BARABOO, Wis., March 18, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Many people can describe what madness may feel like with metaphors and symbols, but unless one has experienced mental illness, they never really understand it. That is why John P. Gallagher has written his new book, One Case History (now available through 1stBooks), which offers insight into his own battle with mental illness.
A survivor of an early and severe onset of mental illness, Gallagher walks readers through the arduous road to recovery. One Case History is written from the patient's perspective as he offers personal insight into the mind of the illness. Organized around psychiatric sessions and interventions, the book recounts significant personal events and relationships that affected him through the course of his recovery. Gallagher draws heavily on actual case notes written by his doctors and professionals treating him. Using these notes, he constructs a unique take on clinical assessments and brings readers closer to his troubled mind and emotions.
Intended as a teaching tool for professionals, One Case History also gives perspective and hope to struggling individuals. Throughout, he explains deep internal occurrences and psychiatric assessments in laymen's terms for easier comprehension, but it is his own characteristics and personality that is so revealing. Significant portions of the dialogue reflect his thought disorder throughout the course of the illness and the improvement in his symptoms and symptom management as his recovery progresses.
With a unique perspective unlike any other book, One Case History is an informative view into the mind of the mentally ill.
The author of several books for mental health consumers, Gallagher has received state grants to write books that help people with psychiatric disabilities access government programs. Those books include, Stress Kit Workbook, Gaining Access: Financial Benefits for the Disabled and Managed Health Care and You. In addition, he runs two nonprofit consumer based agencies and has served on numerous boards for other consumer based agencies. With two degrees, one in business administration and the other in information systems management, Gallagher continues writing and working for the mentally disabled.
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