This book so effectively covers the spectrum of various mental illness than I am hard pressed to give it an adequate description. The subtitle "A Layman's Guide to Understanding Mental Illness" give a succinct description of the territory that it covers. It does an excellent job of covering the various manifestations of mental illness, how to help someone deal with it, and gives information to put it into perspective. ( )

I was diagnosed with major depression when I was 14 years old. I am now a 30 year old mother of 3, and I'm still trying to perfect a balanced life.
One of the hardest parts of depression is explaining it to those you love. This book did an amazing job! A therapist recommend I read it and share it with my family. I also shared it with my bishop at the time. He was grateful for some greater insight into ward members that he wanted to understand better.
I recommend this book to anyone who struggles with a mental illness, their families, their friends and any church leaders that want to understand depression better! ( )

It's taken me a while to review this one, but I've thought about it a lot. I wish that I had heard of this book 10 years ago when my children were first diagnosed with mental illness and I was struggling with depression myself. This is the book I wish every LDS bishop had in his office and most members as well. Everyone knows someone who struggles with mental illness, but sadly, most of us don't understand it. This book dispels some of the myths about it and gives helpful definitions for those who want to learn more. ( )

Unrealistic, valid for minor illnesses, but not for major. ( )