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When Madness Comes Home: Review
Introduction from a Psychiatric Perspective
The main point of Secundas (1997) book When Madness Comes Home is that mental illness is not an isolated experience. It affects everyonethe patient, the patients family, and society, too. Secunda shows why it is important to understand this. She also offers a focused exploration of what it is like to live with someone who has a mental illness. The exploration yields helpful insights for those practicing psychiatry professionally as well as for family members of those who are mentally ill.
Part One: Breaking Points: Hostages of Mental Illness
In the first section, Secunda (1997) looks at the initial shockwaves that mental illness sends through a family. Whether it is a parent, sibling, or partner, the onset or revelation of mental illness is likened to a lightning strike that is sudden and devastating.
The strength of this section lies in its detailed examination of the varied experiences based on the relationship to the afflicted individual. The chapters dedicated to parents, siblings, and partners give a solid view of the challenges each group faces. However, even though the narratives are deeply moving, they might benefit from a fuller presentation of coping mechanisms specific to each relationship type, involving different therapies that could be of assistance.
Part Two: Reference Points: The Prism of Mental Illness
This section goes into the lived experiences of families, and puts light on the dual lives many lead - one within the confines of their home and another outside, in a society that often stigmatizes mental illness. It looks at the complexities that families face as they try to live normal lives while dealing with something abnormal at home. Secunda also (1997) contrasts families that can cope with this challenge to those that fail to cope, and why that is. Some insights into the factors that...…negative views, which can harm their self-image.
Empowerment and Education
Knowledge is power, especially when struggling with mental illness within a family. Families often have many questions; they have concerns about the genetic implications of mental illness ("Will I or my children suffer from this too?"); or they have practical questions about managing daily issues. Therapists should prioritize educating families about the specific mental illness, its potential causes, treatment options, and prognosis. They should demystify the situation. In so doing, they alleviate the fears and uncertainties. And when they give coping strategies, offer communication tools, and provide community resources, they empower families to become active participants in the recovery and coping process.
In conclusion, When Madness Comes Home is a solid work that offers a good view into the world of families affected by mental illness. It is a must-read for psychiatric professionals and families alike. It gives a much to reflect on in terms of real-world experiences…
References
Secunda, V. (1997). When Madness Comes Home: Help and Hope for Families of the Mentally
Ill. Hyperion.
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