Book Review: Mental Illness Is an Asshole: And Other Observations

“In a world where friends are assholes, parents are assholes, even adorable, little three-year-olds are assholes, there is no reason that psychological disorders get a pass,” writes Gabe Howard. Howard, who hosts The Psych Central Show podcast and writes for Psych Central on the topics of bipolar and mental illness, is known for his fun, entertaining and eminently useful observations about mental illness. He writes, “Bipolar, clinical depression, schizophrenia and the like have no respect for the people whose lives they impact.” In his new book, Mental Illness Is an Asshole – And Other Observations, Howard offers a straightforward, nothing held back look at mental illness. He begins by asking, “How do I know if I am crazy?” As it turns out, it’s the wrong question. Howard writes, “First we need to discuss that mental illness — or ‘crazy’ — exists on a spectrum, just as physical illness does. A person with stage four cancer and a person with a headache can both be described as physically ill, but there is a world of difference between the two.” Howard goes on to explain that the general public doesn’t truly understand the depths of mental illness or how it can impact a person. “A person living with bipolar experiences depression, mania, rage, or some other undesirable outcome and those around us are quick to blame the person instead of the illness,” writes Howard. Perhaps due to the social reception those with bipolar often...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Bipolar Book Reviews Depression Disorders General Habits Happiness Healthy Living Memory and Perception Motivation and Inspiration Panic Disorder Personal Stories Psychology Schizophrenia Self-Esteem Self-Help Sti Source Type: news