The Library
*Current Feature Item*
Our spirituality plays an important role in coping with psychological issues. Take a look at the values of a healthy vs. unhealthy spirituality, and how to nurture the soul.
Miscellaneous
"I am Tiger Woods"
A lesson learned through the humbling of an icon
Coping with the Holiday Blues
Holidays give you the blues... You're not alone. From the day before Thanksgiving to the day after New Year's can be a difficult time for many. Learn more about the holiday blues and strategies to lift your spirit.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression affects 15-20% of new mothers, and is significantly stronger than the more common "baby blues." Learn its warning signs and what you can do to cope
Depression & Spirituality
Our spirituality plays an important role in coping with psychological issues. Take a look at the values of a healthy vs. unhealthy spirituality, and how to nurture the soul.
A Prescription for Panic
A tongue in cheek look at what you can do to give yourself panic attacks... and a few ideas in case you'd rather not have them
Mental Illness & Recovery
Engaging the Difficult Person
Many persons with mental illness do not want to seek help. This lack of insight, or anosognosia, is a symptom of the illness. Learn stategies you can employ to engage the person... and keep yourself strong.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
What is psychosocial rehabilitation and why is it considered the state of the art treatment for persons with major mental illness? Learn more about this approach which helps persons strive for their goals and dreams.
The Top 10 Principles of Treatment
Handout from a presentation to NAMI Westside discussing Dr. DiPaolo's "Top 10 Principles of Treatment"
The Serenity Prayer & Caregiving
Handout from a presentation to NAMI Westside linking the wisdom of the serenity prayer to the needs of caregivers.
Bipolar Disorder
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
A 1-page overview of the hallmark symptoms and features of bipolar disorder
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
A 1-page overview of the treatment of bipolar disorder including medication and therapy goals
The Bipolar Disorder Worksheet Packet
Contains tools for helping manage bipolar disorder including the Daily Checklist to monitor Warning Signs and Healthy Activities, a Mood Log, and an Activity Schedule
Recommended Books for Families on Bipolar Disorder
- A Brilliant Madness - Patty Duke
- An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison
- The Bipolar Survival Guide - David Miklowitz
- Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: How to Help and Understand Your Partner - Julie Fast & John Preston
- Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers - E. Fuller Torrey & Michael Knable
Schizophrenia
Understanding Schizophrenia
A 1 page overview of schizophrenia as a brain illness and its hallmark symptoms.
Schizophrenia: Causes & Course
A 1 page handout providing a brief overview of the genetic causes of schizophrenia and the course of the illness.
Antipsychotic Medication
An overview of medication for schizophrenia, including a list of current available medications and tradeoffs involved in choosing medication.
Recommended Books for Families on Schizophrenia
General Overview
- Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers (4th edition) – E. Fuller Torrey *
- Diagnosis Schizophrenia – Rachel Miller & Susan Elizabeth Mason
- Schizophrenia Revealed: From Neurons to Social Interactions – Michael Green
Specific Concern – Lack of Insight
- I am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! – Xavier Amador *
Family Coping & Support
- When Someone You Love Has A Mental Illness: A Handbook for Family, Friends, and Caregivers – Rebecca Woolis
- Coping With Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families – Kim Meuser
- The Burden of Sympathy: How Families Cope with Mental Illness – David Karp
* These books are excellent starting places for families