Out of the Ashes

“Sallie Crotty’s Out of the Ashes is a masterpiece. Incredibly well-written, one never gets bored while reading it. Moreover, it will serve as a guiding light to those who struggle with, or know someone who struggles with, mental illness. It will be a beacon of hope during times of despair: Yes, I can find a way to live my life. I can have a career, a family, and friends. All is not lost. On a practical level, Crotty's retelling is exactly what’s needed to spotlight mental illness and bring it totally out of the darkness and into mainstream society.”

— Dr. Susie Wolbe, author of The Empowered Teacher: Proven Tips for Classroom Success

"In her powerful memoir, Out of the Ashes: A Story of Recovery and Hope, Sallie Crotty takes us right into the turmoil, anguish and fear she experienced during the worst times of her life before being diagnosed with and appropriately treated for bipolar I disorder. As someone who also has bipolar disorder, I had so much in common with her, and could empathize throughout. Readers with bipolar will strongly identify with her struggles, family members supporting a loved one will relate to her long-suffering relatives, and clinicians will be struck by the power of small courtesies and kindnesses their clients deserve. To help fight stigma and spread hope, please read this!"

— Merryl Hammond, PhD; author of Mad Like Me: Travels in Bipolar Country and editor of Navigating Bipolar Country

“Sallie Crotty has written an excellent, courageous, and deeply personal account of her struggle with Bipolar Disorder. Her description of her path from despair and confusion to hope and healing is a compelling must-read filled with valuable information for anyone dealing with, or interested in, the challenges of mental health.”

— Debi Strong, Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist

"Sallie Crotty brings the reader along on her journey of despair, hope and recovery as if looking through the eyes of a Phoenix and into the eyes of those throughout her treatment, while reflecting on her past. She educates those with mental health issues on things like misdiagnosis, patient advocacy, and the importance of feeling hopeful and safe. She also educates healthcare workers on how their verbal and nonverbal communications, like the importance of a smile, can impact patient care. Be prepared to experience your full range of feelings and learn how you can help those around you suffering from a mental illness. This is a book I will now recommend to my bipolar patients."

—Joseph W. Dickson, Ph.D. Private Practice in Houston

“Out of the Ashes is a gift. Sallie Crotty has taken a most painful time in her life and transformed it into a gift for us. Sharing her attempt to end her life, then taking us on her journey to recovery, one thing stands out for me: Love saved her. At the lowest point in her life, the point where she is pursuing a goal of obliterating her pain, she hears her deceased father’s voice:“Sallie, it’s not your time. Pull over, stop.” And so, she did. She stopped and turned back to life, back to love. The love of her courageous husband, the love of her children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt her desperation or loves someone who has.”

— Julianne McCullagh, writing instructor at The Writer's Garret and award winning author of The Narrow Gate