A Small Handbook of Mental Health

Writing by seriously mentally ill people is not common. The illness makes effective communication difficult, and for this reason, the writing they do is important. It provides insights into what the mentally ill experience. Also, it is a sharing of experience that may reduce the isolation and increase the sense of belonging among those who are ill. And fellow sufferers may pay attention and learn from the writer, in this case, how to achieve recovery. How then is recovery to be achieved? To begin with recovery has two meanings. It usually means to regain one's health. But in the mental health field it has recently come to mean finding meaning and fulfillment despite continuing, even serious, illness. This involves taking measures to bring about change and find value and purpose. The author found recovery through her religious faith and writing. The author tells her story, and in doing so gives direction and offers encouragement. And in doing this she lets the seriously mentally ill know they are not alone.