Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey From the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope: Updated 2nd edition

Randye Kaye

Oct 2011 · Front Porch Press · Narrated by Randye Kaye

About this audiobook

In this updated 2nd edition, available only as an audiobook, Randye Kaye tells listeners, in the introduction and epilogue, about what happened in the decade after the initial release of Ben Behind His Voices. Yes, Ben is still here, still living a real-life version of "Chutes and Ladders" along with his family. Such is life with serious mental illness.

When we first meet Ben, he's a sweet, intelligent, seemingly well-adjusted youngster. Fast forward to his teenage years, though, and Ben's life has spun out of control. He's swept along by an illness over which he has no control―one that results in runaway episodes, periods of homelessness, seven psychotic breaks, seven hospitalizations, and finally a diagnosis and treatment plan that begins to work.

Schizophrenia strikes an estimated one in 100 people worldwide by some estimates, and yet understanding of the illness is still lacking. Through Ben's experiences, and those of his family, who supported Ben through every stage of his illness and treatment, we gain a better understanding of schizophrenia, as well as mental illness in general, and the way it affects individuals and families.

Kaye encourages families to stay together and find strength while accepting the reality of a loved one's illness; she illustrates the delicate balance between letting go and staying involved. She honors the courage of anyone who suffers with mental illness and is trying to improve his life and participate in his own recovery. Ben Behind His Voices also reminds professionals in the psychiatric field that every patient who comes through their doors has a life, one that he has lost through no fault of his own. It shows what goes right when professionals treat the family as part of the recovery process and help them find support, education, and acceptance. And it reminds readers that those who suffer from mental illness, and their families, deserve respect, concern, and dignity.

About the author

Randye Kaye harnesses the power of words in her work as a radio personality, improv and stage actor, drama teacher, humorist, podcast host, writer, motivational speaker, voice talent, and audiobook narrator. She wrote her first book, Ben Behind His Voices, to help other families, practitioners, and those diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness to feel less alone - and understand each other. She is also the co-creator and host of the popular podcast, Schizophrenia: 3 Moms in the Trenches.Her second book, Happier Made Simple (2022) was written in response to readers of Ben Behind His Voices, who always asked, "with all you've been through, how do you stay so positive?". Happier Made Simple: Choose Your Words. Change Your Life. is her answer, written with love and humor.This audiobook 2nd edition (only available in audio) updates Ben's story. Randye continues to speak to groups of doctors, nurses, medical students, families, providers, and legislators regarding the family experience when mental illness hits. She is a Family-to-Family teacher/trainer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and former diversity trainer with the Anti-Defamation League.Her bestselling book, Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope, was nominated for a Publisher's Weekly Award. She lives with her family in Connecticut. www.randyekaye.com, www.benbehindhisvoices.com,and www.happiermadesimple.com.