Patient Perspectives
On this page: books, videos, and podcasts presenting lived experiences of mental health or substance abuse disorders.
**These sources present subjective experiences. They are not evidence-based.**
Highlighted Books, Spring 2021
Marbles by Publication Date: 2012
Mind Without a Home by Publication Date: 2013
Nobody Nowhere by Publication Date: 1998
The PDA Paradox by Publication Date: 2019
Quitter by Publication Date: 2020
Videos
Featured Videos:
Video Collections (Rutgers Restricted:
- Counseling and Therapy in Video, Volumes I and II Counseling and Therapy in Video provides a rich online collection of video for the study of social work, psychotherapy, psychology, and psychiatric counseling. Videos are presented from multiple perspectives and include counseling sessions, consultations, interviews, demonstrations, and lectures. A searchable transcript accompanies each video. Index terms are assigned to each video to aid in searching. The Alexander Street video platform offers the ability to create playlists, create video clips, permalink to videos, and embed videos in course management systems.
Living with Mental Illness (series by WQED Pittsburgh):
- Bipolar Disorder Bob Regis had a family, a solid career and a promising future ahead of him. That was until bipolar disorder derailed his life. In this story, Bob shares his personal battle with bipolar disorder, which is a mood disorder characterized by depressive lows and manic highs. He also explains how he regained control of his life and how he now uses his illness as a platform to help other people.
- Depression People often say they’re feeling depressed. But major depression is a serious illness which affects millions of people of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. During this conversation, Dr. Gary Swanson from the Allegheny Health Network explains the symptoms of major depression, while local school teacher Brenda Weingartner shares details of her long battle with the illness, including how she finally found relief.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder affects about 2.2 million men and women in America (nimh.nih.gov). Experts say it tends to be underdiagnosed and undertreated, mainly because it takes years for people to get help. In this story, Dr. Alicia Kaplan from the Allegheny Health Network explains the characteristics of OCD and the different treatment options available, while Squirrel Hill native Jordan Pearlman shares how the illness has affected his everyday life. This segment is part of WQED's "Living With Mental Illness" campaign in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. For more information, click over to http://wqed.org/mentalillness
- Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a severe developmental brain disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to think clearly. While it affects only about 1% of the population, it is a traumatic illness for individuals and their families. In this report, Dr. Michael Rancurello from the Allegheny Health Network talks about the importance of early intervention. We also talk with local artist DJ Jackson, who explains how schizophrenia took over his life and what helps him stay on track.
Podcasts
- Fireflies Unite
Fireflies Unite is a weekly podcast from the perspective of individuals thriving with a mental illness created by suicide survivor T-Kea Blackman. The mission of the podcast is to bring light into darkness (just like the fireflies), encourage people of color to seek treatment and end the stigma and raise awareness. - In the Open
Each week, America and Theresa (and sometimes special guests) discuss a different mental health topic. The topics come from questions Mental Health America hears from people with lived experience with mental illness. - Mental Illness Happy Hour
The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly online podcast that interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking. - No Feeling is Final
Creator Honor Eastly "narrates her own experiences with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and living under the scrutiny of what she calls The Voice."
*All descriptions adapted from their respective homepages.