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You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families Hardcover – September 20, 2022
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Written with authority and compassion, this is the essential resource for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, featuring inspiring, true stories from real people in their own words.
Millions of people in the United States are affected by mental illness every year, and the Covid-19 pandemic only further exposed the shortcomings of the American mental health system. Too many are confused, afraid, and overwhelmed, with many asking themselves the same questions: What does it mean when different doctors give me different diagnoses? What if my insurance won’t cover my treatment? Will I ever feel better? Families and friends are often left in the dark about how best to help their loved ones, from dealing with financial and logistical issues, to handling the emotional challenges of loving someone who is suffering.
You Are Not Alone is here to offer help. Written by Dr. Ken Duckworth with the wisdom of a psychiatrist and the vulnerability of a peer, this comprehensive guide centers the poignant lived experiences of over 125 individuals from across the country whose first-person stories illustrate the diversity of mental health journeys. This book also provides
Practical guidance on dealing with a vast array of mental health conditions and navigating care Research-based evidence on what treatments and approaches work
Insight and advice from renowned clinical experts and practitioners
This singular resource―the first book from the National Alliance on Mental Illness―is a powerful reminder that help is here, and you are never alone.
- Print length432 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherZando
- Publication dateSeptember 20, 2022
- Dimensions6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- ISBN-101638930007
- ISBN-13978-1638930006
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You Are Not Alone
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You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers
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Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars 447
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4.8 out of 5 stars 17
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Price | $11.30$11.30 | $19.51$19.51 |
Reviews | “Powerful and poignant, this book is for anyone who has struggled with mental health challenges.” ―Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone | “Makes the complex world of children’s mental health accessible to all while uplifting the voices and experiences of real parents and caregivers.” ―Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the On Purpose podcast |
Complete your NAMI Library | Provides practical guidance on dealing with a vast array of mental health conditions and navigating care, as well as research-based evidence on what treatments and approaches work. | Provides insights into how mental health conditions may manifest at different ages, what kind of interventions may be necessary, and what to do to help kids thrive. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Powerful and poignant, this book is for anyone who has struggled with mental health challenges. As a therapist myself, I value the bravery with which these people share their personal experiences to help destigmatize mental health for others. Let’s talk about it all.” ―Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
“In this invaluable book, Dr. Duckworth amplifies the voices of real people who have dealt with mental illness, both doctors and patients. His crowd-sourced method will help people facing similar challenges feel connected to a vast community. If you read this book, you cannot feel alone in your struggles.” ―Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree
“Wonderful and necessary. Dr. Duckworth provides excellent clinical information and practical advice, placing it within the deeply human context provided by those who know firsthand the pain of depression, trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.” ―Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD, professor of psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and author of An Unquiet Mind
“Families dealing with mental illness, which means virtually all families, need a guide that conveys hope, wisdom, and actionable information. You Are Not Alone is that guide. Unlike previous books, this is a practical guide to help all of us navigate the stormy seas of a loved one’s mental illness. A must-read.” ―Thomas Insel, MD, former director of the National Institutes of Mental Health and author of Healing
“A unique, hopeful catalog of first-person lived experience with mental health collated by a humane, experienced clinician. These shared journeys will help others feel less isolated and overwhelmed. Highly recommended as an essential guide for every physician, mental health provider, and program dealing with any aspect of mental health. You Are Not Alone is a treasure.” ―Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD, author of What Happened to You
"An important book for mental health practitioners and clients alike, You Are Not Alone emphasizes the power of community. This wonderful book poignantly highlights the struggles and successes of individuals with mental health conditions and presents comprehensive, useful information from leading experts. Dr. Duckworth has provided an impressive guide for coping with mental health challenges through connection with others." ―Judith S. Beck, PhD, President, Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
About the Author
Ken Duckworth, MD, is the chief medical officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and has worked with NAMI since 2003. Ken is board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, and is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He was previously acting commissioner and medical director at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Ken has worked on an assertive community treatment team, at an early psychosis program, at an elementary school, at a health plan, and with people who are unhoused. His passion for this work comes from his loving dad who had bipolar disorder. Ken lives with his family in Boston.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. nami.org | @namicommunicate
Product details
- Publisher : Zando (September 20, 2022)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 432 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1638930007
- ISBN-13 : 978-1638930006
- Item Weight : 1.58 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #67,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #34 in Mood Disorders (Books)
- #81 in Depression (Books)
- #188 in Popular Psychology Pathologies
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book helpful for navigating mental health issues, highlighting various therapeutic approaches and strategies, and featuring information from real people living with conditions. Moreover, the book is easy to read and understand, filled with inspiring stories of hope, and customers appreciate its compassionate and authentic approach. Additionally, they value its organization and thought leadership, with one customer noting it doesn't condescend.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book helpful for navigating mental health issues, highlighting various therapeutic approaches and strategies, and including information from real people living with conditions.
