People in this world face many different struggles. Some face chronic pain, others poverty, and still others the consequences of their poor choices. Numerous individuals also struggle with mental illnesses also known as various disorders that affect mood, personality, cognition, and other areas of functioning. Mental illness is unique to the individual and can be experienced in a variety of ways. Three people who have experienced mental illness and all that it entails are Susanna Kaysen, the author of the memoir Girl, Interrupted, John Nash, a mathematician whose life was the basis of the film A Beautiful Mind, and a woman from name Theresa Lozowski, who is a doctor. professional. All three struggle with mental illness, and the way they view their illness and its aspects are similar in many ways, as well as different. These similarities and differences are witnessed in how they view their symptoms, their diagnoses, how they view the cause of their mental illness, and how they view mental illness in general. There were also similarities and differences in their views on taking medications and psychotherapy treatment. Kaysen, Nash, and Lozowski all had various symptoms of their disorders, and all three did not initially associate those symptoms with mental illness. Kaysen realized she had a number of problems, but was not alarmed or overly concerned about her health or well-being. Regarding his symptoms, Kaysen (1994) states: “I had a problem with schemas. …When I look at these things, I saw other things within them” (p.41). He went on to say “something was happening to my perception of people too” (Kaysen, 1994, p.41). She saw these and other symptoms as “…my misfortune…… middle of paper……e.g. Kaysen, Nash, and Lozowski also had differences as some knew the potential cause of their disorder while others did not. Despite the similarities and differences in their views on mental illness, its causes and treatments, they all had the same approach to life. All three approached life and their mental disorder with optimism, despite what society thought of them. Kaysen, Nash and Lozowski manage to face their disorders and in many ways even overcome them. Their strong will is amply witnessed in the way they lead their lives and the impact they have had on society as a writer, professor and nurse despite their label. Works Cited Howard, R. (Editor). (2001). A Wonderful Mind [film]. United States: Universal.Kaysen, S. (1994). Girl, interrupted. New York: Vintage Books.Lozowski, T. (2013, December 9). Personal interview.