The ultimate goal of those with a mental disorder and the people who love them is balance: emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral. A Balanced Life offers nine clear-cut, effective strategies for building a supportive relationship with someone who has a mental illness--while also taking care of yourself.
"A unique blend of inspiration, compassion, and practical advice. Every person coming to grips with the mental health problems of a loved one deserves to hear the message of hope, love, and faith infused within this book."
--Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D., author of The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness
"Effective, practical strategies for families and friends of people who struggle with mental illness. Each chapter is punctuated by real stories of hope, as well as questions for discussion or personal reflection. A handy, useful toolkit."
--Herbert E. Mandell, M.D., national medical director of KidsPeace
"An invaluable resource. I wish my own loved ones had had it sooner. I'll be sharing it with them now. Highly recommended."
--Marya Hornbacher, author of Madness: A Bipolar Life
Read through chapter one of: A Balanced Life. This file is in PDF format.
Tom Smith is the co-founder of the Karla Smith Foundation, which supports parents and loved ones of mentally ill people. The foundation was named after his daughter, Karla, who suffered from bipolar disorder before eventually taking her own life.
Also available as an E-book available to purchase from your favorite e-book retailer.
The ultimate goal of those with a mental disorder and the people who love them is balance: emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral. A Balanced Life offers nine clear-cut, effective strategies for building a supportive relationship with someone who has a mental illness -- while also taking care of yourself.
