This is a remarkable book. Its author, Graham Morgan, has been well known in Scotland and beyond for many years due to his tireless work for those suffering from mental illness. He is best known for his work with the Highland Users Group (HUG) and now works for the Mental Welfare Commission in Scotland. He was involved in the drafting of the Scottish Mental Health Care and Treatment Act (2003). Ironically, he is now detained under this act on a Compulsory Community Treatment Order and, indeed, was detained for much of the time he spent writing this book.
The book documents his decades of involvement with psychiatric services, the institutions in which they were provided and the individuals who worked in these services, as well as those who used them. Graham himself was given a diagnosis of schizophrenia, which he acknowledges he has difficulty accepting, though he does recognise that he often ends up in hospital when he does not take the medication prescribed. Graham writes vividly and quickly engages the reader. He describes the full range of emotions he has experienced on his journey, including sadness, regret, loss and hurt but also joy and fulfilment. Particularly poignant is his account of the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent separation from his wife and son, whom he has not seen or heard from for years.
Graham's account is characterised by a noteworthy generosity of spirit and his descriptions of his treatment and those treating him highlight this, but also contain much from which clinicians can learn. His thoughts on his ambivalence about his diagnosis and medication are interesting, particularly his comments on pharmaceutical companies which are more nuanced than many would predict – for example, he says: ‘if I had typhoid I wouldn't say “I hate these pharmaceutical companies!”’
The book ends on an upbeat note. Graham reflects with gratitude on his current situation and especially his relationships with his new partner, Wendy, her children, and his work. This story highlights that people with severe mental illness can live worthwhile and fulfilled lives. It is a tale which inspires hope. This reviewer not only read this book, but interviewed Graham about it in front of an audience of Scottish psychiatrists. A previous Chief Executive of the Scottish Mental Welfare Commission was in the audience; he commented that all members of the Mental Health Tribunal should read this book. They should, and so should many others.
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