Reviews & Endorsements

I met Cindy as she was navigating her world in a state of exhaustion and bewilderment. Her state is much different today. She is now empowered, as evidenced by her completion of this book. In order to obtain a healthy recovery and stability, education and communication must be utilized. Cindy and her family have done the necessary work.

Bernie, our leader, liked to say, “I collect strays…successful women who need friends.” Hence, the formation of a group of seven Christian sisters. Our discussions of honesty and transparency deepened as Cindy revealed her “secret” of Bipolar Illness. This revelation enabled all of us to trust and share, sometimes very personal struggles. It is an honor to walk beside and support Cindy on her journey toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

From the sociable 4-year-old visiting with customers at her mom’s Big Orange in Bradley, to the outgoing 13-year-old fashionista, to the 17-year-old PRHS straight-A student and varsity cheerleader, Cindy’s always been an achiever. To learn of her battle with mental illness was shocking. She kept her story close for decades. Until now.

Finally, a book about mental illness for the “average Joe and Jill?” In When the Brakes Fail, Cindy walks you through the subtleties and gradations of daily life that can ignite an individual’s issues with mental health. She uses her own story to paint a picture of what it’s like to sleuth out a diagnosis and discover effective treatment options. Readers end up cheering with her, as her hard work, sense of humor, strength and faith bring her to a place to peace.

Cindy Wittstrom has been my patient since 2009. She was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in 1999, thankfully with no recurrence. She experienced postpartum depression in 1979 and did not show any signs of bipolar disease until 1997. Cindy has gone beyond simply enduring bipolar disorder, she has truly lived her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, community volunteer and has played an active role in her church. She has not “become” her illness. She has never given up. May her story inspire others to do the same.

Cindy is a remarkable woman! She not only conquered her cancer, but she also maintained all of her responsibilities as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend and fulfilled all of her civic involvements during her cancer treatments. Not only that, but she also reached out to others battling cancer, encouraging them, and even drove a cancer patient to her ongoing treatment appointments, while she was undergoing treatment. Cindy is a true servant leader, a champion in my book! I am honored to have her as a friend, and also to serve alongside her, as a member of the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquent Prevention Commission.

So, after reading your book I feel I have made a new friend. The book is not just raw, it is encouraging. You have given those struggling with mental illness hope. Thank you for exposing your struggles to help others.