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Challenging the Paradigm
What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About introduces readers to deeply moving tales of patients who have journeyed through tumultuous challenges and experienced remarkable recoveries. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to challenge the prevailing ‘what’s wrong with you?’ paradigm that dominates psychiatry and psychology. Having just retired I think I wanted to ‘fire a parting shot’ at my profession.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The book had been in my head for a while and with Covid occuring it was a great time to write! Apart from looking up the odd reference I knew most of the research supporting my position and most of the book is in fact case studies so they were more about recall than research. I spent about three months at a friend’s house by the ocean writing the book, with absolutely nothing to do but write.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Only one, get it done.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from What Happened?
I hope readers will ponder whether how we currently respond to mental health problems is the best response. I believe we have over medicalised and misunderstood the very nature of mental health.
But what if this is a hazardous and flawed paradigm? What if psychiatrists are inherently unable to reliably diagnose what ails you? Or, despite the listing of over 250 ‘mental illnesses’ in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, what if there are only eight different types of interventions available to treat this myriad of different ‘mental illnesses?’
Furthermore, what if you take pills that change your brain biochemistry, but the biological basis of all the purported ‘mental illnesses’ are unknown?
Could there be an alternative? And just maybe, are we being asked the wrong question?
With over 40 years as a practicing psychologist and educator, Dr. Bill Saunders takes us on an open, honest, heartfelt and sometimes confronting journey of human experience. In his book, Bill challenges some of the ‘truths’ we know about mental health, sharing real stories that will make you laugh and cry, and sometimes leave you in shock!
So, if you want to know what Mental Health is really about this is the book to read.
What Happened?
Mental health, a frequently discussed yet deeply misunderstood subject, is expertly explained by Dr. Bill Saunders in his book What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About. With an academic background preceding his illustrious 40-year career in psychotherapy, Dr. Saunders deftly unpacks intricate topics ranging from the nuances of antidepressants to the impacts of childhood trauma.
The book introduces readers to deeply moving tales of patients who have journeyed through tumultuous challenges and experienced remarkable recoveries. These stories not only illuminate the resilience of the human spirit but also underscore the depths to which trauma can scar an individual.
One of the book’s most salient discussions is the deep and often devastating aftermath of childhood trauma. It underscores the tragic reality that a significant number of victims grappling with the shadows of their past do not receive the requisite support or intervention. The narrative brings to light the sometimes inadvertent negligence by caregivers, emphasizing the dire importance of attentiveness to a child’s emotional well-being to prevent unspeakable tragedies.
Dr. Saunders transcends the conventional therapist-client relationship, forming deep connections with his patients, guiding them through their healing journeys, and championing their pursuit of happiness. His insights provide invaluable lessons on human behavior, shedding light on the complexities and potentials inherent in the realm of psychology. This work challenged and reshaped many of my preconceived notions regarding mental health.
For anyone drawn to the intricate worlds of psychology, psychotherapy, and mental wellness, What Happened?: What Mental Health is Really About by Dr. Bill Saunders promises to be a compelling and enlightening exploration.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0946T6XVP
LITERARY TITAN 