You Are Not Alone

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Millions of people across the world are affected by mental illness every year. Yet the mental healthcare industry remains chaotic, underfunded, and often inaccessible, with many people asking themselves the same questions: What does it mean when different doctors give me different diagnoses? Will I be on medication my whole life? Will I ever feel better?

Too many of us are confused, afraid and overwhelmed. Families and friends are often left in the dark about how best to help their loved ones, from dealing with logistical issues to handling the emotional challenges of loving someone who is suffering.

You Are Not Alone is here to offer help and compassion. Written by Dr Ken Duckworth, whose own entry into psychiatry and journey to become the Chief Medical Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness was inspired by his father's lifelong battle with bipolar disorder, this comprehensive guide pairs medical expertise with the empathy of someone who gets it.

This book shares:

Relatable first-person stories that illustrate the diversity of mental health journeys

Practical guidance on dealing with mental health conditions, and navigating care

Research-based evidence on what treatments and approaches work

Insight and advice from renowned clinical experts and practitioners


This singular book is a powerful reminder that help is here, and you are never alone.

© Ken Duckworth 2023 (P) Penguin Audio 2023

Critics Review

  • Powerful and poignant, this book is for anyone who has struggled with mental health challenges. As a therapist myself, I value the bravery with which these people share their personal experiences to help destigmatize mental health for others. Let’s talk about it all.

    Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
  • In this invaluable book, Dr. Duckworth amplifies the voices of real people who have dealt with mental illness, both doctors and patients. His crowd-sourced method will help people facing similar challenges feel connected to a vast community. If you read this book, you cannot feel alone in your struggles.

    Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon and Far From the Tree
  • A unique, hopeful catalog of first-person lived experience with mental health collated by a humane, experienced clinician. These shared journeys will help others feel less isolated and overwhelmed. Highly recommended as an essential guide for every physician, mental health provider, and program dealing with any aspect of mental health. You Are Not Alone is a treasure.

    Bruce D. Perry, author of What Happened to You?
  • Wonderful and necessary. Dr. Duckworth provides excellent clinical information and practical advice, placing it within the deeply human context provided by those who know firsthand the pain of depression, trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

    Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet Mind
  • Families dealing with mental illness, which means virtually all families, need a guide that conveys hope, wisdom, and actionable information. You Are Not Alone is that guide. Unlike previous books, this is a practical guide to help all of us navigate the stormy seas of a loved one’s mental illness. A must-read.

    Tom Insel, author of Healing

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