Episode 2 - Interview with Terry Reilly (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)
Episode 3 - Interview with Gus Russell (Wednesday, May 5, 2010)
Episode 4 - Interview with Amanda Penney (Thursday, May 6, 2010)
Episode 5 - Interview with Alicia Cox (Friday, May 7, 2010)

"A broken mind" by Burton K. Janes (The Compass, June 9, 2010)
"Uncomfortable Reality" by Valerie Kent (The Herald, May 9 - 15, 2010)
"Taboo topic no longer" by Danette Dooley (the Telegram).

For more information on Out Loud, please contact us.