Reviews on this page are written by clients, parents, family members or friends.
Review of book "Diagnoses Schizophrenia"
Diagnosis Schizophrenia,
Rachel Miller & Susan E. Mason ISBN 0-231-12625-5 Columbia University Press
This is an excellent book for clients, parents and other family members.
It is unique in that much of the book consists of the thoughts, emotions and experiences of
35 young people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The format consists of 17 chapters covering topics like Why me?, Out of Hospital, What Will
People Think Of Me Now?, Coping with Symptoms, and many others. Each chapter starts with a
paragraph or two, from each of eight to a dozen clients, explaining their stories relating
to the chapter's topic. I was particularly taken with the chapter about stigma and the
chapter about coming home from the hospital. One Chapter is devoted to a comprehensive
story about one client. Most of chapters include snippets of research material and short
discussions about the subject of the chapter.
The only part of the book I was disappointed with were the chapters about getting the social
services you need and the Vocational Rehabilitation chapter as they only cover the American
and not the Canadian System. It would be really useful if these chapters could include
Canadian resources.
All in All a very good book which academically is an easy read, but emotionally gets to the
heart of schizophrenia.
MJS
Peer Support for Parents Of Psychosis Sufferers.
Review of NAMI Family to Family course facilitated by BCSS.
This is a twelve session course run one evening a week for twelve weeks. Everything from
'an introduction to family education' to 'advocacy', from 'the basics of brain biology' to 'self-care',
this course covers it all. A very in-depth look at all aspects of mental illness.
The amount
and quality of the material presented, both in class hand outs and homework reading assignments,
is very good. I personally feel the real value of the course though, was the learning and growth experience
of the group through interaction and sharing. Each member of the group contributed, with
incredible growth and understanding being achieved by all. It was amazing how the group members
encouraged and strengthened each other as the course progressed, and how some people reported back
that they had developed a whole new level of coping.
Significant lessons like learning how to
reduce the possibility of small issues escalating into crises, or simply learning how to develop
more empathy and trust with your loved one, helped us all to better deal with our individual
situations. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how much of the 'problem' is not caused by
the person who is ill, but rather is brought about by the thoughts, actions and reactions
of those of us who are 'well'.
The variety of illnesses
represented, like schizophrenia and bi-polar, and the cross section of group members from parents
to siblings, created an awareness of how much impact mental illness has upon families. It was
interesting to be able to understand issues from more than just ones own perspective.
The course was facilitated by Nancy Clark representing the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)
and she did an awesome job. Her caring and passion for helping others is inspiring. I think the
lives of clients who's family members have attended this course, will be much easier thanks to
Nancy's dedication.
MJS
Peer Support for Parents Of Psychosis Sufferers.
Review of EPI Fraser South, 4 session Psycho Education Course.
This course is designed to help new families understand some of the issues around first
episode psychosis. Attendees are families who are new to the EPI program, that is, family
members of clients suffering their first psychotic break.
There are many
confused, upset, and frustrated people who have been thrown into an illness which can be
devastating to the family unit. This course helps to remove the clouds of confusion by
presenting factual, leading edge clinical explanations about the mental illness experience.
It helps to calm and encourage people who are scared and angry about psychosis. And it
provides clear strategies for coping with the illness and the health care system to help
reduce frustration.
The course accomplishes all this by firstly discussing psychosis, what
it is, how it is treated and what are the chances of recovery. The first evening explains the
phases of the illness, why early intervention is important, and the importance of family
support.
Week two goes deeper into the role of the family in the recovery process, discusses symptoms,
causes, medication and how the family can help.
Weeks three and four focus more on the treatments, recovery phase, relapse prevention and the
family's role in the recovery process.
As can be seen, the role of the family in the recovery process is very important. As a parent
I can assure you that you should definitely take advantage of learning about mental illness
through this psycho-ed course. The knowledge gained is not only power which helps you to
understand and assist with the recovery process, it is also very comforting and encouraging to
find out that psychosis can be treated, and that recovery is expected.
This course was facilitated by Walter Lidster, Group and Family Counselor with the Fraser South
EPI Program. If you are not familiar with Walter, I highly recommend you contact him regarding
this course as it can change your life. Walter's skills and knowledge are exceptional, and his
experience is vast. You will also find him to be very approachable and understanding.
Don't miss
out on the chance to help your loved one by taking this course.
MJS
Peer Support for Parents Of Psychosis Sufferers
This next review may be helpful for those who are struggling with the weight gain which is a common side effect of some medications.
Review of book "G. I. Diet"
It was my usual Doctor's appointment to renew my blood pressure prescription. We are lucky to have Dr. Masuda as our family doctor. She is best described as a mother hen that gives excellent care to all her patients. Linda, her lovable receptionist, is the gatekeeper. Every one must stand on the scales and have their weight recorded, with no exceptions.
After standing on the scale and rocking back and forth to find the lowest weight, I grudgingly settled for 231 lbs. It's been a long time since I was 190 lbs. Hopefully I'm on the way to achieving that weight once again.
After overhearing the chatter I had with Linda and after the appointment, Dr. Masuda walked up to the counter and opened a box full of books she had bought for her patients. I left her office a few dollars shorter and book tucked under my arm called the G. I. Diet by Rick Gallop.
The Glycemic index measures the speed your body breaks down carbohydrates and converts them to glucose. The Faster the food converts to glucose the higher the rating.
Foods with a high G. I. index rating causes a quick increase and a quick drop in blood sugars causing the hungry feeling. Foods with a Low G. I. rating are 'slow release' resulting in only a marginal increase in blood sugar. This solves the feeling hungry problem. If you don't feel hunger, you eat less.
The book also has a number of recipes in it. My wife, a die-hard baker, has already found modifications for some the recipes. To my surprise, I find my wife nosing through the book on regular basis. She now uses it as a food guide.
Does it work? Oh yes and I don't feel hungry. No, I don't count calories. The only thing that will change is your shopping habits.
The book is easy to read and concepts are simple. Hey, give it a try.
SB
Peer Support for Parents Of Psychosis Sufferers.
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