Understanding the Impact of Schizophrenia on Families through Bibliotherapy: Diana Anyakwo's 'My Life As A Chameleon'

As a mental health therapist who uses books to help people heal, I grew up finding validation, safety, and comfort in the pages of books. In my debut book 'Bibliotherapy in The Bronx' (April 29 2025) the hardest aspect of writing was sharing my experience growing up with an aunt who suffers from a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. I was afraid readers would judge her. I was unsure of how to write my experiences being left with her alone as my primary babysitter without painting a pathological picture. Before she is anything she is my family. I love my aunt. And when I told her she is in my book and she granted her consent, the smile on her face revealed everything- she knew I would honor her wishes and handle her story with care.

I find Diana Anyakwo's "My Life as a Chameleon" to be a powerful tool for understanding how schizophrenia affects families. This book gives a close-up look at the many challenges families face when dealing with mental illness, making it a must-read for anyone interested in healing through stories. When we read stories that validate and mirror our experiences, we feel less alone in the struggle and we realize that shame doesn't get to dictate the narrative- our strengths can take the lead.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that causes symptoms like seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, having false beliefs, and struggling to think clearly. It usually starts in late adolescence or early adulthood and lasts throughout a person's life. Schizophrenia doesn't just impact the person diagnosed; it also deeply affects their family. Families often deal with financial strain, emotional stress, and disrupted relationships.

"My Life as a Chameleon" provides valuable insights into the emotional and psychological struggles of those living with schizophrenia and their families. The story is about fifteen-year-old Lily, who moves from Lagos, Nigeria, to Manchester, England. She struggles with her identity and fitting in, while also dealing with her father’s declining mental health due to schizophrenia. The story shows how the disorder can shake up family life and highlights the familial strengths and fortitude needed to navigate such challenges.

Lily’s story is one of honest observation and childhood adaptation. As she adjusts to her new life and copes with her father’s illness, readers see her grow and change. This theme of resilience is especially important for those facing similar situations, offering hope and encouragement to readers who will see how circumstances change as we change. The book explores the emotional toll on family members, touching on feelings like guilt, shame, and anxiety that siblings and parents may experience. Anyakwo’s portrayal feels real and relatable, making it a great resource for understanding the emotional and psychological impact of schizophrenia on families - particularly on developing children.

The book also talks about the stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in communities of color, and the challenges in seeking help. This is crucial for therapy, as it encourages discussions about mental health and the need for support. Lily’s journey is also about cultural displacement and finding her own identity as she comes of age. Her struggle to fit in and find her voice in a new country will speak to readers who have faced similar issues, making this book a therapeutic exploration of self-discovery and belonging.

By telling the story through Lily's eyes, the novel helps readers empathize with her experiences, making its therapeutic messages more impactful. The book offers a detailed look at how schizophrenia affects family dynamics, from over-involvement to disruption in relationships. This understanding is valuable for readers and therapists exploring how mental illness impacts families (particularly marriages and sibling groups). Anyakwo’s story provides rich material for discussing themes like resilience, identity, and mental health, and it can be used in therapy sessions to help readers process their own experiences and draw strength from Lily’s journey. Additionally, the novel educates readers about schizophrenia and its effects, helping to reduce stigma and encourage supportive environments for those affected.

Diana Anyakwo's "My Life as a Chameleon" is both a coming-of-age story and a deep exploration of family strengths in the face of mental illness and cultural challenges. For those interested in healing through stories, this novel offers a relatable and moving tale that can help readers process their own experiences and find strength in their journey towards healing and self-discovery. By highlighting the impact of schizophrenia on families, Anyakwo's narrative opens up important conversations about mental health, mental health stigma, and the power of storytelling towards helping us address difficult subject matter and helping us find a path forward.