Madness Made Me
O'Hagan, MaryFrom psychiatric wards through to the hallowed halls of the United Nations, Mary O'Hagan has had the full gamut of experience in the mental health sphere. With her belief in the value of 'madness' Mary channelled her experiences of the New Zealand mental health service and those of her fellow sufferers into committed advocacy, culminating in her roles as the Mental Health Commissioner and more recently as an international mental health consultant.
Sometimes uncomfortable, always honest and uniquely insightful, this is an important and thought-provoking personal account of the full human experience of 'madness', and its place in our society.
Pages
260
260
Year
2014
2014
Reviews
28-02-2024
This book was difficult and uncomfortable to read, but sparked very interesting lively discussion.
08-06-2023
Generally enjoyed by all. We had a lively discussion about the book, the author, the situation in mental health care in N.Z. We thought the book well-written, thought provoking and enlightening.
08-06-2023
An interesting insight into the changes in the mental health system. Not a fun read and a bit ponderous in parts but but engendered good discussion.
11-05-2023
Generated a very lively, personal experiences discussion - didn't need the questions!
05-12-2022
This book, although not enjoyed by most of the group, generated the most discussion we have had about any of the books we read this year. We were all in agreement that the book raised some interesting points and that some of her ideas had merit. The issue of drugs and their side effects merited plenty of discussion. The writer's insight into her illness and ability to move forward with her life was commended but some found her tedious and rather unrealistic and naive in her hopes of the mental health service.
10-10-2022
Lots of discussion ensued after most members finished the book.
04-08-2022
A real eye-opener - great book for generating discussion.
20-06-2022
By far the most interesting parts of the book are the author's and Janet's two versions of their experiences. The health professionals in our group found it more interesting than others.
27-08-2021
Mixed feelings - some enjoyed, some not, and some couldn't finish it. Depressing story and not one to read if you are already under mental pressure. Some found it very triggering. A good insight into her personal experience.
05-05-2021
One of the best discussions we have had. What a remarkable woman!
16-10-2019
Everyone was pleased to have been given the chance to read this book. The second half was hard going but made our members very much more aware of this terrible situation. Most had someone they knew who had been in the system.
15-03-2019
Everyone found the book meaningful and disturbing. We appreciated the wonderful description of her feelings and experiences. Several of the group had experience of a family member who had engaged with mental health services.
15-03-2019
Compelling reading. Amazing achievement by author.
15-03-2019
Our group really enjoyed and appreciated this book - well written with such a powerful and moving story. Probably our best discussion for years.
15-03-2019
A lively discussion followed this book. Many admired the writer's courage, energy and zeal, and her insight as a previous patient. We agreed solutions to the health problems are difficult and expensive.
20-07-2018
We really enjoyed the opportunity to read this book. A mind-shift from seeing 'madness' as a clinical problem to be fixed with external measures, to learning to accept others (or yourself) with 'mad' tendencies and techniques for dealing with it. We all had someone in our lives who made these comments very relatable.
20-07-2018
The book was considered thought provoking, enlightening and educational. Perhaps the author's expectations of the ideal recovery situation are unlikely to be fulfilled at this time.
20-07-2018
Questions led to very wide-ranging discussions. There are so many varying types of mental illness and peoples' success with treatments that it's impossible to generalise. The book's message was to seek a way to accept and manage rather than to expect a cure.