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Children & Mental Illness

NAMI’s Commitment to Children & Adolescents with Mental Illnesses and their Families
Families know all too well that we are failing children and adolescents with mental illnesses. The antiquated and fragmented systems of care designed to serve the needs of these youth have repeatedly failed them, despite the fact that a growing number of young people are diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.

The NAMI Child & Adolescent Action Center is working to focus attention on the critical need for systems reform and to support communities and families. Our goal is to build and support our grassroots advocacy to ensure an expanded systems reform agenda at every level of government.

Books My Bipolar Roller Coaster Feelings Book & Workbook by Bryna Hebert; illustrated by Hannah, Jessica, and Matthew Hebert. This colorful 32-page storybook is written from the perspective of Robert, a boy with bipolar disorder. Not only does Robert help us understand his strong emotions but he also shares with us the strategies his parents and doctor have taught him for coping with them. The 28 page companion workbook allows you to work with your child to figure out what helps him or her. These books are intended for elementary school age children, but can work with older or younger children as well.

Embracing the Monster: Overcoming the Challenges of Hidden Disabilities by Veronica Crawford (Editor), Larry B. Silver (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2002). A poignant memoir of Crawford’s life experiences with learning disabilities, ADHD, and bipolar disorder -- otherwise known as “hidden disabilities.” Foreword and commentary by Larry B. Silver, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine with extensive experience in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Together, Crawford and Silver shed light on hidden disabilities and how individuals can manage them to lead positive, productive lives. Highly recommended reading for parents of children with hidden disabilities as well as adolescents and young adults with hidden disabilities.
 

Turbo Max A Story For Siblings Of Bipolar Children by Tracy Anglada For siblings (ages 8-12) of children with bipolar disorder. A boy’s summer diary describes his journey from confusion to understanding, from embarrassment to advocacy, from anger and guilt to acceptance of his sister’s illness.

Matt the Moody Hermit Crab by Caroline C. McGee
Over the course of one school year, Matt undergoes the onset, diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder in this novel-length tale for kids 8-12. His story is dramatic, entertaining and sometimes humorous.

Recovering from Depression: A Workbook for Teens (Revised Edition) by Mary Ellen Copeland and Stuart Copans (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2002). An easy-to-use workbook for teens to aid in understanding, assessing, and coping with depression, written by a well-respected educator and researcher of adolescent psychiatry.

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know by David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D. (The Guilford Press, 2002). Best-selling handbook by psychologist/researcher at University of Colorado. Straight talk for teens and adults on taking charge of maintaining wellness while living with bipolar disorder.

Brandon and the Bipolar Bear by Tracy Anglada (2001). A powerful, yet simple fictional story about a young boy living with bipolar disorder. In this book readers learn about Brandon’s symptoms, fears, and treatment from a child’s viewpoint. Suitable for ages 4-10 but can also serve as a tool for improving communications with siblings, teachers, and friends. This is a full-color 8x10, library quality book with vivid illustrations. $9.88 by direct order from www.bpchildren.com.

Everything you Need to Know about Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depressive Illness by Michael A. Sommers (Rosen Publishing Group, 2000). One of the series intended for school libraries entitled "The Need to Know Library." A slim book with some nice illustrations intended for adolescents upon first diagnosis. Very straightforward, with examples, and a glossary of terms at the back. Suitable for ages 13-18.

The Blue Day Book by Bradley Trevor Greive (publisher, 2000). A wonderful picture book with animal photographs and simple text guaranteed to tickle your (and your child's) sense of humor and help keep things in perspective.

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