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A Brief Guide to Thriving for Individuals with a Mental Illness
Having a mental illness can have its challenges. It can create problems for an individual in many ways. This book is meant to be a brief guide to helping you reach your full potential, or helping your loved one reach their full potential, despite having a mental illness.
In this book you’ll find information about the stages of healing from a mental illness, strengths that can be helpful for an individual with a mental illness, and tips for helping loved ones who have a mental illness.
While many of the books on the market focus on the symptoms of individuals with mental illness, this book is intended to point out possible strengths and help you, or assist your loved one, in maximizing individual potential despite a mental illness. Living with a mental illness, or loving someone with a mental illness, can be difficult. But this book will help you in rising to the challenge of living a happy, healthy life. Individuals who have a mental illness can not only survive - but thrive.
In this book you’ll find information about the stages of healing from a mental illness, strengths that can be helpful for an individual with a mental illness, and tips for helping loved ones who have a mental illness.
While many of the books on the market focus on the symptoms of individuals with mental illness, this book is intended to point out possible strengths and help you, or assist your loved one, in maximizing individual potential despite a mental illness. Living with a mental illness, or loving someone with a mental illness, can be difficult. But this book will help you in rising to the challenge of living a happy, healthy life. Individuals who have a mental illness can not only survive - but thrive.
- GenresHealth
51 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2013
1 person is currently reading
948 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 29, 2014
I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition. This author gives some excellent advice for day to day issues. It has a positive tone throughout the book and it was nice to read something that is useful yet hopeful and meaningful.
January 8, 2014
This is an inspiring and useful approach to patient and family education centered on viewing mental illness as an ongoing state that can talked about, coped with and managed within successful lives and relationships. Dr. Abbott shows that with self-care plans, education, communication and point-of-view the recognizes the strengths within various mental illnesses, individuals affected and their loved ones can optimize their abilities to function and create valuable and rewarding lives. The guide includes detailed information about the stages of managing mental illness and about strengths, and the material is very well-written and accessible. The book is beautifully prepared and well-organized, too.
I took away lots of specific tips and a new framework for emphasizing strengths. I've shared my book with my wife and will use it to guide conversations about self-care and managing illness from the empowerment point of view that Dr. Abbott's writing has inspired.
I took away lots of specific tips and a new framework for emphasizing strengths. I've shared my book with my wife and will use it to guide conversations about self-care and managing illness from the empowerment point of view that Dr. Abbott's writing has inspired.
March 2, 2016
There's a lot of information, encouragement, and hope packed into this small book. Being short is a great advantage because it can be read quickly and easily accessed for reference. Not many of us will stick with a lengthy volume to search out the help we need.
The lovely photographs are uplifting and add a relaxed, soothing tone to the book. The quotes are exceedingly relevant. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." (Maya Angelou)
I much appreciate the author's honesty in relating her own story. Overcoming so much gives hope to others.
While the chapter on the Stages of Healing From a Mental Illness is more scholarly and pedantic, the facts are all there in an organized, scientific, readable form. I would have liked it to be addressed to the reader, rather than a description of "the individual," which is more clinical and thus a bit cold. That changes in the final stage of Reaching Out to Others, where the author begins to use "you" and a more personal tone. That continues in most of the remainder of the book and makes a big difference.
The beauty of this book is that it focuses on the strengths of those struggling with all forms of mental illness. There is no help in remaining hidden and secret. Thankfully attitudes have changed for many to no longer consider mental illness as shameful. But one must have a plan to not be overcome by the illness but to thrive in life. And that is the purpose of this book...to help show the way.
I'm especially thankful to see several things included in this author's approach. She acknowledges that acceptance is a very long process, often a lifetime, and that each person will not necessarily be helped by the same methods. Part of the long process usually includes finding the right source of help. It may not be traditional counseling and drugs at all, especially for those with depression and anxiety. There are many ways to handle these issues and ultimately come to peace. We can't discount something as simple as knitting, or the value of nature and faith to heal brokenness.
