At some point in our lives, and truthfully, many times across our lives, we will deal with some form of mental health issues. There is a certain stigma associated with people who deals with these issues openly which why most people are silent about their own problems. This leads to them mostly not dealing with it and that abstinence eventually becomes difficult to the people who are around them. In fiction, it is rarely portrayed correctly or with any sensitivity, as this treatment makes it also difficult for most people to be honest about their mental health.

A lot of the time, in fiction, their mental health is linked to a person or persons, and not that any of these situations aren’t real, but mental health is more complex, than this same scenario. Most of the time, I have never seen in fiction, where they talked about the psychological issues black people must deal with, in not only, racism, but also colorism. I have never seen, in fiction, where they talk about the PTSD refugees suffer from the circumstances surrounding their home country. This what I admired the most in Rachel Smith’s Wired Up Wrong. She talks about her own anxiety issues and doesn’t sugar coat anything.

Within the first few pages, Smith introduces the reader not only to her boyfriend, but her cat, and the imaginary animals, which represents her mental health problems which includes depression. The reader gets a front row seat of how her issues, affect her daily life, and what people would wrongly view as “mood swings”, is her battling depression. Eventually, we see how depression takes over her life and how everyday is a gift to her. By book’s end, she eventually overcomes depression and anxiety, only to be someone stronger.

Overall, a heartbreaking, moving, and sometimes funny story, that shows that anxiety and depression are the barbarians you keep at bay for good reason. The story by Smith, is simply beautiful and leaves the reader wanting more. The art by Smith, feels right at home with these stories, and yet looks gorgeous. Together a book where you will relate to the different mental health issues and know that you can fight it.

Story: Rachel Smith Art: Rachel Smith
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy