The book is divided into chapters covering: the effects of psychiatric disability, as perceived by consumers, not in clinical terms, but in terms of discrimination experienced as a result of a disclosed psychiatric diagnosis. It begins with one personÆs story, which is an effective touch. . . . [This book] is all quite easy to read. . . . The writing is forceful when it needs to be, and usually lets its facts speak for themselves without too much over explaining. A welcome addition to the armoury (especially if you know any service-providers who are seeking some guidance.).
~Mental Health Net
Wahl . . . changes the focus from the individual to the wider society and the many ways in which the interactions between the individual and society increase the difficulty of living successfully despite a diagnosis. He identifies stigma and discrimination as significant problems faced by this population. His key informants are diagnosed people themselves. . . . Despite his detailing of the widespread stigma consumers face, ultimately WahlÆs message in this book is one of hope and possibilities.
~The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
While there has been some research done on the effects and presence of stigma and discrimination in the lives of those diagnosed with mental illnesses, there is a dearth of literature that engages consumers themselves in speaking about their experience of discrimination. In this book, Wahl explains the research done. It used a combination of interviews and questionnaires. . . . [WahlÆs book] is quite easy to read. . . . The writing is forceful when it needs to be, and usually lets its facts speak for themselves without too much over explaining. A welcome addition.
~Metapsycbology
Dr. WahlÆs book gives those who suffer from mental illnesses an eloquent voice. Through their own words, consumers allow us a glimpse of life as they know it, struggling to overcome devastating diseases while withstanding the misconceptions, isolation, and discriminationùthe stigmaùthat society imposes upon them.
~Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and head of the Carter Center Mental Health Program
These revelations by psychiatric survivors should shatter stereotypes forever. Otto WahlÆs book is must-reading for policy makers, media professionals, and all informed Americans.
~Jean Arnold, National Stigma Clearinghouse