Edison Price Vizzini was an American writer. He was the author of four books for young adults including It’s Kind of a Funny Story, which NPR named #56 of the "100 Best-Ever Teen Novels" and which is the basis of the film of the same name.

The story centers on Craig Gilner, a Brooklyn, New York, high school student who struggles with anxiety and despair as a result of his relentless efforts to achieve at Executive Pre-Professional, a hypothetical Manhattan high school. He has a crush on Nia, the girlfriend of his friend Aaron, and his flawless performance on the entrance exam is perceived as somewhat illegitimate. Craig uses words like "cycling," "tentacles," and "anchors" to describe his internal experiences as he fights to get enough rest, concentrate, and eat. Craig is taken to the doctor by his parents, who then prescribes the antidepressant Zoloft and has him begin seeing a therapist. His depression worsens after he stops taking Zoloft, so he makes the decision to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge. Craig reads self-help literature and calls the National Suicide Hotline before putting his plan into action. After being admitted, Craig is placed in the adult psychiatric ward Six North, where he encounters a variety of eccentric yet tolerant inmates. As he grows more at ease and involved in the neighborhood, he borrows a formal shirt for an interview and organizes Egyptian music for Muqtada, his roommate. Additionally, he runs with Noelle, a young woman his own age with whom he connects. Craig, who struggles with continual worry about what his peers and friends would think of him, is devastated when Nia tells Aaron, who phones from a party intoxicated, where he is located at the hospital. Nia visits Craig after splitting up with Aaron, and they share a passionate kiss in his room before Muqtada steps in. Craig is able to comprehend and deal with his anxiety thanks to a combination of companionship, counseling, and learning from other patients. He decides to pursue painting and starts eating normally once more. Craig is excited when his counselor advises switching from his top school to one that focuses on the arts, but he is concerned about his parents' reaction. In addition to having a renewed feeling of hope and optimism, Craig departs the hospital with a more upbeat outlook on life.

Being ashamed of not having a cause for his sadness and anxiety, Craig finds it difficult to admit to them. He feels even more alone since he thinks his mental condition makes him weak or flawed. Craig struggles to manage his melancholy and suicidal thoughts on his own despite obtaining assistance. Craig feels pressure and guilt as a result of society's stigmas and judgments of those who have mental illnesses or impairments. It's Kind of a Funny Story demonstrates how accepting the truth of mental and emotional suffering reduces stigma and opens the door to treatment. Craig is helped by Drs. Barney and Mahmoud's explanations that anxiety and sadness are personal failings and that having a mental illness or condition is not a sign of inferiority on their parts. Craig's mother corrects his false beliefs about mental illness, and he comes to understand that anxiety and despair are widespread even outside of Six North. Craig's path enables him to let go of his strict standards and adopt a kinder, more pragmatic, and more constructive perspective of himself. For Craig to recover and for others with mental health concerns to be accepted, friends' and family's help is essential.

The value of interpersonal relationships in overcoming loneliness and mental illness is examined in It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. A vicious loop results from Craig's mental instability making it challenging for him to establish relationships. He finds it challenging to be with his family because of his anxiety and despair. Vizzini emphasizes the value of interpersonal relationships because they enable sufferers of mental illness to accept their situation and manage with it. Craig feels supported and accepted as a result of his time at Six North, where other residents are friendly to him and accept him. As an example, he lent Bobby his clothing so he could conduct an interview, and he arranged for Muqtada to find Egyptian music. He also reaps rewards from helping others. Craig does, however, come to understand the distinction between genuine ties and fake connections. He discovers that he must believe in himself as his own anchor and that other individuals are not his anchors. He develops a healthy balance between his isolation from other people and his confidence in himself as his own compass, fully understanding the value of human connection. The story emphasizes the value of interpersonal relationships in overcoming loneliness and mental illness. Craig is able to fully appreciate the value of interpersonal connection by striking a balance between healthy relationships, boundaries, and personal identity.