"Shades ~ Living with mental illness"

There are no words to describe, truly describe, how Shades creates a sense of connection through each and every syllable; each and every word; each and every page, to the author's journey. As I witnessed Nikki's trauma through her eyes I saw much of myself in her pain but what moved me most of all is what I can only imagine to be her spirit, her energy rising above each lesson the universe imposed upon her. A warrior of "Mahabala" (meaning great strength)! I feel blessed to have been given the privilege of knowing a fraction of her lived experiences. Nikki you are more than enough, more than worthy...you are heard, seen, loved, gifted, talented and a fierceness this world needs more of! Shades is without a doubt a future movie to come to theatres that will, much like each chapter did, bring the viewer to and through all the emotions! Grateful for the author sharing a piece of herself so others realize they are not alone and they too will rise above the darkness.  Namaste 

Josee O'Blenis

Shades is a great read! Whether you are suffering from a mental illness or you just want to learn about a persons journey that deals with mental illness everyday. This book will keep you on your toes, you won't want to put it down! This book has a way with letting you see mental illness through another persons eyes but yet you are still able to relate some of her stories and situations to your own. Through this book you will laugh, cry and want to scream at the author to open her eyes.... But I promise in the end, you will end up loving her and all her Shades.   

Kathy Perdicaris, 

rTMS Technician Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation MOA for Regina Mental Wellness.  

(Also suffers with Depression & Anxiety)

Nikki Langdon has gifted us with a daring act of truth telling in sharing her journey of growing up in the Canadian Prairies with a mental illness. In a dynamic book that is hard to put down, Nikki vividly describes navigating a complicated series of life events along with mental health challenges. By sharing her journey of tenaciously exploring multiple treatment models, from fitness and nutrition to exploratory neurological treatment such as TMS, Nikki provides a framework to readers for pursuing wellness and fulfillment while living with the shades of mental illness. Nikki’s honesty in describing her journey of living with a mental illness and pursuing romantic partnership could be exceptionally helpful for readers seeking to navigate varying shades of mental health illness within the challenging context of contemporary dating.

Rating: 5/5

“SHADES by Nikki Langdon is a Must Read book for people exploring an inspiring path for navigating a balanced life within the shades of living with a mental illness.“

Kathleen Thompson, PhD, MSW, BA (Hons)
Cochair
National Network for Mental Health
www.nnmh.ca

This book is a beautiful journey into Nikki's personal journal.  Her vulnerability and courage are blended brilliantly together in an amazing tapestry that brings forward tears, anger, giggles and rejoicing.  This is such a gift! A masterpiece! Thank you Nikki for putting your life story into prose!
Cheryl Pakula

"While other authors might choose to distance themselves from the experience of mental illness using vague metaphors or talking around the problem, Langdon does not. With courageous vulnerability,  she lays out her experiences in a raw and clear way that is sure to resonate with any of us who has spent time on that end of the illness/wellness spectrum. Her account illustrates so viscerally what it is to live life when you might not have full trust over your perspective. The author's relatable voice deftly guides readers through the difficult experiences while weaving through threads of hope and humour. Most importantly, this story demystifies and deglamorizes the process of recovery. Rather than finding the silver bullet to "cure" what ails our minds, readers might come away from this tale with renewed appreciation for self-compassion and the quiet strength that drives us to care for ourselves even when it seems impossible. "

Ashley Lapointe 

Canadian Certified Counsellor