One great way to learn about your mental illness or understand that of a loved one is to read about it. There are many book out there that are written by doctors, psychologist, therapists, patients and family members. Knowing which one to recommend can be hard as I certainly have not read them all. My patients often recommend books to me with the aim of me passing this on to others. Usually I write this in their notes but always fail to find it when someone asks me for a recommendation. So this book review page is my attempt to create a list of personal recommendation that everyone can share. The success of the page will depend on your contributions. So feel free to write a review and send it to me. Simply go to our contact page and email me.To start us of, a very nice patient of mine has given me a few reviews on some books that have had a great impact on her.

Dr Jason Pace

"Hi, I have been a patient of The Hills Clinic for 2 years. I have been diagnosed with Major Depression and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have always had a love of books and reading. Even in my darkest moments, when I couldn't get out of bed, I could still manage to pick up a book and read. At the suggestion of my Doctor, I picked up the book "Back from the Brink". I can admit to being sceptical, as I have never been a big fan of the 'Self Help' books... but this one was different... it was more informative than self help. A simple book of real life stories. So I went looking for more 'informative' type books and found the beautifully written book on understanding Borderline Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified. At the suggestion of my Psychologist, I did venture down the path of Self Help with the book "Re-inventing your Life", but this was a book not like any self help book I have read before and from the very first paragraph, I found myself learning and finding real understanding. For me, a part of my recovery has come from reading and gaining real insight into my illnesses and finding hope, understanding and the realisation..... that I am not alone.. That other people out there are truly in the same battle that I am in, right down to specific behaviours. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy books, then I wish you all Happy Reading..."

Reinventing Your Life - Jeffrey E Young, Ph.D, and Janet S. Klosko, Ph.D
Forward by Aaron Beck, M.D. - Founder of Cognitive Therapy.
This book talks about "Life Traps" - described as "Chronic, self defeating personality patterns". These are patterns of negative behaviour that will begin in child hood and that we carry with us through to adult hood. Behaviours that we do not even realise are destructive because we have simply 'always been that way'.... in other words, we know no different. This book is a real eye opener for anyone who may suffer from a personality disorder. The book is written entirely around real life case studies, which allow us as readers to truly relate to what we are reading but more importantly we realise that our behaviours, whilst something we want to change, are not that uncommon after all and that other people out there are battling the same problems. I guess the best way to describe it is a feeling of 'you are not alone'. This book also has some questionnaires and exercises for you to complete, but they are fairly simple and un-complex and you will, I believe, learn a lot about yourself. A really excellent Self Help style book.

Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified - Robert O. Friedel, MD

This beautifully written book is an absolute must read for anyone who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. It will allow you to totally and completely understand your diagnoses and the illness that no doubt has a major impact on your life.
From the first page to the last, the thing that stands out the most to me is the genuine passion of the author with regard to this subject. The author is not simply just another psychiatrist, but more importantly is a Brother, whose Sister suffered from this debilitating disorder, during a time when little acknowledgement was given to the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Robert Friedel made it his life's work to study BPD and help those who suffer from it. This book has been written in the most simplest language, making it very easy for people to understand and not get lost in medical jargon and really big words. There are also some wonderfully written chapters aimed at the families of suffers and how they can understand the illness and help their loved ones. Often one needs to understand their illness before they are truly open to seeking help and being pro-active in their recovery... I believe this book will start you on the right path. A book of Hope!

Back from the Brink, Australians tell their stories of Overcoming Depression - Graeme Cowan
(Available from www.iambackfromthebrink.com   )
This fascinating book is not one of Miracle happy endings. It is simply a very honest, warts and all account, of 12 Australia's, some famous, some not, and their journey through Depression. Graeme Cowan is an everyday Australian who has suffered from Depression for many years. In this book he gives a no holds bar raw account of what he went through, including his attempts on his life and his journey "back from the brink". Graeme is not some seasoned writer full of fancy words. This book is simply a transcript of his interviews with each of the Australians featured and his own words to describe his personal journey. I have had the pleasure of hearing Graeme speak in person and he truly is just a simple, down to earth, everyday man, no different from any of us, except he chose to share his story in the hope that it may help someone else. This book also list some wonderful resources, out in the Community, that are available to sufferers. There is also a chapter on the many treatments available. As you read each Australians story, you will come to see that what works for one does not always work for everyone, but never be afraid to try until you find the right treatment for you!
Fascinating and Honest.