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I'm Not Crazy... I'm Allergic!
What would you do if you found out that after 50 years of being told you have a "chemical imbalance" and mental illness, that severe allergies were at the root of your problems?
When this happens to a skeptical Julie, she goes on a journey of self-discovery that not only identifies the everyday things she reacts to, but also for the first time in her life, gives her control of her life and her attitude.
This book explores how every day things could be related to reactions like panic attacks, depression, uncontrollable crying, brain fog, body aches and pains and many more.
Reviewed By Roy T. James for Readers’ Favorite:
Sherilyn Powers has succeeded in presenting a short treatise on what causes lingering, sometimes extreme, discomfort to many amongst us in a clear and concise manner. Detailed end notes and a list of resources make it easy for the reader to obtain further help and clarification. This is an excellent guide; it enables one to learn and understand how debilitating allergies can be, including the fact that symptoms of depression and other “crazy” reactions can be, in reality, allergy or sensitivity symptoms.
When this happens to a skeptical Julie, she goes on a journey of self-discovery that not only identifies the everyday things she reacts to, but also for the first time in her life, gives her control of her life and her attitude.
This book explores how every day things could be related to reactions like panic attacks, depression, uncontrollable crying, brain fog, body aches and pains and many more.
Reviewed By Roy T. James for Readers’ Favorite:
Sherilyn Powers has succeeded in presenting a short treatise on what causes lingering, sometimes extreme, discomfort to many amongst us in a clear and concise manner. Detailed end notes and a list of resources make it easy for the reader to obtain further help and clarification. This is an excellent guide; it enables one to learn and understand how debilitating allergies can be, including the fact that symptoms of depression and other “crazy” reactions can be, in reality, allergy or sensitivity symptoms.
96 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2015
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295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 21, 2015
How many of us suffer to some degree from the symptoms mentioned in this meticulously researched (and extremely thought provoking) study and how many simply reach for Big Pharma medication without considering what the underlying sources might be?
The limits of much of main stream medicine in dealing with this area is clearly spelt out:
“Allergy symptoms seem to be very cut and dried for most doctors. Sneezing, headaches, hives, anaphylaxis—those are the only acceptable allergy symptoms, and the skin prick tests are the best way to judge whether or not you are allergic to something—according to a lot of mainstream medical professionals I have discussed this topic with.”
As someone who exercises and considers themselves physically fit but who suffers with worsening asthma, osteoarthritis and stomach pains I became interested quite a while ago in the area of food as medicine (but also as potential poison) and the toxic effects of everyday chemicals, cleaning and toiletry products on one’s health. For this reason I found part 5, Our Daily Toxins, especially fascinating reading.
One of my favourite quotes from this study comes near the end, stressing the importance of our own personal responsibility and the limits of the establishment. “The hardest part for sufferers is to keep on searching for the answers that are right for you (but) we are beyond the time when the doctor’s word was sacred and unquestionable. We now know they are human too, and constrained by rules, education, and time.”
This is a work that shakes one out of complacency and in an increasingly corporate world, one which cares solely about profits and pushing synthesised and copy-writed drugs on all ages (and also unceasingly = a cured patient is a customer lost as Big Pharma likes to say) research like this is vitally important.
Five stars for 'I’m Not Crazy … I’m Allergic!'
The limits of much of main stream medicine in dealing with this area is clearly spelt out:
“Allergy symptoms seem to be very cut and dried for most doctors. Sneezing, headaches, hives, anaphylaxis—those are the only acceptable allergy symptoms, and the skin prick tests are the best way to judge whether or not you are allergic to something—according to a lot of mainstream medical professionals I have discussed this topic with.”
As someone who exercises and considers themselves physically fit but who suffers with worsening asthma, osteoarthritis and stomach pains I became interested quite a while ago in the area of food as medicine (but also as potential poison) and the toxic effects of everyday chemicals, cleaning and toiletry products on one’s health. For this reason I found part 5, Our Daily Toxins, especially fascinating reading.
One of my favourite quotes from this study comes near the end, stressing the importance of our own personal responsibility and the limits of the establishment. “The hardest part for sufferers is to keep on searching for the answers that are right for you (but) we are beyond the time when the doctor’s word was sacred and unquestionable. We now know they are human too, and constrained by rules, education, and time.”
