[nativechic]

I didn't finished this month's book so started another book called "I am not sick, I don't need help! : how to help someone with mental illness accept treatment" by Dr. Xavier Amador all about "anosognosia". I didn't suggest it as book club selection since I doubt most libraries have it and it's intended more for family members and mental health professionals than people with mental illness. It was mostly on how to deal with the mentally ill person to get them to be compliant with treatment without alienating them. A lot of case studies and examples with author's brother and clients.

I have to say that I've been skeptical about anosognosia as a symptom and he does talk a lot about studies which back it up. It didn't do more to convince me though I guess I should read the original papers. He sounded like a caring provider and brother. Any how, if anyone has thoughts on either book or anosognosia in general feel free to post.

[nativechic]

Oh and I guess I should have defined "Anosognosia" first. Author separates it from mere denial and says that it is neurological issue that person is not aware of their illness. Originated in stroke victims but now term is used in people with mental illness.

[Coconutzo]

I'm living with someone who is struggling with mental Illness that she seems to know exists but won't treat. I'll have to pick this book up! Maybe it will help me help her! Thanks!

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

I think this describes my boss precisely. Everyone who works with her can identify she has a MI (and I think it's BP, personally - the hypo/manias and depressions are pretty clear). We once had a person come do wellness profiles with all our staff as a benefit; after the initial profile, she met individually with each of us to discuss what the profile said and offer connections to resources that might be useful (smoking cessation, meditation teachers, anger management options, meal/budget planning help, etc.). She told my boss that she potentially had bipolar and she offered some resources for following up with someone who could actually provide a diagnosis.

My boss actually shared all of that with all of us in the admin unit at work. And then said it was ridiculous, much to our collective amazement and disappointment. No one ever mentions it to her - we accept that there will be months on end when she can't hold a meeting without dissolving into tears about something, and then months on end where the workload she creates through her incredible visions for the future will be monstrous.

It's interesting to say the least...

[nativechic]

Originally Posted by Coconutzo

I'm living with someone who is struggling with mental Illness that she seems to know exists but won't treat. I'll have to pick this book up! Maybe it will help me help her! Thanks!

Great! Hope you can post your opinion here once you read it.