I also like her emphasis on reaching out to others. An amazing thing happens when we get out of ourselves and extend a kind word or help to another person. We both change.
The chapter on Strengths is full of hope. I've never seen this approach, and it is most encouraging to anyone struggling with mental illness. The more we see our strengths, perhaps the less we will remain bogged down with all that could dominate our lives. Little by little, things can change, and we can begin to "thrive."
I was thankful to receive this book as part of Goodreads' First-Reads program.
The lovely photographs are uplifting and add a relaxed, soothing tone to the book. The quotes are exceedingly relevant. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." (Maya Angelou)
I much appreciate the author's honesty in relating her own story. Overcoming so much gives hope to others.
While the chapter on the Stages of Healing From a Mental Illness is more scholarly and pedantic, the facts are all there in an organized, scientific, readable form. I would have liked it to be addressed to the reader, rather than a description of "the individual," which is more clinical and thus a bit cold. That changes in the final stage of Reaching Out to Others, where the author begins to use "you" and a more personal tone. That continues in most of the remainder of the book and makes a big difference.
The beauty of this book is that it focuses on the strengths of those struggling with all forms of mental illness. There is no help in remaining hidden and secret. Thankfully attitudes have changed for many to no longer consider mental illness as shameful. But one must have a plan to not be overcome by the illness but to thrive in life. And that is the purpose of this book...to help show the way.
I'm especially thankful to see several things included in this author's approach. She acknowledges that acceptance is a very long process, often a lifetime, and that each person will not necessarily be helped by the same methods. Part of the long process usually includes finding the right source of help. It may not be traditional counseling and drugs at all, especially for those with depression and anxiety. There are many ways to handle these issues and ultimately come to peace. We can't discount something as simple as knitting, or the value of nature and faith to heal brokenness.
I also like her emphasis on reaching out to others. An amazing thing happens when we get out of ourselves and extend a kind word or help to another person. We both change.
The chapter on Strengths is full of hope. I've never seen this approach, and it is most encouraging to anyone struggling with mental illness. The more we see our strengths, perhaps the less we will remain bogged down with all that could dominate our lives. Little by little, things can change, and we can begin to "thrive."
I was thankful to receive this book as part of Goodreads' First-Reads program.
November 12, 2013
I love how Abbott delved into her own struggles as a preface to the reference guide. It gives her validity and shows, first-hand, that someone with a mental illness cannot only confront it head on, but shed light on the positive attributes she and others have because of her struggles.
November 9, 2013
I absolutely love the book and I seriously couldn't possible be any more satisfied with it than I currently am. My partner has a mental illness that has been gradually developing into a more serious condition of the many years we have been together, I know how hard it can be to deal with without the right knowledge and tools and I really wish I had this resource available to me when we first got together as I know it would have saved our relation and myself a lot of stress and time spent learning how to cope.
What I admire most about this book is the uplifting, empowering tone throughout the book - it's incredibly insightful and educational but also pleasant to read and it didn't feel like a chore, as opposed to some other books on the topic that I have read in the past. I am beyond happy with the book and I really am grateful that the author has taken to the time to write this in a clearly professional way with a solid, well-researched foundation behind it. For these reasons, I can't possibly give this book any less than the 5 stars that it deserves, I highly recommend it!
What I admire most about this book is the uplifting, empowering tone throughout the book - it's incredibly insightful and educational but also pleasant to read and it didn't feel like a chore, as opposed to some other books on the topic that I have read in the past. I am beyond happy with the book and I really am grateful that the author has taken to the time to write this in a clearly professional way with a solid, well-researched foundation behind it. For these reasons, I can't possibly give this book any less than the 5 stars that it deserves, I highly recommend it!
July 25, 2014
I have lived with depression and anorexia for many years. This book brought me some hope. It was reassuring to see that the author had been through similar issues. I liked it because it wasn't overly cumbersome or dry. It's a quick read yet you take something out of it. What she has to say about mental illness is brief and to the point, yet right on track. It was also something new to list positive qualities of some of the mental illnesses people have. She flipped the script so to speak.
