The first text to systematically examine the psychological and social aspects of psychiatric disability--this collection of articles by researchers, professionals, consumers, and family members bridges scholarly research, professional knowledge and practice, and the human experience of people who live with mental illness. For students in rehabilitation, psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing, social work, occupational therapy, or any of the helping professions, Psychological and Social Aspects of Psychiatric Disability provides a solid foundation for understanding the human experience of mental illness--the impact that both the illness and the helping systems can have on an individual, as well as the impact that society in general can have on a person struggling to recover from mental illness. For professionals, this text broadens traditional thinking about psychiatric disability and the provision of services, offering new strategies to help encourage and sustain recovery, and renewed hope that people with psychiatric disabilities can learn to cope successfully with their disability and lead fulfilling lives. For people with psychiatric disabilities and their families, these writings confirm that they have been heard, that their experiences matter, and that their experiences and insights will impact how services are provided in the future. -- from the publisher Table of Contents : The Recovery Process Coping and Adaptation The Family The Helping Culture Self-Help Barriers to Recovery Advocacy and Empowerment The Experience of Recovery |