The authors are two individuals of different ages and from very different educational backgrounds. One suffers from mental health issues including Asperger's Syndrome and Complex Personality Disorder. The other is an alcoholic in sustained recovery. Meeting through a mix of family and social connections they discovered a mutual value in the use of poetry in dealing with their respective problems. This collection of poems aims to promote awareness and support to those affected and their families. They have no base in theoretical models of mental health and addiction but reflect the harsh reality of lived experience of themselves and others. The fact that they are based on personal experiences will hopefully provide information and understanding in a non-didactic manner. Some may appear direct and brutal, whilst others may show an element of wry humour. This mix is intentional since they are dealing with serious and sometimes deadly conditions. Both authors recognise the crucial value of openly discussing such personal issues in peer support and this is something that is actively encouraged. It is hoped that readers will derive as much from their efforts as they did in writing them. They have delivered poetry to audiences as part of the annual Positive Images Festival in Coventry, with subsequent publication in the festival's own booklet and Chatterbox magazine. They have also delivered poetry sessions to the Coventry and Warwickshire Mind writing group.

Poetic Symbiosis: Surviving Addiction and Mental Illness

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Loat, Matt

Docrobin

Mental Health

Takahe Publishing Ltd.

The authors of Poetic Symbiosis have written a second volume of poems on the theme of living with addiction and mental illness. The first book was well received and acknowledged to be a welcome support to those in recovery and the people around them. They have produced this volume in record time despite the prevailing pandemic and its adverse effect on the general positivity that many of us experience. This is a testimony to their determination towards their own recovery while providing an inspiration to us all. Once again, the authors have employed their talents to convey the hopes and means of recovery for those suffering from mental health and addiction problems. It is not an easy road but, through their well-constructed poems, they show that it can be done. They don't pull any punches but they do offer hope. This second volume retains the readable and engaging style of the first. It is informative and entertaining, despite the dark nature of its background. Once again, the authors show that there is hope in recovery and a better life to be discovered. This book is not just for those afflicted with these problems but it gives an insight to those who have never suffered. Take a look from a different perspective - you could learn a lot!

Poetic Symbiosis II: Living with Addiction and Mental Illness

The authors have combined their experiences to produce another series of poems that are brutally honest and get right to the core of these complex issues. They make it quite clear that there are no simple solutions in this arena of healthcare. They have taken a rather different approach with this final volume in the trilogy by deviating into a treatise trying to explain therapeutic approaches to addiction. At the same time, they attempt to show its use as a very loose template for supporting people with other mental health issues.

Poetic Symbiosis Vol III

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Loat, Matt. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Loat, Matt

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Loat, Matt. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Poetic Symbiosis: Surviving Addiction and Mental Illness

Poetic Symbiosis II: Living with Addiction and Mental Illness

Poetic Symbiosis Vol III