Psychiatric Tales: Eleven Graphic Stories About Mental Illness

Darryl Cunningham worked for a time at a psychiatric ward in England, so he knows whereof he speaks when it comes to portraying mental illness and the effect it has on those who suffer with it. Psychiatric Tales is based on the diary he kept during his time as a health care assistant. However, I must quibble with the subtitle — these aren’t stories so much as essays, points about how society treats psychiatric problems punctuated with case studies. That distinctive point of view, informing and educating the reader, is what makes the book worth reading.Cunningham isn’t shy about his aims, explaining in his illustrated introduction that he wants to help fight the “fear and ignorance of mental illness … widespread in society.” He also attempts to share his knowledge of what patients go through, because of the disease, its underlying causes or complications, and as a result of treatment.Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of mental illness. Most are sections on particular ailments (including dementia, cutting and self-harm, depression, psychopathic traits, and bipolar disorder), but one is a touching reminder of some famous sufferers. The last two chapters are more personal. The first tells of the two suicides Cunningham encountered at the hospital and the effect their actions had on him and others. The next, the last in the book, tells of his own struggle with anxiety and depression. Over a period of time, he gave up on training to become a nurse, due to the immense pressure, but found new hope in his artistic work, eventually resulting in this, his first book. His personal experience and suffering adds depth to the material.For me, reading Psychiatric Tales accomplished his goal, creating understanding and sympathy. The chapter “It Could Be You” argues for that reaction, explaining how these conditions are brain diseases, not something that results from “a failure of character and self-discipline”. An underlying message is that relatives often make things worse, due to societal pressure. If patients had more “acceptable” diseases, they’d have plenty of support from those close to them; however, those with stigmatized brain issues are often shunned, making the situation worse for them.Cunningham’s style is simple, black-and-white, flat, and blocky. Some panels are symbolic, puzzle pieces, lightning bolts, or brains. Copious use of black punctuates the message that this is a serious matter, with often life-threatening effects. His lack of detail aids in his portrayal, since it makes clear that he’s not talking about specific people (which would violate confidentiality) as much as conditions and situations. He’s skilled at explaining things simply but with the right level of detail for comprehension and later recall. His subtle message of hope, that there are ways to handle these diseases, is a welcome undertone.Be warned: there are some disgusting and graphic incidents portrayed that will stay with you, whether you want them to or not. Still, this is an insightful collection of tales that makes an excellent addition to the growing area of medical graphic novels. (The publisher provided a review copy.) (Review originally posted at ComicsWorthReading.com)

Each comic story; touches on different mental illnesses that the author has come across though his work in a psychiatric hospital. It's humor is appropriate and enlightening.Update:Several years later and it is still in my collection of books. Great addition for any psychology student.

As with How to Fake a Moon Landing, Cunningham's book on psychiatric illnesses is not designed to be a detailed, in-depth tome, covering everything you could possibly want to know on this very complex subject. But I did feel it gave an excellent layperson's primer that was both sympathetic and insightful. Cunningham was, I thought, also extremely brave in exploring some of his own personal struggles with mental illness. To me, this elevated the book because it gave us a perspective on where the author was coming from, and I admire his honesty in including this material.

A very good but very VERY quick read. This book does a great job of giving a brief synopsis of symptoms of each psychiatric illness as well as a compassionate look at its effects as well as some anecdotal stories. A great book. However, also an incredibly quick read - maybe 30-45 minutes -- Which doesn't mean the book was bad, but I was expecting a bit more from it as far as material goes. Still highly recommended though. Excited to see what his science book has to offer.

I too have worked in mental health and made attempts to destigmatize not only consumers but also providers of mental health services. There have been many efforts to do so. The stories here give a feeling for the nits and bolts of people's situations and make--dare I say it-- an enjoyable and good read.

Loved it. Recognized much of what the author so cleverly expressed. This book truly supports "a picture is worth a thousand words. A good one to share with siblings . . . .

As a person who suffers from depression and has trouble explaining it to his family, it was helpful to have this book to show to my family. Daryl Cunningham is a skilled cartoonist and has a great voice for describing his experiences.

I was excited to get this comic because there needs to be more openness about mental health issues. I suppose I was disappointed because it wasn't really anything that I didn't know already? I'm not quite sure how to express what exactly I was unhappy about with this comic. I still think it's worth a shot for people who are not familiar, but it seemed a little preachy versus informative?

I'm very close to someone with severe mental health issues. I act as carer for a good part of the week. Every week I have to explain, dispose of myths and prejudice- and also keep understanding myself.How I wish I could give copies of this to the people I have to explain things to. Darryl Cunningham writes and illustrates these things far better than I ever can. He does it without being patronising or sermonising. His drawing and writing are pared down to simple stark facts and succinct opinions and feelings. It is a masterpiece of explanation that should find its way into anywhere that faces mental health issues.Less you think it is all dark, Mr Cunningham also, at the end of the book charts his own psychiatric tale. No instant fix, no miracle cure - but hard work and time. It is a fitting and encouraging end to the book.Recommended.

As someone suffering from long term depression the final chapter of this book was extremely emotional for me to read. The author has put into words & images the difficulty of living with anxiety & depression in a way that doesn't belittle it or say 'I got better so you can too'. He recognises the many dimensions of depression & offers hope not a definitive answer.The rest of the book is an amazing & educational insight into the world of all mental illnesses in an attempt to highlight awareness & end stigma. This is something everyone needs to read & would be an excellent teaching aid for future generations.

This book is brave, important and unique. In an accessible and intelligent style, it gives an insight into an area of our society which is little explored; little represented in contemporary film, literature and documentary. I think it could be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to know more about the experience of mental illness, and unpicks the complex subject in a digestible way. Having suffered from psychosis myself, I can relate to many things in the book and feel it is brave to portray these issues in such clarity. Interesting section of self harm as a coping mechanism - it made me ask the question, what purpose do the highs and lows of mania and delusions of psychosis serve for the person experiencing them? Thank you for a brave, intelligent book.

This is a brilliant cartoon format book based on Darren's experience in mental health, both as a worker and sufferer.I never thought about mental illness until it affected my family and I struggled to understand it.This book helped me to realise that mental health issues are an illness and should be talked about and thought about openly and honestly like any other illness.It takes about half an hour to read and if you know nothing about mental health already, its an education.If you already know something about mental health issues, buy it for a friend.

Excellent, well written and easy to access. I have a degree in psychology and teach A levels and this is going to be really helpful as little intros to some key ideas. Also gives the personal side to both working in and being a service user.