Schizophrenia: A Blueprint for Recovery

This has been one of the only things helping me through the last few months since my fiancé’s hospitalization. It was hard to read at first because I recognized the authors struggle as something I’ve seen so close and personally and it struck a chord, but it’s helped me so much. As someone who has worked in psych hospitals as a counselor, who is a current autism specialist therapist and in school to become a clinical psychologist you feel like you’re prepared for these things but honestly you’re not. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are or what field you’re in, I promise you you’re not. This book has helped me understand him, and manage my own emotions. If I could shake Milt Greek’s hand I would. I’ve even caught the fiancé flipping through it once or twice even though he’ll say he hasn’t.

I went and purchased a ton of books besides this one on the same day. After I read through it, I found it very useful - well at least for me anyways as I have similar problems in my life. I could really relate to the writer and he even got me convince to go through with seeing a psychiatrist after having not seen one for a little over three years. His objective is not really to tell people to take medication by the way. That is just one route that can be taken. He actually went over many ways to deal with schizophrenia and its symptoms. And even if one did take medication, a therapist or counselor is important in addition to medication. It is possible to beat problems without medication using Vitamin B12 and other nutritional foods, but for some that may not be enough. It all depends on the person. Yes, the stuff I am mentioning was mentioned in the book he wrote. You just remember, you can not knock it until you try it.

Though short, and thus relatively expensive, this book was well worth the purchase. What I especially liked was Mr. Greek's explanation of why psychotic episodes are so convincing and at the same time, so confusing: because true and meaningful visions and/ or voices are mixed with meaningless and often negative "static." He also explains the religious "mystical" element of many psychoses. For those looking for a more scientific or medical explanation of schizophrenia, this book may not be for you. For instance, he doesn't talk about the different medications used to treat the illness. However, if you are looking for an honest book by a schizophrenic explaining what it is like to have such an illness and how best to help therapeutically and personally someone who has the illness, this book will definitely be very helpful to you.

Milt Greek is not dogmatic about treatment approaches and urges people to try anything that works. It's great to read a book by someone who appreciates the unique needs of each individual suffering from this complex illness. He supports any type of treatment that actually helps and offers many ideas to family members of people with the illness. He suggests that this book is appropriate for family members, professionals, and people with schizophrenia who have accepted the diagnosis and are in the process of recovery. The promise of potential recovery is wonderful. He presents a possible model for treatment.

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood diagnosis in my opinion. That opinion is based not on being trained in the field, but having a son that displays some of the symptoms in this book. My wonderment is whether drug abuse induced my sons symptoms, and my challenge is being a support without enabling him or damaging my own life journey. I like, and am amazed mostly that this book is written by someone who is recovered/recovering rather than by a field trained observer. You still may not agree with everything he says, but you can't help but come away with more knowledge and less fear.

A useful map of the thinking behind cognitive approaches to dealing with this extraordinary phenomenon. If you hear voices or know someone who does, you will find this book very helpful in filling in the gaps that many psychiatrists will not. Prescription meds are not for everyone - this book offers alternatives too.

I have given this to a friend that is experiencing this with the full hope that he will see himself in these pages. The end chapters were very specific on the types in general of delusions people work into and I thought it was spot on having known many people with this affliction. This was a breathe of fresh air Fantastic bibliography and links to helpful websites.

A little confusing to read but I’m sure there’s better books to help understand !

This is an excellent book on such an unsettling disorder, I recommend it as a first must read for people newly dealing with a loved one with schizophrenia. I am not newly dealing with my loved one however I sure would have liked to have read this book at the time that I was. The book is also very good for those not newly dealing with schizophrenia in a loved one as well because Mr. Greek provides first hand insight into this difficult disorder with a strong view for recovery. He writes very well and provides a lot of information in brief but concise chapters. Mr. Greek provides an overall view of schizophrenia which is why I recommend it as a first read. Since this disorder is so different for every individual no one book can define all situations hence more books will have to be read in order to deal with and understand the/your unique individuals problem, with that said, certainly Mr. Greek' book is a very good start!

I am grateful for this book and found it extremely informative and helpfulMilt is honest and knowledgeable about living with schizophrenia and how to best support someoneThanks

This book was a kind of revelation to my husband whose mother suffers from the disease. It is a book which shows that if the patient is aware of the problem he or she can be empowered to deal with the illness with support from psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Above all medication is the most important factor to keep the illness under control. Every caregiver of such patient should read the book.

I am a playwright writing a play which deals with schizophrenia. I've probably read 20 books on the subject. This is the first that allowed me to truly understand. So many questions answered. Highly recommend for family members to help their loved one through recovery. Would love to chat with the author. Incredible insight. Thank you mr.greek!

Fantastic explanations, useful practical help and advice. Positive guidelines for healing and hope for a life beyond psychosis. Must read.