Latest news with #CindyLeeNeighbors
Chicago Tribune
31-03-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
‘Too Much': A doctor's journey through military service and mental health
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.
Associated Press
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Award-Winning Memoir, TOO MUCH, Delivers a Powerful Journey Through Addiction, Redemption, and Whistleblowing
Cindy Lee Neighbors shares a fearless account of the fight against addiction, mental illness, and systemic failures within military medicine. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 10, 2025 / / -- Too Much, the compelling debut memoir by Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors, takes readers on an unfiltered journey through the challenges of addiction, mental health struggles, and the realities of military medicine. Published by CLN Publishing LLC in 2024, 'Too Much' has already earned critical acclaim, winning the Gold Medal in the Humanities category and securing a Finalist spot in the Memoir category in the 2024-2025 Reader Views Literary Awards. In this deeply personal account, Neighbors shares the story of her journey through medical training, military service, and the personal and professional struggles that shaped her path. Her story begins on a Hawaiian beach, where she awaits the outcome of her case within the Army's judicial system. As she reflects on her experiences, flashbacks reveal a history of challenges, difficult choices, and the toxic work environment that contributed to her struggles. Yet, 'Too Much' is not just about hardship—it is about resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, transformation. A pivotal moment changes everything when a commander urges her to set aside fiction and instead 'tell her story.' Taking that advice, she begins to confront both personal struggles and the systemic issues within military medicine. Too Much blends raw personal reflection with a larger mission, transforming adversity into a powerful call for change. Critics have praised Neighbors' raw and immersive writing, comparing her style to Jack Kerouac's On the Road—a journey through the complexities of the human mind and the search for purpose. 'Neighbors' writing is stunningly personal, and she handles the first-person point of view as a natural,' says Reader Views reviewer J.L. Askew. 'She has written a true expression of one person bound by mental illness and breaking free.' 'Too Much' is a powerful reflection on mental health, ambition, and self-acceptance. Neighbors' willingness to share both her struggles and her victories creates an unforgettable portrait of resilience and personal growth. With its poignant themes and unflinching honesty, Too Much is a must-read for those seeking an inspiring story of redemption and transformation. If just one reader finds hope in her journey, Neighbors considers her story a success. 'Too Much' is available now on Amazon and other major booksellers. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired US Army physician and writer whose work centers on mental health advocacy. Her debut memoir, Too Much, chronicles her experiences navigating mental health challenges and a toxic work environment within military medicine. She is also a passionate children's book author, with her debut title, Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, and the creator of the coloring book series Adventures in Surgeryland. Cindy's mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling. Sheri Hoyte Legal Disclaimer:
