Graeme Cowan

Back from the Brink by Graeme Cowan is not your average mental illness memoir or self-help book. Instead, it's a compilation of narratives from several prominent figures from the US, UK and Australia, as well as the author, who have suffered from severe depression or bipolar disorder. Each of these narratives is set in a question-answer format, but nicely edited for ease of reading. This gives a unique perspective on mental illness as seen by several people rather than being colored by a single author.

The author then describes the method that he found personally helpful in overcoming his depression, which was severe enough to include several suicide attempts. Like most self-help books, your mileage will vary, but there are some interesting nuggets to pick up here and there from his successes even if you don't find everything to be particularly relevant. Much of his method seems to bear some sort of relationship to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, so perhaps look into ACT if you find yourself wanting to know more after reading this book.

Ultimately I'd recommend this as a good read about mental illness to sufferers, family members, caregivers, supporters, or just interested bystanders. I found it to be free of judgmental language and full of support and compassion for those who suffer from depression or bipolar disorder.… (mehr)