Written by well-known psychiatrist Patricia Casey, this book is aimed at the general public. Since mental health problems are common, and range in severity from transient stress reactions to those that impact seriously on day to day living, a book that helps people understand these conditions is required reading. There is also concern about the medicalization of day-to-day problems of living and this too is explored critically.

Case vignettes and tips on how family and friends can help will make this accessible to the non-medical reader and to those who either suffer with mental health problems or who are caring for somebody who does. Useful reading and contact details of support organizations conclude each chapter. These will deal with the organization of the psychiatric services, how to access a mental health professional, the consultation process, the various psychiatric disorders and legal and ethical issues in mental health. It will clarify the various symptoms and therapies and explore some of the common myths surrounding mental illness.