Modern Athenas

The Center Cannot Hold is a book about Elyn Saks’ journey living with schizophrenia. Elyn has survived decades of learning to accept, and living with, her illness. Her book takes the reader through her journey of diagnosis, treatment, and living day-to-day life. She struggles with whether she is defined by her illness, or whether her illness is a part of her. She struggles through the decision to take medication and whether to get ongoing treatment. Throughout the book, Elyn describes the impact of her illness on her personal and professional life, on the people around her, and on her family. We cannot recommend this book enough, as it provides a glimpse into this too often silent struggle, and promotes compassion for all who suffer with the many challenges of mental illness.INDEX00:00-02:08Intro and Background of the Book02:09-07:44Overview of Elyn’s Professional Life07:45-12:53Schizophrenia: The Illness12:54-20:03Elyn’s Diagnosis20:04-25:33Schizophrenia: The Center Cannot Hold25:34-30:24The Fight with Me