An educator and community advocate, Rapazzini explains she wrote this guide to act as an entryway for people to step outside their “comfort zones” and engage in conversation about mental health issues. Information gleaned from multiple focus groups over time regarding thoughts and experiences with a range of mental health topics combine with the author’s knowledge to form the basis for the material. Areas addressed include understanding mental health disorders, addressing myths, overcoming fear and stigma, treatment options, advice on choosing a therapist, and medication management. Additionally covered are children’s mental health concerns, accessing education and support, and advice for balanced well-being. Acknowledging the subject matter is complex and can be frightening, Rapazzini explains her book seeks to counter misinformation, using many real-life anecdotes and the occasional touch of good humor to destigmatize and provide accurate, actionable information.

Scientific jargon is abandoned in favor of easy, accessible language. Incredibly user-friendly and straightforward, the material—including stories culled from real-life experiences and direct, honest advice provided by a professional in the field—is all easily relatable and shared as though in a personal conversation with the author. This strength is complimented by a stylistic approach valuing the importance of a well-defined, simple chapter and book structure, maintaining a general ease of use for the reader as a priority. Because the main goal here is the sharing of often sensitive information with its unique “fraught” characteristics around which many people tiptoe, the tidy, well-maintained structure Rapazzini employs in the organization and scope of the material proves to be this guide’s greatest asset. As the author suggests, the book can function as a guide on a journey. After learning more about mental health issues and how they affect individuals, with an overview of many treatment options, the reader is better equipped to pursue resources beneficial to themselves or loved ones.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home