”Too Much” by Cindy Lee Neighbors

TOO MUCH is the gripping true story of a woman driven to the brink, sacrificing everything—love, loyalty, and sanity—in the name of retribution.

I wonder if it all started with a single impulsive decision: joining the U.S. Army for "free" medical school. But the reality of military medicine was far different. I found myself trapped in a system that values hierarchy, patriarchy, and conformity over compassion and care. My mental health deteriorated. Addictive habits became my crutch.

TOO MUCH is the story of my battle to reclaim my sanity and my voice. It's a raw and honest look at the dark side of medicine and the challenges of mental illness. It’s a story that will remind you how a brighter future is possible, even when it feels like everything is broken.

This is my story.  But maybe it’s your story, too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired US Army physician and writer whose work centers on mental health advocacy. Her debut memoir, TOO MUCH, chronicles her experiences navigating mental health challenges and a toxic work environment within military medicine. She's also a passionate children's book author, with her debut title, Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, and the creator of the coloring book series, "Adventures in Surgeryland." Cindy's mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling.

You can learn more about Cindy and her work at https://www.cindyleeneighbors.com

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

The Inspiration and Purpose Behind Too Much – Cindy Neighbors discusses why she wrote her memoir, emphasizing her struggles with mental health during her surgical residency and her desire to break the stigma surrounding these challenges.

The Role of the Ocean as a Symbol in the Memoir – Cindy explains why she opened the book with a scene on a Hawaiian beach and how the ocean serves as a recurring motif representing transformation, reflection, and healing.

The Challenges of Writing a Memoir – Cindy talks about working with her developmental editor, making difficult decisions about what to include and exclude, and the emotional difficulty of revisiting traumatic experiences.

Her Journey Through Mental Health Struggles and Addiction – She details her experiences with substance use, the breaking point that led her to seek help, and how rehabilitation ultimately set her on a different path.

What’s Next: Fiction Writing and Children’s Books – Cindy shares her plans to write fiction, her recent children’s book (Benji and Brianna Become Booker Doctors), and her efforts to remain engaged in the community through creative projects.