Out of Our Minds: How to Cope with the Everyday Problems of the Mentally Ill -- A Guide for Patients and Their Families

The pain and anguish suffered by the victims of mental illness and their families is overwhelming. The problems and the inability to cope are often too much to endure, and families are torn apart. Parents and siblings often feel as guilty as the patient for the disharmony that interrupts the lives of all concerned. Out of Our Minds dispels the myths that can cause these feelings of guilt. Coping takes courage and understanding, and this is what Out of Our Minds is all about.Schizophrenia has become a trendy word. When one cannot make up his or her mind, it's easy to say, "I feel schizophrenic." But that isn't what real schizophrenia means, especially to those whose lives are affected by it. Schizophrenia is total incompetence in thought and deed, characterized by irrational thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and social withdrawal.Sasch Garson explains the origin and nature of schizophrenia, depression, manic-depression, and the behavior that accompanies them in language the layperson can understand. Out of Our Minds challenges the usually accepted psychiatric assumptions and practices. Included are taped interviews with patients, and with their parents. The diversity and difficulties of family problems are examined with a view toward mitigating the trauma and shame that surround mental illness.The book contains a practical guide to symptoms recognition, management of crises, patients' rights, the rights of families, and an overview of innovative socialization and work rehabilitation programs.Out of Our Minds is a much-needed guide for patients and families who have to deal with the everyday problems and emergencies of the mentally ill.

Sascha Garson is a freelance writer, lecturer, and mental-health activist. She organized the San Diego Alliance for the Mentally Ill family support group and has chaired conferences, designed workshops, and coauthored and performed in a one-act play that won the Mental Health Media Award.