Discovering how to deal with mental illness
Gathered by Julie Leibrich
The book
The life stories in this book are by people who, at some point in their lives, have been diagnosed with a mental illness which they have learned to deal with. They have found the courage to speak publicly about their experience in a world which is still prejudiced against people with mental illness.
The book is a source of inspiration for anyone with mental illness and their family and friends, a unique teaching tool for people working in the mental health area, and a way of opening doors on mental illness and letting in some light, for us all.
The editor
JULIE LEIBRICH is a writer and researcher on justice. She is a former Mental Health Commissioner. Her books include Straight to the Point: Angles on giving up crime.
Contributors
Toby Adams, John, Susan Butler, Denise, Susie Crooks, Pat Cumming, Lynda Delamore, Graham Johnson, Julie Leibrich, Willie Lyden, Kathryn McNeil, Robert Miller, Mary O'Hagan, Sarah Pokoati, Patte Randal, Vince Reidy, Jonathan Rodgers, Alasdair Russell, Terry Stewart, Susan Tawhai, Tessa Thompson
Reviews
Chosen by Dr Glenn Roberts, British specialist in rehabilitation and recovery, as 'the book which has most influenced him in his career as a psychiatrist' (Psychiatric Bulletin, 2008).
This is an amazing and inspiring book and if I could recommend only one book to read about recovery, this would be it … The book has travelled all over the world and continues to inspire hundreds of mental health professionals and service users. – Dr Jerome Carson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
A tour de force in the battle against prejudice and discrimination, A Gift of Stories is an inspirational collection of personal stories….It's the sort of book that catches the eye and encourages you to flick through – only to become totally absorbed. What more could you ask of a publication intended to challenge attitudes? – Kay Sheldon, Mindlink, UK
authentic and genuinely moving ... this collection is a reminder of how fragile we are. But, surprisingly perhaps, the message is not depressing. – Ross Lay, Sunday Star Times
Publication details
Paperback, 220 x 210 mm, 192 pp, ISBN 978 1 877133 83 1, $39.95
2006