This is a work that shakes one out of complacency and in an increasingly corporate world, one which cares solely about profits and pushing synthesised and copy-writed drugs on all ages (and also unceasingly = a cured patient is a customer lost as Big Pharma likes to say) research like this is vitally important.
Five stars for 'I’m Not Crazy … I’m Allergic!'
October 1, 2015
If you've experienced allergies for a long time, you're going to love this book! I was medically trained to perceive depression and allergies as two separate problems. Until I read this book which brought a new angle as I never perceived the two as related. Yet from my own experience as a patient, I realize it is difficult to be an optimist when your skin is flaring, when you can't stop from sneezing and especially during an asthma attack. I certainly lost many nights because of these symptoms, but I never connected the dots between mood and allergies until I read Sherilyn Powers' book.
Unlike respiratory and topical allergens – or environmental allergies as they are called in this book -, food allergens are easier to avoid but much more difficult to detect without expensive medical tests. This is one of the main reasons for which I recommend this book as it stresses the importance to sticking to a rotation diet in order to find the culprit(s).
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
Unlike respiratory and topical allergens – or environmental allergies as they are called in this book -, food allergens are easier to avoid but much more difficult to detect without expensive medical tests. This is one of the main reasons for which I recommend this book as it stresses the importance to sticking to a rotation diet in order to find the culprit(s).
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
October 10, 2015
This is a well written, well researched book. There are many helpful hints for anyone suffering from depression. If you've suffered from depression and have tried everything that the mainstream healthcare system has to offer, perhaps you should give this book a read. Ms. Powers chronicles the path that she and her friend made to discovering their allergies and how those allergies affected their bodies. Her point of view is that allergies not only have physical symptoms, but can change ones mood and mental status as well. I received a free copy of this book for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
October 3, 2015
I’m Not Crazy… I’m Allergic! is a fantastic book about Sherilyn Powers' theory on the connection between allergens and mental, emotional and psychological reactions. This book is extremely well researched and details scientific studies and data to support this correlation.
Though it has a firm scientific basis, this is by no means a dull, dry book of facts and figures. Ms. Powers really brings these issues home to her readers by recounting her own experiences as well as those of Julie, her friend who has suffered from severe depression for over 50 years. Ms. Powers draws her readers into the story as she chronicles Julie’s real life experiences, her trials and tribulations, and her journey toward discovery and healing.
I found this book immensely helpful. It really made me aware of the connection between my environment and food intake and my emotional, mental and physical state. For years I have had severe panic attacks and the only help doctors have been able to offer me is anxiety medications, all of which come with their own long list of side effects. Thanks to this book, I now know that these attacks may in fact be caused by food or environmental allergies and I plan on using the rotation and elimination diets explained in this book to see if allergens are actually causing these attacks.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any sort of chronic health issues. It really brings to light the possible effects of food and environmental allergens and it opened my eyes to connections I would not have looked for otherwise!
Though it has a firm scientific basis, this is by no means a dull, dry book of facts and figures. Ms. Powers really brings these issues home to her readers by recounting her own experiences as well as those of Julie, her friend who has suffered from severe depression for over 50 years. Ms. Powers draws her readers into the story as she chronicles Julie’s real life experiences, her trials and tribulations, and her journey toward discovery and healing.
I found this book immensely helpful. It really made me aware of the connection between my environment and food intake and my emotional, mental and physical state. For years I have had severe panic attacks and the only help doctors have been able to offer me is anxiety medications, all of which come with their own long list of side effects. Thanks to this book, I now know that these attacks may in fact be caused by food or environmental allergies and I plan on using the rotation and elimination diets explained in this book to see if allergens are actually causing these attacks.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has any sort of chronic health issues. It really brings to light the possible effects of food and environmental allergens and it opened my eyes to connections I would not have looked for otherwise!
September 21, 2015
I never knew that the phrase mountain out of mole-hill is really true in case of allergies!!! After reading Sherilyn Powers book, even I realized that I am not crazy I am only allergic.
