"Many books have described the population of long term mental health service users, the services needed and how these might be organized. However, this is the first book to concentrate specifically on working, on a day-to-day basis, as allies with individuals who are seriously disabled by ongoing mental health problems, thus enabling the users to gain control of their own destinies as far as possible." "Emphasis is placed on understanding the experience of mental health problems, the effects that these can have on a person's life and the ways in which acceptable and effective support can be provided." "Working Alongside People with Long Term Mental Health Problems will be invaluable to anyone striving to create good relationships with, and provide support for, people who have serious mental health problems in the context of health or Social Services, whether in the voluntary or independent sector. It will be relevant to nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and occupational therapists, as well as those who are not professionally qualified. In addition, it is essential reading for students, from Diploma to post-registration courses, in all professions associated with mental health services ranging from occupational therapy to clinical psychology."--BOOK JACKET.