Wow. What a tough but powerful read. It truly was so difficult to be able to get through this book but it was also so meaningful to be able to read this story.

This author is ABHORRENT. I am actually stunned how a person in his profession could be so horrific. This subject is fascinating. But it was done no justice by this author. This is not a good person..................... at all.


Author: Do you know why you're in the ER, Ronald?
Patient: I tried to kill myself (jump off bridge)
Author: Right. And we don't want you to do that. (To himself: I'm not sure it would matter. A lot of people wouldn't be missed if they jumped off a bridge - more fish food.)


- says multiple times he wants to punch patients in the head, stab them with pens, cut their jugular

- is 100% obsessed with alcohol, getting his next drink, getting home to his alcohol, endless references to his fridge full of alcohol, how his alcohol is the only thing in the fridge, how much of his alcohol his friend drank, how much alcohol is left, how fast he can get out of work to his alcohol, drawing pictures of beer while a patient talks (!!!! ???)

- treats his patients ice cold - as an annoyance, burden, idiots, something to get through - NOT with any empathy or at the bare minimum warmth, as someone in his job should

- references how irreplaceable, esteemed, revered, exceptional, rare he is

- allows patients to call him Dr., though he is NOT a doctor


The attitude displayed by this man toward human beings is horrific and a shame.

Such an interesting and compelling read. It gives an insight into what really happens in a crisis situation and mindsets that can occur. It raises much needed awareness about mental health and illness,

Mental America offers a gripping and honest glimpse into the intense world of an ER Crisis Counselor over a pivotal 72-hour Labor Day Weekend. Stewart Swain intertwines the harrowing experiences with homicidal and suicidal patients with the chaotic visit from Leroy, creating a compelling narrative that highlights the emotional and psychological challenges of the job. I really appreciated how the book sheds light on the importance of mental health and the tough decisions counselors must make, making it both eye-opening and deeply moving. It's a powerful memoir that resonates long after you finish reading.

🚨 Buckle up for a wild ride! Mental America dives straight into the chaos of the ER with heart-pounding stories and unforgettable characters. I couldn’t put it down as I navigated the highs and lows of crisis counseling alongside Leroy’s hilarious antics. If you’re into real-life drama and want to understand the real struggles behind mental health, this memoir is a must-read. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from page one! 🏥✨

I was invested in reading about Stewart Swain's Emergency Room experiences. It was interesting to read and was hooked from the first page. The writing style worked and kept the reader turning the page. I appreciated Stewart Swain sharing their experience and wanted to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a psychology graduate, these types of books always interest me. This is a blunt and honest telling of a 72 hour shift in an ER. ERs definitely aren't the place for the mentally ill because doctors don't always know what to do to help the patient. This was an eyeopener book that shows how the mentally ill don't get the care they need.
I hope he will write more books on his experiences.

Stewart Swain’s Mental America is a gripping, unfiltered exploration of the mental health crisis gripping America. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into Swain’s candid narrative, which combines personal anecdotes with hard-hitting observations that are both eye-opening and heartbreaking.

Swain writes with an authenticity that makes you feel as if you’re sitting across from him, whilst he shares his life experiences. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, detailing the systemic failures and societal stigmas that exacerbate their suffering. His no-holds-barred approach brings a much-needed clarity to a topic often shrouded in misunderstanding and denial.

The book is not just a recounting of struggles; it’s a call to action. Swain’s insights into the personal and societal dimensions of mental health are both compelling and urgent. He challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider how we can collectively improve the landscape of mental health care in America.

Reading Mental America in one sitting was both a rewarding and emotional experience. Swain's passion for advocating change resonates deeply, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of mental health today. It's a powerful reminder of the human stories behind statistics, urging us to empathize and take action.

If you're looking for a book that confronts the status quo and inspires hope for change, Mental America is a poignant and necessary read.