Sherilyn has penned a self examined theory about how allergies can be overlooked and misconstrued as something else, diagnosed so and thereafter treated for the same. To ensure credibility to it, she has quoted authentic scientific research data as well. Hence, her theory is not far fetched.
As I kept reading, I realized the effect that food and environment can act as allergens that can trigger varied reactions in our bodies, which at times, cannot be quantified or explained. And yes, the explanation, that it is because of allergies that an individual is diagnosed for diseases which he/she is not suffering, may not go down well with established doctors. It is, therefore, a herculean task to explain to doctors to check for allergies and not for diseases as perceived. Of course, doctors should not be doubted when it comes to their diagnosis of illness, but the fact that allergies to have a connection with occurrence of diseases is something that very few doctors understand or pay attention to.
Sherilyn's Julie symbolized all those 'misunderstood' patients whose lives could have changed for the better much earlier if only their allergies had been identified and treated in time.
P.S- I am definitely going to look out for my allergies for symptoms I can't explain.
Sherilyn has penned a self examined theory about how allergies can be overlooked and misconstrued as something else, diagnosed so and thereafter treated for the same. To ensure credibility to it, she has quoted authentic scientific research data as well. Hence, her theory is not far fetched.
As I kept reading, I realized the effect that food and environment can act as allergens that can trigger varied reactions in our bodies, which at times, cannot be quantified or explained. And yes, the explanation, that it is because of allergies that an individual is diagnosed for diseases which he/she is not suffering, may not go down well with established doctors. It is, therefore, a herculean task to explain to doctors to check for allergies and not for diseases as perceived. Of course, doctors should not be doubted when it comes to their diagnosis of illness, but the fact that allergies to have a connection with occurrence of diseases is something that very few doctors understand or pay attention to.
Sherilyn's Julie symbolized all those 'misunderstood' patients whose lives could have changed for the better much earlier if only their allergies had been identified and treated in time.
P.S- I am definitely going to look out for my allergies for symptoms I can't explain.
September 23, 2015
One of the first lessons I learned from my spiritual teachers: You cannot heal – in others- a path you have not walked. In other words, plain English…. The voice if personal experience. That is a very powerful and helpful aspect of this book. The author knows, intimately, the devastating impact the foods, allergens and environment can have on your life. And she also knows, from personal experience- the nerve-wracking experience of dealing with “professionals” who do not buy into the concept. I know this, because I have also lived it, with my own journey of Lyme disease… so I know what the author has gone through, experienced, and learned. She has gone through these things herself, and has also walked the disbelieving through the same processes.. trial and error… to find the underlying contributing factors to mental, emotional AND physical health and symptoms. The book is short and easy to follow. Additionally, she intersperses data with experiences and personal anecdotes that follow her own progressive journey of discovery.
I think anyone with chronic health issues, on any level, will benefit from this book. She lays out some solid groundwork that anyone can use and follow. No two people are alike, so there is no single perfect solution- but… we can learn how to pay attention, try things, and watch for improvements in our health and happiness. That is what this book invites and encourages you to do.
I think anyone with chronic health issues, on any level, will benefit from this book. She lays out some solid groundwork that anyone can use and follow. No two people are alike, so there is no single perfect solution- but… we can learn how to pay attention, try things, and watch for improvements in our health and happiness. That is what this book invites and encourages you to do.
November 30, 2015
This is a very well written, well researched, and highly informative non-fiction book. It is a must read for allergy sufferers, and I would assume it would be a great reference and resource book for the medical practitioners treating them ... Good job in writing!
July 3, 2017
An interesting narrative journey that helped not only the author and her friend Julia realize they were NOT crazy but had real, serious allergies, but those of us looking for answers to our own weird reactions. Many helpful suggestions and links in the back for more information.
June 20, 2016
This is an ‘astonishing’ book because of the strength of the case it makes for something that very many medical practitioners and researchers even now appear not to be sufficiently aware of: that in some people, severe allergic reaction presents as depression and psychosis. The book is largely about ‘Julie’ who for fifty years was given drugs that didn’t work, when what she needed was a correct diagnosis, anti-histamine, and to stop ingesting the foods that were making her ill. It is her cry, once Sherilyn had been able to prove to her what had been wrong all along, that forms the title of this book. It is also about Sherilyn herself, and how she eventually discovered what was causing her problems and what she was then able to do about solving them.