"...His approach reframes addiction, viewing it not as a personal failing but as a multifaceted condition often rooted in trauma, mental health disorders..." Read more
"...The book is part self-help guide-- for instance, what steps to take for a suicidal teen, how to find a therapist or how to navigate the legal system..." Read more
"...It doesn't condescend, it connects to you the reader and shows you options and examples, with resources...." Read more
"...in a very accessible language, the book approaches mental health challenges across all diagnoses, and helps the reader wherever they are on their..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and understand.
"Dr. Duckworth's book is an extremely readable guide for dealing with all different kids of mental illness...." Read more
"...Join NAMI and add a book to to your bedside. Easy reading, take your time." Read more
"...Written in a very accessible language, the book approaches mental health challenges across all diagnoses, and helps the reader wherever they are on..." Read more
"This book is thoughtfully written and covers a lot of topics related to mental health from a lot of different perspectives. Would recommend." Read more
Customers appreciate the stories in the book, which are filled with hope and are relatable.
"...book, he highlights various therapeutic approaches and strategies, offering hope and tangible solutions for those affected by mental illness...." Read more
"...It's educational and includes great examples and stories." Read more
"...health conditions-- and part testimonial, full of interesting, real stories by people who have suffered from all kinds of mental illness or lived..." Read more
"...There is always room for hope which is very important for all." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's empathetic approach, with one customer noting how it reassures readers, while another mentions how it fosters understanding through a welcoming community of love.
"...He emphasizes how a supportive community can foster understanding, resilience, and healing, reinforcing the idea that shared experiences can create..." Read more
"...stories about people with mental illnesses and the loved ones whom they supported. There is always room for hope which is very important for all." Read more
"...Like NAMI at large, this book represents a welcoming community of love, support, and empathy that exists across generations, identities, states and..." Read more
"...It’s honest, real and compassionate. It’s written in accessible language understandable by all...." Read more
Customers appreciate the thought leadership of the book, with one customer noting it doesn't condescend, while others describe it as beautiful and endearing.
"...of snippets and stories from people's lives that are funny, sad, endearing and helpful...." Read more
"...Thanks to NAMI and Ken Duckworth for this invaluable guide. It doesn't condescend, it connects to you the reader and shows you options and examples,..." Read more
"...with mental health challenges, as a doctor, and as a caring, thoughtful human being...." Read more
"Such a beautiful book, full of stories that every person working in mental health should hear...." Read more
Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book.
"...book expertly weaves a myriad of relevant themes into 400+ truly honest pages, itself a reminder that none of us are alone as we grapple with the..." Read more
"...It’s honest, real and compassionate. It’s written in accessible language understandable by all...." Read more
"...This means he "gets it" on a personal level, which makes this book feel 100% authentic. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMMENDED!" Read more
"...There is nothing ideological in this book, just real, hard earned wisdom from Dr. Duckworth who has devoted his career to the topic and the many..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's organization.
"...the art treatments, research and recovery tools are included and organized so well. Out of the gate, it is a classic." Read more
"...and to the brave people and experts supporting such a wonderful organization as NAMI...." Read more
"...NAMI is an excellent organization that truly has compassion and understanding necessary." Read more
"...This incredibly well written and well organized book can help family members navigate and understand how to help and sympathize with those..." Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A beacon of hope and a wellspring of knowledge regarding mental health challenges
Ken Duckworth's You Are Not Alone is a profound exploration of the intricacies of mental health, offering readers both solace and scientific insight into the workings of the human mind. As a psychiatrist and passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Duckworth brings personal insight and professional expertise to the forefront, crafting a narrative that resonates deeply with readers.
Through a unique blend of personal stories and cutting-edge neuroscience, he effectively demystifies mental illness, making it accessible to everyone, whether directly affected or seeking understanding. Duckworth’s empathetic approach reassures readers that they are not alone in their struggles and that recovery is achievable. Throughout the book, he highlights various therapeutic approaches and strategies, offering hope and tangible solutions for those affected by mental illness.
