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 Lisa Dixon, M.D., M.P.H, Psychiatrist and Professor University of Maryland School of Medicine; Associate Director of Research, VA Capitol Health Care Network MIRECC |
 Shirley Glynn, Ph.D., Psychologist Department of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine |
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 Leslie S. |
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A highly informative and remarkably sensitive book that provides children of parents who have a mental illness with easily accessible information and compassionate support that will make their difficult journey easier. This book provides a tremendous amount of information about mental illness and convincingly informs the readers that their confusion and feelings are not an indication that there is something wrong with them - but rather that they are dealing with extraordinarily difficult circumstances that are not of their own making. It is essential that this book be made available to teens dealing with mental illness in the family. It could make all the difference in the world. (Fred Sautter, Ph.D., Psychologist, New Orleans VA Medical Center)
I’m Not Alone focuses on the teenager’s experience of living with a parent who has a serious mental illness, with particular attention to depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In Part One, the reader learns about the causes of mental illness, common symptoms of each disorder, the role of mental health professionals, and treatment options. A variety of educational techniques are used throughout the text including stories, poems, inspirational quotes, and key lessons. Part Two normalizes the teen’s experience of a wide range of emotions and teaches effective coping tools. The reader then identifies his/her personal support system and weighs the pros and cons of sharing personal information with trustworthy friends. Throughout the book readers are encouraged to respond to questions, to consider hypothetical scenarios that may resonate with their experiences, and to reflect on their feelings via journaling. Part Three includes frequently asked questions, a glossary, and an extensive resource list. This practical, reassuring book connects with readers so they feel informed, in control, hopeful, and not alone.
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 Table
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Sections
of Chapter Six |
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| Sections
of Chapter One |
Sections
of Chapter Eight |
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"A calming, outstretched hand in the middle of an emotional storm…it offers hope to teens who may feel that they are walking a tightrope and their lives are out of control. Written in respectful, encouraging language that any teenager would find helpful…"
Marcia Hayes, Executive Director, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) – Oklahoma.
"An informative, remarkably sensitive
book that provides youth with the information and compassionate support
that will make their difficult journey easier. Most importantly,
this book informs these youth that their feelings are not indications that
there is something wrong with them, but rather that they are dealing with
extraordinarily difficult circumstances that are not of their own making."
Fred Sautter, Ph.D., Psychologist. Co-chair Family Studies Team, South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC).
"What an amazing resource for young
people, families, and professionals! It should be on the shelf of every
mental health professional who works with families. This easy-to-read,
experiential book provides an excellent toolbox for young people and will
help to improve the quality of their lives."
Teresa Peden, MPH, MAMFT, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Oklahoma.
"This book fills a void that has been
long neglected in child psychology. Finally, a book designed specifically
for teenagers with parents who have a mental illness. This fabulous resource
provides a reader-friendly text that helps adolescents understand what
is happening to their parents, and more importantly, gives them HOPE and
strategies to understand their own complicated feelings. You can be sure
that I will be recommending this book to my patients."
Kira Armstrong, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Harvard Medical School, Center for Child and Adolescent Development, Cambridge Health Alliance.
"Answers teens’ questions about
mental illness and imparts hope and understanding of their parent’s
problems. A truly inspired self-help guide."
Carolyn Archer, Certified Recovery Support Specialist, Oklahoma Mental Health Consumer Council.
"This is the answer to a mother’s
prayers. Helpful, hopeful, and full of great information and activities.
Thank you for not forgetting these kids at such a vulnerable, critical
time in their lives."
Debby Shepard, mother of three teenagers.
"An invaluable book for youth whose
parents live with psychiatric disorders. This book is recommended reading
for anyone struggling with these issues."
Lauren B. Marangell, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine.
"How wonderful to have a resource that
will help so many children…kids who don't understand and who
feel all alone. This book reminds youth that they should never give
up HOPE."
Mary McCormick, Consumer Advocate, Texas.
"Deftly blends the information kids
need about mental illness with activities designed to personalize that
information for them…easy to read, easy to understand…a valuable
addition to the mental health literature."
Sandra F. Allen, Ph.D., Professor and Licensed Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
"Thorough, engaging, and right on target
for teenagers dealing with a family member who has a mental illness."
Nancy Petree, NAMI Family to Family Teacher.
"A much needed resource…easy
to understand and developmentally appropriate for teens. Provides
sound information about mental illness and teaches teens appropriate ways
to cope."
Lisa M. Swisher, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
"A superior book! An essential resource
for millions of young readers and counselors. Excellent. A+++!"
Barb Peterson, M.S., Family and Patient Advocate, Woodwinds Health Campus, Minnesota.
