A Dove in the Shadows - by Jennifer Silbaugh (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

*** A Dove in the Shadows was selected as the first place winner for nonfiction excellence at The Author Zone Awards for 2023 and as an American Book Fest Best Book Awards finalist for 2023. ***

Have you ever felt completely broken?

Like you're barely surviving each day, just existing?

Relying on something to keep you going ... but then it's gone.

And that's when you chose to rely on no one but yourself ...

Your dreams ...

Your drive ...

Your hope.

You discover it's all in your control and learn how you turn your pain into your power.

Author Jennifer Silbaugh was caught in a system she depended on to keep her alive, but reached the end of the road, looked around, and saw nothing but darkness.

When the mental health community ran out of options to help her, she chose to turn within. She decided to live fully, with hope, seeking joy, knowing that she needed to be in charge to create what she wanted in life.

And that's when she transformed her darkness into the most beautiful light.

Though she was once behind locked doors, looking for ways to stop the pain in her head, she was able to heal and find peace.

She discovered that the place where she'd suffered the greatest was the place where she was meant to work, to help others in the shadows. As a certified peer specialist, she could tell others she believes in them too, that they can recover like she did.

Join Jennifer on her journey from decades as a patient in the mental health system to becoming a person who helps others as they travel similar paths. She strives every day to maintain her recovery and make her wellness her number one priority.

If you've struggled with mental health-through depression, anxiety, despair, desperation-then know there really is hope for change.

And sometimes it lies within.

Jennifer's story inspires the reader to be their own advocate, friend, and hero on the journey from broken to belonging.

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"Through resiliency and the power of her will, she was able to heal and then, as a certified peer specialist, successfully dedicate herself to supporting other people with mental illness. Her story will certainly provide hope to others."

Boris Birmaher, MD

Professor of Psychiatry

Review Quotes

"Jennifer's descriptive writing creatively paints a picture of the intense emotions and feelings often associated with mental illness, which many people can relate to. Her honest admissions of despair will connect with readers on a very personal level, giving her an opening to also convey hope, encouragement, and inspiration. If one person can overcome their darkest feelings to lead a happy and fulfilling life, others can, too."

Debbie Ference, MA, Chief Operating Officer, NAMI Keystone PA

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"Jennifer is a wonderful person with a chronic mood problem, and her story can be summed up like this: 'To help others, you first must help yourself.' As related in her book, through resiliency and the power of her will, she was able to heal and then, as a certified peer specialist, successfully dedicate herself to supporting other people with mental illness. Her story will certainly provide hope to others."

Boris Birmaher, MD, Professor of Psychiatry

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"Jennifer Silbaugh writes a brave, honest, and intriguing story of her journey facing mental illness and how she was able to use her experiences to reach a place of recovery and motivation for others. This book will inspire others who are wondering how to move forward.

"I have had the privilege and honor to know Jennifer Silbaugh over the years. In her book, Jennifer shares her personal experience facing mental health challenges and how she was able to find strength to embrace change, fight for her recovery, and support others with her personal story. This book will help so many people who may be struggling and stuck to take those next steps of their own."

Shannon M. Fagan, MS

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"Jen's story will be a source of hope and inspiration for many people. She worked hard to overcome obstacles and build the life she wanted for herself. Ultimately, mental health recovery is about the pursuit of happiness, and Jen is the living embodiment of this ideal. Her work in peer support has enabled her to assist others as they strive to achieve their own goals. If you are in recovery or supporting someone else who is, please read this book!"

Kevin Trenney, Recovery Educator

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"Recovery is neither easy nor simple but it is very real and very achievable. Ms. Silbaugh shares her personal journey to recovery and the lessons she has learned. It is a story of recovery and a story about hope that needs to be heard by people living with mental illness, the friends and family who love them, and the healthcare professionals who care for them."

Jack Rozel, MD, MSL, DFAPA