Serious Mental Illness is the term which groups together schizophrenia and manic depression. Many people know very little about them. So if you, or someone close to you, has a serious mental illness, you"ll need reliable, sensitive information. This book will help you to understand what happens, and make it easier to talk to healthcare professionals. It explores the emotional impact that a breakdown can have on a family. And it also gives valuable pointers on getting the best from the system, coping in a crisis, legal matters and other practical needs.