Writer Erika L. Sánchez on mental health, Lisa Simpson and ‘Crying in the Bathroom’

In 2017, author Erika L. Sánchez was making her dreams come true, her young adult novel I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter earning critical acclaim. But even as she rose to fame, Sánchez found herself struggling with her mental health. Her new memoir, Crying in the Bathroom, captures the tension between her public success and her private suffering — and more. Sánchez talks with guest host Anna Sale about sharing some of her darkest moments with readers, caring for her mental health and what she’s learned from her personal role model — Lisa Simpson.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

You can follow us on Twitter @NPRItsBeenAMin and email us at ibam@npr.org.