"Don't take medication. Take an overdose of medication. Jump in front of a train. Jump out of a window. Don't talk to anyone, not even Nerissa."




In 2013, Charlie was told that the voices she hears are a symptom of schizoaffective disorder. Neither she nor her partner, Nerissa, had ever heard of this mental health condition before. But they were determined not to let a diagnosis get the better of them or their relationship.




A Different Reality is their shared perspective on growing through their mental health journey together. Charlie and Nerissa take you behind the scenes, giving you an honest and personal account of the highs and lows - the good, bad, and extremely raw realities of a person living with a mental health condition and their carer's perspective.




This part-memoir, part-self-help book benefits those with lived experience, their carers, and anyone looking to gain a better understanding of mental health. The personal stories and insights shared here will help spread awareness, normalise the conversation around mental health, and let people know that it's okay to not be okay.