I’m a bookaholic so be aware that this list might be overkill for most families. However, when my brother started showing mental illness concerns such as having lithium prescribed, I found I wanted to know more. It seems like it should be enough to be told by your doctor, but often when we listen, we don’t comprehend as well as when we read. Also, when were visiting a doctor, we often are nervous about it, which means are attention is divided. A resource to review what is said can be reassuring but beware, reading too much may lead you to worry too much about what could go wrong. On the other hand, having a book does not mean you shouldn’t consult a doctor; a book is static and general, a doctor knows how to diagnose and prescribe. I vote that information is more helpful than not. Here’s my list and why I like them:
Merck Manual of Medical Information, my copy is from 1997 so it is likely that there is newer data.
This book has a section on drugs. When my mother-in-law woke up one day and started acting peculiar, much like a two-year-old, my father-in-law wasn’t sure what to do. The mental hospital where he took her, wanted to keep her tied down, which seemed to unfriendly to him and it didn’t resolve the problem which they said was common for women of her age. I reminded him that he had told me her medications had recently changed. He eventually took her to the Mayo Clinic and it turned to be a case of drug interactions. When her ten medications were reduced to a few, she returned her to her previous grown up, intelligent norm.
This book discusses drugs, drug interactions, adverse reactions and more. It also has a list of commonly prescribed drugs, what they are used for and their common side-affects and dosages. It was my source for knowledge about Lithium.
It also has a section on the brain and nerve diseases and on mental health disorders including information about addiction. Most sections start with a discussion of the body part and then go to common problems and how they are diagnosed and treated. It helps to be prepared when you visit a doctor. You should have a list of medications, family health history, and maybe a typed explanation of the problems you’re facing. It also has information about hormonal disorders that can tie into mental health problems. For parents, it gives a brief discussion of childcare issues and development disorders.
I bought this book because of its clear discussion of childhood development stages and how children learn. This information is often provided in a college Psychology class (not much use for the younger generation or those who follow a trade career path) or by a Pediatrician but if you are just curious, it includes a lot of information about recent studies. It has a section on gender, sexual identity and sexuality that can be helpful for explaining to children. My version is from 2000 so better information might be available. It starts with a discussion of neurotransmitters that is helpful since these make up the messaging system of the human body and the affects of these chemicals can help health or impede health. It has collected information on commonly discussed childhood mental health issues like Attention Deficit Disease, on the impact of aging, on personality, and much more. It also offers good advice on maintaining your brain’s health.
The following websites are likely to change, so check often for new information.
This site primarily lists current US government sponsored research and released papers but they have a number of helpful resources for families including a study about how reading to babies and older children helps build their vocabulary and ability to understand language, making a child’s development proceed much easier. They have a good page with warning signs to look for in family members, mental health conditions overviews, and fact sheets specific to your state. There is also educational materials and classes available to attend.
This site features facts about mental illness. Especially helpful is a discussion about the different types of mental health professionals that can help people. It also answers questions about Affordable Care Medical Insurance coverage for mental health services. It offers online talk sessions and access to finding help.
Call 1-800-273-8255
Or chat online.
Suicide is one of the top causes of death in the US. If having thoughts about suicide, collecting supplies or planning for suicide, call the hotline immediately. Or call a family physician or walk into any health care office and ask for help. People will respond and provide the needed treatment.
The Center for Disease Control collects facts and data and performs research on a variety of health issues including mental health issues. They have a section on Childhood Mental Disorders and have tools to find appropriate health care professionals based on the type of service needed. They also have a section on childhood development and parenting tips.
Mental health resources especially appointments for US Armed Services Veterans has a referral service, connects to get appointments and has a topical search on mental illness topics.
It may seem hard to start with someone new, with an uncomfortable subject so a primary physician might be a best choice. Family members can also go along or set up appointments.