For example, “The Impact of Trauma” is a particularly insightful chapter that compassionately explores how traumatic experiences shape mental health. Duckworth adeptly guides readers through the complex ways trauma can affect individuals, providing both depth and clarity on a frequently misunderstood topic. He breaks down the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, allowing readers to grasp its significant influence on mental and emotional well-being. This chapter also stands out for its actionable, evidence-based healing options, such as therapy modalities like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as moving meditation and breathwork.
Furthermore, Duckworth delivers a poignant exploration of addiction, offering valuable insights into its complexities and profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. His approach reframes addiction, viewing it not as a personal failing but as a multifaceted condition often rooted in trauma, mental health disorders, and environmental factors. Again, he underscores the importance of finding appropriate support systems and therapeutic approaches, empowering readers on their journeys.
In the chapter "The Power of Peers and Community" Duckworth beautifully illustrates the transformative role that social connections play in mental health and recovery. He emphasizes how a supportive community can foster understanding, resilience, and healing, reinforcing the idea that shared experiences can create a sense of belonging and hope. Duckworth’s insights highlight the profound impact of peer support, encouraging readers to seek out and cultivate relationships that empower them on their journey to well-being.
You Are Not Alone is more than just a guide; it is a beacon of hope and understanding for those facing mental health challenges. This book is an essential read for anyone striving to deepen their insight into mental health issues and serves as an invaluable resource for navigating its complexities with enhanced empathy and awareness.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025Highly recommend if you're starting from ground zero trying to learn about mental health. It's educational and includes great examples and stories.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022Dr. Duckworth's book is an extremely readable guide for dealing with all different kids of mental illness. The book is part self-help guide-- for instance, what steps to take for a suicidal teen, how to find a therapist or how to navigate the legal system around mental health conditions-- and part testimonial, full of interesting, real stories by people who have suffered from all kinds of mental illness or lived through a family member's suffering.
So, the book is perfectly targeted to two different groups of people. If you are searching for specific steps to take in response to a mental illness question or situation, Dr. Duckworth's book has your answers. Do I need help? Is my teen just being a teen or does he/she need help? What to do if someone you love is having an acute crisis or is suicidal? How do I find a therapist? How do I find a support group? How do I handle the shame or the blame I am feeling? All of these questions and so many more are answered with concrete, practical advice.
If on the other hand, you just want to hear from other people like you who have lived through mental illness themselves or the illness of their child or parent--in other words, to know that you are not alone-- Dr. Duckworth's book is uniquely for you. There are hundreds of snippets and stories from people's lives that are funny, sad, endearing and helpful. I loved the one about a man who drew scene on an Etch-a-Sketch, took it to his son and basically said that this was the father's plan for the son's happy life. The father then shook and erased the Etch-a-Sketch and then asked the son what was the son's plan? Stories full of this kind of neighborly wisdom are throughout the book and make it not only an enjoyable, but helpful read.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2024This book changed my life at a time when my 47 year old son needed help the most. He had been in and out of jails, multiple jobs, homeless, yet he is lovable. When he had a psychotic episode, he was arrested and placed in a Key West Jail. I was reading this book at the same time. It was beginning to dawn on me that officials and even mental health care facilities were not aware of a new paradigm and approach to mental health. Even the language defining mental health causes a divide , or shame for the person or family members involved with having athought or emotional disorder. It can be severe, but there is help. NAMI ( National Alliance on Mental Illness) has a new vision and approach that makes a difference.
I was able to communicate better to my son, the authorities and an attorney, that my son just needed help. The judge and District attorney created a pathway for my son to be free and help himself.
He was to get diagnosed, and do the medicines and treatments as prescribed for 90 days. He had no choice like many people do.
After 60 days, I had my son "back". He found employment he likes and has been stable for a year now. First time in 30 years.
He loves stability and goes to support groups. He gives back in those groups and is able to have insight for the first time ever.
He calls and writes to us at least 3 times a week.
Thanks to NAMI and Ken Duckworth for this invaluable guide. It doesn't condescend, it connects to you the reader and shows you options and examples, with resources.
It should be in libraries, jails, prisons, and mental health clinics. THEY REALLY NEED A PAPERBACK VERSION. Hardcovers can be used as a weapon in jails.
Join NAMI and add a book to to your bedside. Easy reading, take your time.