June 6, 2014
I haven't been disappointed by this author. This truly is a great guide to mental illness. I've struggled with it for years. This gave me hope and helped me realize my strengths and how to better cope when I am at my lowest.
July 24, 2014
Great idea by the author - write this from an uplifting perspective while still being a great tool for the reads, her history as a psychologist who struggled with bipolar disorder was a bold move on her part but i related to her situation and was enveloped in her story
August 13, 2014
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.... ~ Anonymous
"A Brief Guide To Thriving for Individuals with a Mental Illness and Their Loved Ones" authored by Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD: clearly follows the book titled content. This slim volume is engaging, easily understood, and extremely helpful. The lush green gardens and bright floral photography add a comforting soothing touch throughout the book.
Having a mental illness has its challenges and difficulties, yet it is possible to live life to the fullest potential, which include having successful relationships, marriages, families, and careers.
Beginning in adolescence, Dr. Abbott experienced her first episode with mental illness. This was denied and quickly brushed aside by her immediate family members. Later, in college, Dr. Abbott's friends were alarmed by her obvious unhealthy weight loss. At her school, her concerned clinical director met with her, slipped her a business card for a therapist, and advised: "I hope you get the help you deserve."
After becoming a psychologist Dr. Abbott was deeply ashamed of her mental health diagnosis, and hid her illness from others, including her professional colleagues. With the help from her doctors, family, and friends she began to live a more open, genuine, and less stressful life; as she continued on her path towards health and wellness.
Dr. Abbott further outlined five stages of "Healing from Mental Illness": these center around mental health awareness, seeking help/self-care, acceptance, and reaching out to others. A chapter is dedicated to loved ones who want to help. The positive strengths and attributes of various mental health disorders are listed making this a valuable quick reference. Famous people/celebrities are recognized that have mental health diagnoses/issues: this shows that mental illness affects the rich the poor, the famous and ordinary people alike.
Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD is committed to mental health education and wellness, and advocacy for the disabled and mentally ill. As a member of NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) she was a contributor/facilitator for the "Artistic Expression 2014" in Racine, WI. This exciting Expo showcased the artwork, writing, poetry, and music of people with mental illness.
"A Brief Guide To Thriving for Individuals with a Mental Illness and Their Loved Ones" authored by Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD: clearly follows the book titled content. This slim volume is engaging, easily understood, and extremely helpful. The lush green gardens and bright floral photography add a comforting soothing touch throughout the book.
Having a mental illness has its challenges and difficulties, yet it is possible to live life to the fullest potential, which include having successful relationships, marriages, families, and careers.
Beginning in adolescence, Dr. Abbott experienced her first episode with mental illness. This was denied and quickly brushed aside by her immediate family members. Later, in college, Dr. Abbott's friends were alarmed by her obvious unhealthy weight loss. At her school, her concerned clinical director met with her, slipped her a business card for a therapist, and advised: "I hope you get the help you deserve."
After becoming a psychologist Dr. Abbott was deeply ashamed of her mental health diagnosis, and hid her illness from others, including her professional colleagues. With the help from her doctors, family, and friends she began to live a more open, genuine, and less stressful life; as she continued on her path towards health and wellness.
Dr. Abbott further outlined five stages of "Healing from Mental Illness": these center around mental health awareness, seeking help/self-care, acceptance, and reaching out to others. A chapter is dedicated to loved ones who want to help. The positive strengths and attributes of various mental health disorders are listed making this a valuable quick reference. Famous people/celebrities are recognized that have mental health diagnoses/issues: this shows that mental illness affects the rich the poor, the famous and ordinary people alike.
Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD is committed to mental health education and wellness, and advocacy for the disabled and mentally ill. As a member of NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) she was a contributor/facilitator for the "Artistic Expression 2014" in Racine, WI. This exciting Expo showcased the artwork, writing, poetry, and music of people with mental illness.
