‘Too Much': A doctor's journey through military service and mental health

Chicago Tribune

31-03-2025

Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Studio 1847
Enlisting in the military can come with a number of trials, some of which include personal sacrifice. When placed in high-pressure professions, many find themselves experiencing unforeseen challenges, including those within the realm of mental health.
As a former U.S. Army physician, Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors has experienced these challenges head-on. By maneuvering through her personal mental health battles within the demanding fields of medicine and the military, she has a unique perspective on what it means to find self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity. Her memoir, 'Too Much,' chronicles her journey with what many might consider an unconventional approach.
Channeling personal experiences into creative expression
Neighbors experienced a lack of support in traditional systems, which made her feel alone. Facing numerous challenges including the culture of silence surrounding mental health, she worked to overcome them by seeking therapy and ultimately leaving the environment that was harming her well-being. Doing this helped pave the way for her memoir, 'Too Much,' which details her journey as a woman in medicine.
'My background as a physician and a veteran, combined with my personal experiences with mental health challenges, gives me a unique perspective on the intersection of medicine, military culture and mental wellness,' Neighbors says. 'I aim to break the stigma around mental health and empower others to seek help and advocate for themselves.'
She begins her memoir with a jarring sentence: 'This is better than jail or a psych ward.' Told in a series of vignettes, 'Too Much' follows her journey as she chooses to enlist in the U.S. Army for medical school, as well as the emotional fallout that occurred as a result of her mental health struggles.
Why Neighbors feels seeking help is important
With millions in the United States affected by mental illness every year, Neighbors wants readers to understand not only how common mental illness is in the general population, but also comprehend its physical, social and even financial impacts. Many feel alone when faced with a mental illness, and some even fear that they will never be able to seek help, either due to a perceived medical barrier or because of the social stigma that surrounds it.
In sharing her own battles with mental health, Neighbors wants people to know that it is important to seek help when you are facing a mental illness. With technology offering new kinds of therapy, including in-home telehealth services and even text message therapy, therapeutic options are now available for those who are afraid of being judged for their mental health problems.
When asked what her biggest dream is, Neighbors has said that it is in 'creating a world where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help without shame or fear.'
Purchase 'Too Much' now
If you would like to read Neighbors' story and experience her journey as she navigates her many challenges, you can find her memoir in audiobook format on Amazon today.