Staying Sane: How to Make Your Mind Work for You [Paperback]

Raj Persaud (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998

Consultant psychiatrist Raj Persaud is not afraid to tackle controversial subjects. Staying Sane aims to bring mental health into focus and help you to develop strategies for combating stress and maintaining your mental health - and your sanity.'

Product Details

• Paperback: 478 pages
• Publisher: Metro Books (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900512386
• ISBN-13: 978-1900512381
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,766,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable guide everyone should have, May 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Staying Sane: How to Make Your Mind Work for You (Paperback)

A guide written for the layman by a notable academic and "celebrity" Psychiatrist.

The book was written by Raj Persaud in a very user friendly manner that manages to evade confusing "psychobabble" and explains technical matters in simple terms. Case studies are provided that are based on Dr Persauds own experience and he has the unusual position of being both a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist which gives him a unique standpoint.

Subject matters are well researched and argued with a bibliography for every source of information gathered in the course of writing this book, which points the reader in the right direction for further reading. It is an ideal starting point for anyone with any interest in mental health and looking to bolster their mental health. Raj Persuad starts the book by explaining the concept of mental health and his view that everyone lies on a "spectrum" of mental health.

Current treatments are discussed such as "cognitive therapy" in an easy to read format that can be used by anyone in keeping with the spirit of the book which is to "help people help themselves". Dr Persaud is making a brave leap with this book in encouraging people to stray away from using doctors and therapists (unless the situation is very dire) and to help themselves. The validity of traditional ways of improving and maintaining mental health are discussed such as maintaining a network of friends, a religious / spiritual outlook on life as well as keeping the physical body fit and healthy.

In short it is a subject area that should concern everyone.

It is worth every penny and i often go back and dip into it as a reference book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an indispensible guide to mental health, October 13, 1999

By 

brixtonite "brixtonite" (Brixton, London,England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Staying Sane: How to Make Your Mind Work for You (Paperback)

This fascinating and readable book sets out a new strategy for preventive rather than reactive mental health care. Having been through the counselling mill myself I read it with keen interest. Did you know that the Maudsley screens all its patients for vitamin and mineral deficiencies? I could certainly have done with this simple test before spending thousands on psychotherapy. I share Dr Persaud's doubts about the talikng cure and I like his action centred approach. i like his questionaires although it comes as no surprise to see he has a regular column in Cosmo . I could have done with more practical exercises maybe he'll do these in his next book

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A path breaking and positive guide to good mental health., June 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Staying Sane: How to Make Your Mind Work for You (Paperback)

There are few books whose title honestly reflect their contents.This is one such book. It greatly repays reading. A fine reference book on most psychological hindrances.