July 25, 2014
I don't like to write reviews - just usually give them a star raitng. but i wanted to note that i have struggled so much over the years with schizophrenia and depression. this book was an easy read and made a lot of sense to me. i could see it helping others tremendously. i haven't found a lot of reading that really sticks with me. i think this will stick with me. it's written in a simple fashion but i like what the author has to say. it gave me some things to think about and i apprecaiate that she was willing to talk about her own struggles as well. its easy to feel alone with these issues
April 8, 2015
Excellent book. I like this one because it isn't cheesy pop psychology but it also stays clear of being pretentious, difficult to read research material. It presents you with important knowledge about stages of healing, tips for coping, tips for helping others, strengths of individuals with mental illnesses (which was a fresh and frankly well needed addition to the literature), brief synopsis of the author's own struggles with mental health even though she is a psychologist, and famous people who have had mental illness and accomplished so much.
August 4, 2014
What a useful little book. It's short but sweet. Lots of interesting ideas in here for dealing with mental health issues both from the perspective of an individual who has struggled and an individual who deals with other people in my life who struggle too. It's an easy read but truly a useful one.
April 5, 2015
An absolute necessity for individual with mental illness, the people who love them, mental health agencies and hospitals, mental health professionals. So much great advice packed into a slim volume with beautiful photography throughout. I found it extremely useful.
February 13, 2014
In this book, Dr. Abbott addresses several basic issues and concerns, which would be very useful to anyone diagnosed recently with mental illness, or that person's friends and family.She presents a model of Recovery in five stages. Dr. Abbott writes that she adopted-(invented perhaps?)-this model, after studying similar models such as the well known 5 stages of Grief/ Loss or certain recovery from addiction models.However she contrasts her model by pointing out while other models are static, hers is not. She feels her model is more fluid-to me her model almost seems circular-although we both agree that a person in any process form of recovery from mental illness may repeat these stages or regress or progress at different stages.
As she points out many with mental illnesses may go in and out of these stages at any given time. Here are her five stages: 1. Psychological Changes 2. Self-Awareness of those changes 3.Receiving help.4. Acceptance of ones own mental illness. 5.Reaching out to others. She does explain not everyone will complete this entire process outlined. The last step is the hardest-to deal with stigma and to reach out to others in need-still suffering-while this is noble-not everyone is capable of this or even wishes to try this.(the author does acknowledge this fact.) Also in this book she recounts her own story of mental illness. I do wish that this section was longer and that she would have expanded. But this is a brief guidebook, I do understand why her focus is not on her personal experiences so much. She centers on the issues faced by those with mental illness and how to help.
This is an useful resource no matter what stage of recovery you are in. This book is ideal because it emphasizes two things; You are not alone and there are a multitude of ways you can help yourself.
One last thing I would like to add, is what the Author says about Hope: "The self-fulfilling
prophecy studied by psychologists, includes the idea that what we continue to believe about ourselves or our future will Eventually come to be. It's essential to maintain a positive outlook about yourself and your future."(2013, Abbott.L, p.26)
As she points out many with mental illnesses may go in and out of these stages at any given time. Here are her five stages: 1. Psychological Changes 2. Self-Awareness of those changes 3.Receiving help.4. Acceptance of ones own mental illness. 5.Reaching out to others. She does explain not everyone will complete this entire process outlined. The last step is the hardest-to deal with stigma and to reach out to others in need-still suffering-while this is noble-not everyone is capable of this or even wishes to try this.(the author does acknowledge this fact.) Also in this book she recounts her own story of mental illness. I do wish that this section was longer and that she would have expanded. But this is a brief guidebook, I do understand why her focus is not on her personal experiences so much. She centers on the issues faced by those with mental illness and how to help.
This is an useful resource no matter what stage of recovery you are in. This book is ideal because it emphasizes two things; You are not alone and there are a multitude of ways you can help yourself.
