FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Memoir Shatters Mental Illness Stigma, Corporate Leader and Survivor Shares Roadmap to Thriving After Schizophrenia Diagnosis
NY, 02/03/2026– Sherlonda Pitts Young, a corporate leader and mental health advocate, announces the release of her powerful new book, Overcoming a Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Thriving in Life. Far from being a clinical guide, this memoir offers a faith-centered, practical blueprint for anyone battling mental illness, showing that a diagnosis is not a destiny.
At age 30, Sherlonda's life was derailed by loss, depression, and a series of misdiagnoses. Her journey took a spiraling turn when she finally received the correct, devastating diagnosis: schizophrenia. The book intimately details the near-decade she spent in denial, hearing voices, and seeing things, believing her life and dreams were over.
The book is a story of radical restoration. The author shares the crucial steps she took to rebuild a life many assume is impossible with this diagnosis:
Accepting Help and Finding Clarity: The turning point was finally listening to loved ones. And seeking the proper medication, which made the hallucinations disappear, allowing her to see life clearly again.
Reclaiming Independence Through Service: The author discusses how serving as a caretaker for her uncle helped her regain confidence. And practical skills like managing finances and time, proving that purpose is not conditional on perfection.
Building a Thriving Life: The book details her step-by-step approach to building a Christ-centered life, including achieving career success (rising to manager level), restoring her finances (saving over $200,000), managing medication-related weight gain (losing 30 pounds), and finding a loving, supportive husband at age 49 after 17 years of celibacy.
Sherlonda's message is clear and compelling. Recovery is a combination of medical support, spiritual grounding, lifestyle discipline, and community. This book shows the power of perseverance, offering readers renewed belief that they are not broken beyond repair and are not disqualified from purpose, love, success, or joy.
For anyone struggling with mental illness, Sherlonda Pitts Young's journey proves that a life of joy and purpose is always possible.
Overcoming a Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Thriving in Life by Sherlonda Pitts Young is available for purchase now.
About the Author
Sherlonda Pitts Young is a mental health advocate, corporate leader, and woman of faith whose life reflects resilience and the transformative power of God. After nearly a decade with an undiagnosed mental illness, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but this event became the start of a profound journey of healing and purpose. Through faith, medical support, and discipline, Sherlonda rebuilt her life, returning to work, rising to become a successful corporate manager, restoring her finances, and regaining independence. She lives outside Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and continues to use her voice to inspire others to tackle mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges.
