We Don’t Use Words Like ‘Crazy'

An illuminating memoir of life working on the frontline of mental health

'Gripping, empathetic, and honest, this account of what it's like to care for the mentally ill as they sink into schizophrenia, depression, self-harm, delusion, anorexia, dementia and more, is both an education and a wake-up call. Sweeney writes with brilliance about a vulnerable population that deserves our respect and compassion.' Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

We Don't Use Words Like Crazy is a 'professional confessional' from Elliot Sweeney, a mental health nurse who works on the frontline of mental health services. His touching and often humorous memoir lifts the lid on the realities of the profession, in an attempt to highlight the need for compassion for some of the most vulnerable people in the world, and the very committed people that work with them on a professional basis.

The book is for anyone who wants to know what it's really like to work in contemporary mental health services in the UK, and why people like Elliot stick at it. Described as 'funny, frank and beautifully observed', Elliot's memoir explores all aspects of mental health care, including hospital, youth care, dementia, community care, and the more extreme experience of working with risk, highlighting a service that underpins our society and that reflects the full spectrum of humanity.