One last thing I would like to add, is what the Author says about Hope: "The self-fulfilling
prophecy studied by psychologists, includes the idea that what we continue to believe about ourselves or our future will Eventually come to be. It's essential to maintain a positive outlook about yourself and your future."(2013, Abbott.L, p.26)
September 30, 2014
This book is short but has quite a bit of useful information. The author begins with her personal story and struggles with mental illness which captures your attention immediately. It is written in a language and tone that I think will be well understood and accepted by readers of all kind. The concepts are very useful - understanding the stages of healing from a mental illness, tips for dealing with difficult times, and an interesting list of famous people who had a mental illness. It is indeed a brief guide but it is a very useful reference to return to many times. This is definitely a book to read and refer to more than once. I think it's very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone who has had a mental illness and their loved ones for sure. Five stars for the author. Glad I came across it!
November 7, 2013
Abbott's guidebook is a very helpful tool for those who suffer from mental illness or care for individuals who endure sickness of the mind. It's brief, yet to the point and she discusses the topic without flaw. She teaches one how to overcome their obstacles using positivity and great optimistic views. The author even confesses her own personal issues which she has struggled with which provides great inspiration. And, her story makes the readers feel more comfortable as they connect with her past battles. This book also provides peace of mind and offers strategies that will produce great strength to overcome the woes of mental illness.
April 13, 2015
Above all I found this book inspiring. It's not your usual self-help guide. It's much more than that. My take away and a theme that I kept seeing throughout the book was that you are so much more than your mental illness. It is only a limiting factor in your life if you let it be.
I loved the chapter on the strengths of people with various mental illnesses. I honestly had never thought that way before. We all have gifts whether we have mental illness or not and in fact, some people are gifted because of their mental illness.
I think whether you are affected yourself or you are a caregiver, this is is a helpful sincere, must read book. I have no trouble recommending it.
I loved the chapter on the strengths of people with various mental illnesses. I honestly had never thought that way before. We all have gifts whether we have mental illness or not and in fact, some people are gifted because of their mental illness.
I think whether you are affected yourself or you are a caregiver, this is is a helpful sincere, must read book. I have no trouble recommending it.
November 7, 2014
I'm very happy to have come across this. I've struggled a lot due to trauma and body image, ptsd, anxiety. author gives a lot of useful tips and i gave it to family so they could understand better too. i like the author's bio in the book. shows that people can overcome these types of problems. the list of famous people is cool too.
April 3, 2015
A must for people who have a mental illness - bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, eating disorder. Simple, clear cute, easy to read and very helpful. I recommend it to other people in my life and I recommend it here as well.
July 25, 2014
It seems it will be a useful addition to anyone who's struggled with their mental health, I found its upbeat tone comforting. Even the authors My Story, although sad seems to show there is a light.
March 31, 2015
Great guide packed wtih tips and suggestions for coping wtih mental illness or helping a loved one who has a mental illness. short, easy to read, but packed with very helpful tid bits.
December 17, 2014
Very helpful, straight forward advice for individual sufferers of mental illnesses and the people who love them. The author is highly qualified to write on the subject of mental illness because of her credentials. The fact that she too has suffered from mental illness, I think qualifies her even more!
April 2, 2015
I really like this guide, it gave me a great deal of ideas to deal with difficult days and situations, I have borrowed it to friends as well and they have found it useful as well. very handy book to have around
April 4, 2015
a very useful tool box of ideas for coping with rough times especially if you have a mental illness. I would imagine it would be very useful to my loved ones and mental health professionals as well. I suggest this book for anyone who needs some suggestions for coping if you're struggling
April 8, 2015
Excellent guide for anyone struggling with mental health and anyone who is struggling to help someone they love. Whether they are in the stage of denial, seeking help, or maintaining good health, this book will be a great addition to the bookshelf.
April 11, 2015
A handy little guide to keep nearby and refer to from time to time. worth the cost.
April 21, 2015
Such a great guide. This is a must read for anyone who is struggling with a mental health issue and their friends and family members
March 10, 2017
This is a great source for anyone suffering from mental illness. It is has many important facts yet it isn't too technical so the information can be easily understood.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews