B L Acker

The Gorilla in the Room B L Acker

A Book for Explaining Mental Illness and Stigma to Young Children It is very hard to find the words to discuss mental illness with our children. We want to be open and honest, but at the same time, we don't want to frighten or overwhelm them. The Gorilla in the Room helps to explain both the basics of what it means to have a mental illness as well as the fear, judgment and stigma usually attached. It draws relatable comparisons to help children understand why some people might react negatively while encouraging them to think for themselves and treat others with compassion. The Gorilla in the room is written to be easy to read, as well as open and honest, in a way that never talks down to the child. It encourages asking questions and starting a dialogue so our next generation won't treat mental illness like a dirty secret they cannot talk about.