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This is an extraordinary book and a timely one. In western culture, there seems to be a change occurring in how we are seeing psychosis.
The editors, who also wrote the first 13 chapters, aim to assist young people who have been diagnosed psychotic to begin the path of recovery, particularly with regard to the relationships with their families.
The book assumes that the family is an important force in assisting recovery. It may also be a vehicle for the continuance of old and less helpful patterns. The advice given by the authors assists the person experiencing difficulties to deal with the family's reaction to the crisis of psychosis. The advice is accessible and expressed in layman's language.
It is interesting that the information is given to the person who has experienced psychosis, rather than the family, leaving him/her to deal with the family rather than to have assistance via a family therapist. Thus the authors are assuming that the person with psychosis is responsible, apparently from very early in therapy. I would think this may be difficult for many, but am impressed with the confidence of Mackler and Morrissey in what can be achieved by a positive attitude from the get-go.
The remaining chapters are contributions from various people who have survived serious mental illness, showing that recovery is possible; indeed, it should be expected.
Some of the case histories are sad—some even too distressing to tell in the book—but all have the ring of truth. Madness does not come out of the blue—there are aspects of loss, violence, neglect, isolation, and rejection in the backgrounds of the all the writers. There is also courage, support from many families and partners, and life trajectories both unique and fulfilling.
I enjoyed the way a single person or even a single suggestion could set the young person on a new path, sometimes delayed for many