A Gift of Stories
Discovering How to Deal With Mental Illness

Gathered by Julie Leibrich

'...authentic and genuinely moving ... a rich source of inspiration for people with mental illness and those close to them'
— Sunday Star Times

Key Points

• A reprint of a beautifully presented and popular title.
• Contributors have all lived with mental illness.
• People in book come from all walks of life and speak very freely about their experiences.
• Published in association with the Mental Health Commission.

Book

The life stories in this book are by people who, at some point in their lives, have been diagnosed with a mental illness which they have learned to deal with. They have found the courage to speak publicly about their experience in a world which is still prejudiced against people with mental illness.

The book is a source of inspiration for anyone with mental illness and their family and friends, a unique teaching tool for people working in the mental health area, and a way of opening doors on mental illness and letting in some light, for us all.

Stories from

Toby Adams, John, Susan Butler, Denise, Susie Crooks, Pat Cumming, Lynda Delamore, Graham Johnson, Julie Leibrich, Willie Lyden, Kathryn McNeil, Robert Miller, Mary O'Hagan, Sarah Pokoati, Patte Randal, Vince Reidy, Jonathan Rodgers, Alasdair Russell, Terry Stewart, Susan Tawhai, and Tessa Thompson.

Review Quotes

'authentic and genuinely moving...this collection is a reminder of how fragile we are. But, surprisingly perhaps, the message is not depressing.' – Ross Lay, Sunday Star Times

'health professionals will learn something from [this book]. I certainly did.' – Dr Paul Berks, Northern Advocate

'very positive...inspiring' – Anna Luxton, Hawkes Bay Today

Editor

Julie Leibrich is a writer and researcher on justice. She is a former Mental Health Commissioner. Her books include Straight to the Point: Angles on Giving Up Crime.

Publication details

Mental health, family health
paperback, 220 x 210 mm, 192 pp, ISBN 1 877133 83 3 . $39.95
Publication Date: May 2006