Advocating for Someone with a Mental Illness
by Sonya Nesch

Family members, mental health consumers, caregivers, counselors, and others will refer to this book again and again for what to do when a crisis begins. Being prepared and having a plan can make the crucial difference when dealing with someone who is psychotic and/or suicidal. Use this straightforward guide to create a medical history and symptom letter, or to develop a Crisis Intervention Plan.

From dealing with the confusion at the beginning of mental illness to information about how to handle symptom breakthrough and relapse, this meticulously researched book provides practical and supportive help with all aspects of being an advocate for someone with mental illness:

• Getting the Right Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
• Dealing with Perpetual Grief
• Medication History Record
• Family Issues
• Spiritual Questions
• Complementary Practitioners
• Encounters with the Criminal Justice System
• Self-Care for Advocates and Family Members

About the author:

Sonya Nesch, M.S., M.A. facilitates National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Groups, teaches the NAMI Family-to-Family Education class and is an advocate with 25 years of experience. She lives in Northern California.