Harrison Thorp 12:54 p.m.
Sunday, October 4, 2020 12:53 pm

Brittany Eldridge said writing the book wasn't only therapeutic; it empowered her. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman whose bout with mental illness was the subject of a story in The Rochester Voice has written a book about her struggles.

Brittany Eldridge said she wrote the book a few months after her story was published in The Voice on May 12, 2019.

She said the book not only allowed her to experiment as an author, but that it was very therapeutic for her.

"I wanted to share my struggles, talk about my childhood," she said on Friday. "I wanted to use my experiences to help others, but it helped me, too."

Eldridge, now 29, said she still has trying days occasionally, but is doing better and is writing another book, with a working title of "Chasing Butterflies.".

The new book is about "about a girl," she said. "She is chasing fireflies in a field, and in turn the firefly is a symbol of light in her life after going through a dark experience."

Eldridge came forward to tell her story in The Rochester Voice after having a hard time being treated for her panic attacks last year.

Her biggest concern is that her diagnosis, referral and treatment took too long to get started.

She believes everything must be streamlined so folks can get the help they need immediately.

Healing the Light Within Me: My Inner Child is available at Amazon. To see it click here.