The Essential Schizophrenia Companion: With Foreword by Elyn R. Saks, PhD, JD

by Robert Francis

For more than a quarter of a century, author Robert Francis has been living with schizophrenia and its entanglements. Diagnosed at the age of twenty-four, he understands firsthand the implications. In The Essential Schizophrenia Companion, he offers insight into his life based on his personal experiences from the perspective of a patient and as a licensed clinical social worker and mental health talk-therapist. Geared toward individuals with schizophrenia, their families, and for providers who work with them, Francis offers a quick and powerful reference guide discussing all you need to know about schizophrenia. The Essential Schizophrenia Companion, the second book about this mental health issue by Francis, offers his newest insights and reflections on what it takes for a gainful recovery from schizophrenia. It is about living life with schizophrenia similarly to the rest of shared humanity. It is about gainfully living a full life in all one's chosen life realms.

54 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2020

About the author

Robert Francis has lived with schizophrenia for more than thirty years. With “The Definitive Schizophrenia Recovery Handbook”, he becomes a six-time author, dedicating his work to exploring, understanding, and demystifying schizophrenia.

Robert holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). As a longtime mental health therapist, Robert brings together professional expertise and lived experience — offering readers a rare and deeply informed perspective on schizophrenia and recovery.

Passionate about education and empowerment, Robert is committed to helping individuals and families navigate schizophrenia with knowledge, practical tools, and hope. Through his writing, he seeks to normalize the condition, reduce stigma, and demonstrate that recovery is both possible and attainable.

Outside of his professional life, he enjoys following his favorite sports teams, playing fantasy football, and discovering the richness of classical music. Above all, he hopes this handbook serves as a steady companion for those pursuing stability, meaning, and lasting recovery.

Reviews

[Robert Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Francis does it again! Building on his remarkable book “On Conquering Schizophrenia”, Francis again sheds light on schizophrenia in such a productive manner. After reading “The Essential Schizophrenia Companion” you will better understand schizophrenia. This book provides a foundational comprehension of the often enigmatic known as schizophrenia. With its read, schizophrenia will be clarified. This book provides the basics on schizophrenia and thoroughly so. Pertaining to the writing style, allow me to assure, it again abundantly resonates characteristic of Francis and is endearing, profound, and uniquely accesible to the reader. “The Essential Schizophrenia Companion”, is a tour de force, but what else would you expect from the inimitable Robert Francis?

[Justpassingby]

An account of living with schizophrenia in 10 brief chapters by an author in whom the roles of patient and mental health worker meet. A good deal of attention is devoted to the role of society and culture in defining mental disorder - which means that learning the appropriate cultural and social reflexes becomes an important component for the patient to deal with their condition.