Those PeopleLearn to love, care for, and respect people struggling with mental illness with Those People.
In this gentle, wise, and informative book, Judy Davis offers a guide for the family, friends, and caregivers of those with mental illness, explaining the key types of mental illness, what it feels like from the patient's point of view, and how family and friends can help—or hurt!—the process of recovery.
Davis was inspired to write Those People after a patient asked her if she would call her pastor and explain “bipolar” because “he just doesn’t get it.” This book offers insight and practical help to anyone–family, friends, teachers, coaches, pastors, employers–who cares for or knows someone with mental illness.
Well-researched yet non-technical, Those People is a must-have, easy to understand, gentle, wise, and caring guidebook for anyone in relationship with someone suffering from mental illness.
Read excerpts from the book—
Chapter 5: "I wanna do it my way!" (eating disorders and other controlling behaviors)
What is bipolar disorder?
Can't they just "snap out of it"?
Should I visit someone when they're in the mental hospital?
What if I think someone needs help?
What should I—and shouldn't I—say to a friend who's struggling?
How do I know if it's really anorexia?
Anyone and everyone. Chances are, whether you know it or not, you are in the life of someone suffering from a mental illness. Learning to recognize the signs, encourage someone to get help when they need it, and be a friend through the whole process is a vital part of being in Christian community. While pastors and caregivers in particular need to be attuned to these needs, anyone should be ready to help a neighbor in need.
"Those People by Judy Davis is a wonderfully educational treatise on what it means to know and work with people that suffer with mental illness. As a practicing physician, I see people every day that must cope with mental illness, either in themselves or in caring for a loved one. Judy's book is filled with practical knowledge, insight, and empathy; I certainly learned a thing or two–wisdom that I can use every day in my general practice."
Michael Peters, M.D.
Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians
"In Those People, Judith Davis has picked a title that speaks volumes. Most of us do not know how to relate to the mentally ill; they are the Other, apart from us, alien and sometimes even feared. Those afflicted feel this separation so keenly and with such great pain that they come to believe that they are indeed worthless outcasts. The Rev. Davis, an Anglican deacon with long experience counseling and helping the mentally ill, steps into this gulf of misunderstanding with a book that bridges it. She gives the reader a clear understanding of mental illness in its many forms, with life examples that show the specific symptoms that accompany the various forms of mental illness. She tells us how these people think and feel, and we are moved; they can be the Other no longer. And she shows us how to accept, love, and support them as well. This is a book not only for pastors and counselors but for anyone who wants to help the millions of us who suffer such pain."
Bill Blundell
Former prizewinning writer, editor, and national correspondent for the Wall Street Journal
“Those People is the perfect book for pastors, teachers, ministry team members, or anyone who interacts with people where it might be helpful to identify and advise those with varying degrees of mental illness. Those People describes each mental illness using real life examples and then goes on to list the typical symptoms and effects, giving practical counsel on how to advise people who need help. I have not seen a book that does this so well and with such plain language. For me it is a must-have."
Randy Fisk
Author of The Presence, Power and Heart of God – Partnering in His Ministry
"Davis presents sensitive, perceptive and wise advice for anyone who has contact with or questions about various forms of mental illness. I find the content accurate and useful for interacting with those I may know or meet in the course of my profession."
Carol J. Kraft
Deacon/Spiritual Director, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Quantity discounts are available for Those People—please email us to learn more and receive your discount!
If you have a discount code from us, you must purchase via Byron Arts.
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A former educator, psychiatric chaplain and an ordained Deacon, Davis is a graduate of the University of Memphis. She has published over 50 magazine articles and has been a featured speaker at a variety of events. Davis currently leads the pastoral care team at Resurrection Anglican Church in West Chicago, IL.
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