Book Review: "This Book Will Change Your Mind About Mental Health" by Nathan Filer

Yes, I am still on a binge-read of mental health nonfiction, mostly those published by Penguin Books and mostly ones that I can read on my Kindle because they are quite bulky when they're good. Or, if they're not bulky, they are not the books you want to be caught reading in public as they look (though they are not) like self-help books to the untrained and unread eye. On my Amazon Recommendations, this book kept cropping up entitled: This Book Will Change Your Mind About Mental Health and I wondered if it would. And perhaps it did, though it wasn't in the way that I was expecting...

Filer begins by challenging conventional notions of mental illness, asking readers to reconsider what these terms truly mean. He explains how the labels we use—such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder—are often oversimplifications of complex human experiences. By highlighting the historical evolution of psychiatric diagnosis, Filer invites readers to question the frameworks we take for granted. Honestly, this is something that was pretty interesting because it challenges not just the common notions of mental illness, but also confronts the reader with how less common mental illnesses are not just there, but are rather a result of masses and masses of barraging with differing situations and genetics.

The book explores how the language used to describe mental health conditions can shape public perception and individual experiences. Filer argues that terms like “disorder” and “illness” can carry stigma, influencing how society views those affected. He suggests more empathetic and humanising ways to discuss mental health, focusing on the person rather than the diagnosis. Through this, he tells us these narratives about various people who suffered with mental illneses and how they are actually people with complex background narratives.

Filer incorporates moving stories from individuals who have lived with mental health challenges, offering readers a glimpse into their realities. These personal narratives highlight the diversity of experiences and underscore the importance of listening to those directly affected. Filer uses these accounts to bridge the gap between clinical theory and human understanding. This is definitive in the story of "Erica" which is one of the most compelling, complex and heartbreaking stories I have read in nonfiction mental health books.

The author pays particular attention to conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis, exploring the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. He explains how these diagnoses are often misunderstood, with sensationalised media portrayals contributing to fear and stigma. By unpacking the science behind these conditions, Filer demystifies them and encourages a more nuanced understanding. This is so important and I believe it is one of the most complex parts of the book. This intertwines with the narrative we get of "Erica" as it unravels more and more. We get these flashes of her life as it goes up and down and her psychosis is ridiculed by those around her. She is treated horribly.

The book examines the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health and its impact on those seeking help. Filer highlights how societal attitudes can prevent individuals from accessing care, exacerbate feelings of shame, and perpetuate discrimination. He advocates for a cultural shift towards acceptance and openness, where mental health is treated with the same respect as physical health. This definitely gets underway when we start to read about the case of Anne who is said to be suffering with insanity from dissatisfaction in love - this makes a lecture hall filled with mental health professionals burst out in laughter. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that this is probably one of the problems with mental health - not just the language but the professionals who are dealing with them have a hard time remaining professional. This is why I myself, am pretty sceptical about visiting mental health professionals or giving others the advice to do so. Condescending as they are, you have no idea whether the confidential remains confidential. Why take the risk?

In conclusion, Filer ends with a hopeful vision for the future of mental health care, advocating for systemic change that prioritises compassion, accessibility, and personalised support. He calls for investment in community-based services, greater integration of mental health into overall health care, and ongoing efforts to combat stigma. Filer inspires readers to be part of this change by fostering empathy and awareness in their own lives. I think that one of the main things we have to do for this is to get rid of the egotistical mental health professionals in the field who believe they are better than everyone else. You have no idea how many of them there are - it's quite shocking when you see the data.