Coping daily or on a regular basis with mental illness, mental disorder, or mental health challenges can be complex and challenging. Mental illness does not only affect the person with the condition; it also impacts the person or people providing care for them. With the right combination and balance of components, elements, and mechanisms in place-such as a strong support system, a multidisciplinary team, professional counselling, an effective treatment plan, and staying compliant-mental illness can be manageable, allowing the individual to live a happy, healthy life.

Within the covers of this book, the top mental illnesses and disorders are discussed, along with mechanisms that can help make daily living manageable. Also provided are resources, crisis information and telephone numbers, caregiving information, suicide watch and prevention tips, knowledge about your rights and the rights of others, and guidelines and criteria for mental illness.

I was born in Germany and have lived many years in California, Florida, and Texas. Growing up in a military household, there was always excitement, adventure, and lots of curiosity. In elementary school, I chose to assist with special education children instead of playing at recess. Little did I know, this was the beginning of a long journey for me in helping others. I now realise I am a common denominator when it comes to people. Another thing I have come to terms with is that no matter where you live or the age of people, "People are people."

Even though I have a higher educational background in real estate and auto diesel diagnosis, and have worked for the federal government, I have always managed to continue working in the mental illness field and home health industry, helping those who are disabled, elderly, or anyone else who cannot always do everything for themselves. My purpose in life is to continue to be an advocate for those individuals who need me.