Product Description

It's 2006 and time to throw out all those old hang-ups about mental illness. Every other family in the land is or has been affected by depression and it's time to realise that good mental health is as important as physical. This entertaining and informative book will debunk the jargon, shake off the taboos and give fascinating insight into a complex subject. At its heart are the two authors, because Jeremy was diagnosed years ago with manic depression and Tony is his doctor. The first part of the book is a wonderfully winding dialogue between them, similar to John Cleese and his therapist in 'Families and how to Survive Them'. The second part is in the style of a Rough Guide, a one-stop resources shop. Jeremy and Tony are honest, knowledgeable, funny and poignant as they explore the thin line between sanity and mental illness. And ultimately, they hope the book may simply help a few people in the same boat.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #288195 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-28
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Jeremy Thomas is a novelist and has written screenplays for television and film. His many and varied jobs have included hospital theatre technician, trainee copywriter, cheese waiter, record plugger at Decca and indie label boss. He lives in West London and Greece. Dr Tony Hughes is a General Practitioner. After postgraduate hospital work he went to Australia and held a post as senior house officer in psychiatry. He also lives in West London.

Customer Reviews

Easy introduction and useful background information
The first 100 pages are based on conversations between the author and his doctor/friend/co-author (Dr Tony Hughes). When I first read a book written in this style, I wondered, what was the point of using so many words? This book is totally different in that Jeremy has such a great sense of humour and rich life experiences that it is a pleasure to read, whether in big chunks or just a few pages now and then in a busy day.

Many of the author's experiences will seem all too familiar with fellow bipolar people, whilst those without this gift/curse will gain a lot more understanding.

The middle section contains short and very varied stories from bipolar people, who on the whole are now on the road of recovery. I liked these strong rays of hope!

The final section is a glossary of terms that come up frequently when talking about mood disorders. At first glance it looks like a brief medical dictionary, but Jeremy's humour comes through here again.

I think the light hearted approach to what for many is a very serious condition is refreshing and should increase the appeal of this book for a wide audience.

Excellent book, at last one not aimed at US
I bought this book which is full of great, helpful advice for all Manic Depressives that live in the UK. All the other books I bought on the subject appear to be aimed at US citizens and how to navigate their own, very different medical services. This is not applicable to my needs or anyone elses in the UK and it was refreshing to read some actual, relevant advice for a change. There is a fantastic A-Z of help and advice at the back of the book and lots of personal accounts and unedited discussion with a psychiatrist about their own experiences. A very good read for anybody who would like to learn some more about MD.

book
good book a to z section very well presented worth aread ,will make you smile