‘EVERYONE’ should read this book, because even if you don’t yourself suffer from depression, exhaustion, insomnia, migraines, eczema and a host of other debilitating conditions, it’s more than likely that you know someone who does: someone for whom the normal range of blood tests has failed to show anything wrong and who may have already been labelled as “attention-seeking” or “self-pitying” or “a hypochondriac” because they are so often ill. Did you know that the suicide rate goes up in Spring?
Sherilyn Powers carefully points out on several occasions that she does not have a medical qualification, and that people should always consult a medically qualified person if something is wrong. However, she also methodically and convincingly presents the evidence for her case that the medical profession as a whole has not paid enough attention to allergens as the possible cause of a number of conditions for which they have been wrongly prescribing anti-depressants. This is a short, well-written, well-researched, authoritative study of the subject. It is a very important book, and should be read very widely indeed. I want to thank Sherilyn Powers most sincerely for having written it. It opened my eyes.
‘EVERYONE’ should read this book, because even if you don’t yourself suffer from depression, exhaustion, insomnia, migraines, eczema and a host of other debilitating conditions, it’s more than likely that you know someone who does: someone for whom the normal range of blood tests has failed to show anything wrong and who may have already been labelled as “attention-seeking” or “self-pitying” or “a hypochondriac” because they are so often ill. Did you know that the suicide rate goes up in Spring?
Sherilyn Powers carefully points out on several occasions that she does not have a medical qualification, and that people should always consult a medically qualified person if something is wrong. However, she also methodically and convincingly presents the evidence for her case that the medical profession as a whole has not paid enough attention to allergens as the possible cause of a number of conditions for which they have been wrongly prescribing anti-depressants. This is a short, well-written, well-researched, authoritative study of the subject. It is a very important book, and should be read very widely indeed. I want to thank Sherilyn Powers most sincerely for having written it. It opened my eyes.
January 25, 2016
I'm not crazy . . . I'm allergic starts off a little slow but soon develops into an appealing story about Julie who, at the age of twelve, was diagnosed with clinical depression and declared suicidal. After receiving several sobbing phone calls, the book's author, Sherilyn Powers, suggests that Julie undergo extensive testing. The result: Julie has severe sensitivities to mold, dusts, and some foods. Sherilyn begins to research information and finds out that women are more likely to get depressed from allergies than men.
The rest of the story unfolds as Julie and Sherilyn complete a series of interesting probes to see whether Julie's depression is linked to allergies and if so, how? They discover some surprising connections that would surely interest anyone suffering from allergies, depression, or both.
This highly recommended and worthy text is well researched, clear, and understandable. Further, a list of useful resources for elimination and rotation diets is included.
Summarizing quote: "This book is written with a story component, my own observations, and medical studies . . . " Sherilyn Powers
The rest of the story unfolds as Julie and Sherilyn complete a series of interesting probes to see whether Julie's depression is linked to allergies and if so, how? They discover some surprising connections that would surely interest anyone suffering from allergies, depression, or both.
This highly recommended and worthy text is well researched, clear, and understandable. Further, a list of useful resources for elimination and rotation diets is included.
Summarizing quote: "This book is written with a story component, my own observations, and medical studies . . . " Sherilyn Powers
March 20, 2016
I had difficulty finishing this book. The author rambled so much, it was hard knowing exactly what a reader was supposed to learnt from the book. I read an excellent book about allergies in the past, but this one left me wondering what could be new in allergy treatment. Nothing was new indeed! It is a shot read that should have ended long before it did, but the author went ahead and repeated everything she said many times over.
What I found most disturbing was the author’s regular reference to the Internet as her main source of research. For a serious study, as I suspected she wanted this book to be, her reliance on the Internet as her main source of research reduced the quality of her research, and as such, the findings referenced in the book. No serious researcher relies mainly on the internet for her findings. It is my policy not ever to start a book and not finish it, and so, I finished this book with great effort. The author might want to consider condensing the book to eliminate the many repetitions.
What I found most disturbing was the author’s regular reference to the Internet as her main source of research. For a serious study, as I suspected she wanted this book to be, her reliance on the Internet as her main source of research reduced the quality of her research, and as such, the findings referenced in the book. No serious researcher relies mainly on the internet for her findings. It is my policy not ever to start a book and not finish it, and so, I finished this book with great effort. The author might want to consider condensing the book to eliminate the many repetitions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2016
This is a thought-provoking and informative read. In the last few years, I have come to understand that sensitivities and/or allergies to foods and environmental conditions can have an alarming effect on our mental health. The logic Ms. Powers presents in this book is powerful. I think we have to become our best advocate, and that begins with an essential understanding of our body and health (mentally, emotionally, and psychologically). Ms. Powers offers practical suggestions and tools for mapping and charting results. Rotation and elimination diets can prove invaluable in identifying key triggers.
I think we’ve become accustomed to living in a world where the majority of people are on some form of medication. And while this may be essential for health management for some people, it doesn’t necessarily have to be accepted as the new norm.
"I’m Not Crazy...I’m Allergic" is a great tool for anyone who has any sort of chronic health issues. It’s a starting point, and includes sources and resources that can prove invaluable on our journey to wellness.
I think we’ve become accustomed to living in a world where the majority of people are on some form of medication. And while this may be essential for health management for some people, it doesn’t necessarily have to be accepted as the new norm.
"I’m Not Crazy...I’m Allergic" is a great tool for anyone who has any sort of chronic health issues. It’s a starting point, and includes sources and resources that can prove invaluable on our journey to wellness.
April 5, 2016
This was a fascinating take on allergies and the physical, mental, and emotional take they can have on a person. I've suffered with allergies my whole life, and I have always had all sorts of odd ailments that I didn't know what to associate them with. I never mention them to the doctor because they aren't really symptoms that "go with" anything. It's nice to know that maybe they do have a cause. It's also nice to know that the medical profession might be starting to take a look at allergies as the reason behind things. I appreciate that the author IS NOT a medical professional but DOES HAVE medical studies referenced in the book. This is truly an interesting case study and gives the reader a lot to think about.
August 1, 2016
Ever been ill and felt as if you’re going crazy because all your laboratory results come back fine. Your doctor tells you that nothing is wrong with you, but you feel ill just the same. If so, this is a must read for you.
This book explores how simple, every day things could be related to reactions like panic attacks, depression, uncontrollable crying, brain fog, body aches and pains and many more. It certainly is thought provoking and informative. I found it to be well researched and thought out. Kudos to the author for a job well done that made even this medical hound stand up and take notice. It is a fast reading book, too.
This book explores how simple, every day things could be related to reactions like panic attacks, depression, uncontrollable crying, brain fog, body aches and pains and many more. It certainly is thought provoking and informative. I found it to be well researched and thought out. Kudos to the author for a job well done that made even this medical hound stand up and take notice. It is a fast reading book, too.
August 9, 2016
An examination of the connections between food and environmental allergies and depression and other easily misdiagnosed illnesses. Powers takes a case study approach here, providing more anecdote and hypothesis than clinical trial based research, but this book is a great reminder of the limitations of modern western medicine and the need to seek out help if you’re not finding it at your doctor’s office. Good information on self-diagnosis of allergy causes.
October 11, 2015
This is a very interesting read about what one woman has found linking depression with allergies and how these findings affect herself and her friend who suffers from depression and occasional suicidal thoughts. I sometimes find that non fiction books don't hold my interest but the author keeps a good pace, stopping the book from becoming boring
October 17, 2015
I feel like I go through life not being able to breath and I think I should wear a mask like the cover of this book. I love the cover it is great too. This book had me trying to find how I can breath better. I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about me and my allergies. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 12, 2016
I'm Not Crazy . . . I'm Allergic is well-written and informative. Julie's story is interesting, and I like how the author presents it. I would have never made the connections between allergies and depression without reading this, but it makes sense to me. I enjoyed Powers' writing style. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for answers traditional medicine isn't providing.
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