This book is very well written and highly enjoyable. The story overflows with humanity. It reads much more like a work of fiction, than a non-fiction memoir, though it still leaves one with much to ponder. The humor misses almost entirely however, it is just not funny. The humor seemed overwrought and 'trying too hard'. Perhaps it was the overly contrived nature of the humor, and one character in particular, which made it feel more like a fiction book. Nevertheless, this book is certainly well worth reading. It is thoughtful and intelligent, seems open and honest for the most part, and just seems to genuinely acknowledge the human condition in all its breadth and wondrous complexity.

This is a wonderful read for anyone interested in either medicine or the life of a Dr. Although aimed at anyone, a little knowledge of medicine or the NHS is useful for reading this, if only to understand some of the gallows type humour (which is explained- it's a little like those at crime scenes - when faced with trauma day in and day out, humour often relieves the stress). This tells of the life of a registrar in psychiatry, a doctor of the mind. As Benji explains, not an easy thing to do, as unlike broken limbs there isn't always an obvious solution. There are umpteen stories about his patients and explanations as to the whys and wherefores of psychiatry which makes for a very interesting, entertaining read. Some are very sad stories but interspersed with humour. Sadly it's hard not to smile at some of the antics until the reader realises that these things do happen and people really do believe that the man living above them is trying to kill them through bugs in their electrical items for example, making this a difficult read in parts. I was once told “ never underestimate the power of the mind” and this book reinforced that. The blurb says “ Humane , hilarious and heart breaking” which covers this well. A very different read and an enlightening one.

This book provides a candid, enlightening, and often humorous glimpse into the complex world of psychiatry by chronicling the author's experiences as an NHS psychiatrist, and thusly providing a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by both patients and practitioners in the field. The narrative shares anecdotal stories of various patients, each dealing with their unique struggles, and by doing so this book creates a mosaic that reflects the intricacies of mental health care.

The harsh realities of working within a system plagued by resource shortages is a topic that many in the medical field might be hesitant to discuss openly. However, Dr. Waterhouse deserves credit for discussing the challenges posed by the NHS's lack of resources, including time, money, staff, and beds, and how these limitations impact patient care. The personal touch provided by glimpses into the author's own life, family, and mental health struggles, adds depth to the storytelling.

Overall this is a captivating read that combines humour, empathy, and stark realities, offering a unique perspective on psychiatry and the challenges within the NHS. Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the human side of psychiatry and the need for systemic change throughout the NHS irregardless of healthcare speciality.

Superb!

Everyone should read this book. Mental health needs investment and understanding, compassion and support.

Incredible storytelling, with humour, warmth and compassion, yet never shying away from the complexities and realities of mental illness. The case studies are powerful. Some patients are able to manage their condition, some do not and some do make recoveries.

I won't forget this book. Ever.

Thank you to Vintage, Random House and Netgalley for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is brilliant!

Funny and charming and full of heart.

Fascinating to read about psychiatry and mental health in the NHS but also interesting to ‘meet’ Benji and become absorbed in his world.

I laughed. I cried. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in psychiatry and humans!

Honest review for advance Net Gallery copy.

A good dose of reality is served by Dr Benji Waterhouse in this comic window into the world of psychiatry. One may ask why would anyone want to become a doctor of the mind? To find out read this book. The characters are a mix of Dr Benji's patients, some his family and he shines a light on himself. There is humour and compassion in this fascinating, enlightening and well written book. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK for sending this book for my review. The following is my honest review of this book.

You Don't Have to Be mad to Work Here tells the story of Benji Waterstone's time in the NHS as a psychiatrist. This book is absolutely fascinating for anyone interested in the healthcare system within the UK. You read about his experiences with the NHS and how horrible it can be at times. It's quite an insightful and eye opening book for someone who doesn't work in this industry.

I can't recommend this book enough!

Engrossing and enlightening, Waterhouse's reflections on his journey as an NHS psychiatrist and how he came to choose the specialism are very moving as well as informative.

Probably we all too often expect mental health professionals to clock off and leave all thoughts of their work behind, but - as Waterhouse so clearly shows - this is frequently far from the truth. Our MH professionals struggle to de-brief, even when they seek the help of a fellow professional.

Although he deals with many areas of mental health and many of his case histories could be quite distressing for some people to read, there was only one area of the book that really disturbed me - and that was his attitude to what he felt were MH conditions where people were jumping on a fashionable bandwagon. Perhaps Waterhouse might like to meet some of the people I know who have been diagnosed as adults with ADHD and bipolar disorder? There are many people who have been struggling on the edge for decades, slipping under the medical radar because they have led moderately successful lives and appear be coping. Only when at the end of the tether have they been thrown a lifeline of a diagnosis that has allowed them to begin to understand 20-plus years of unhappiness and how they "might" be able to find a light that will help them to continue.

A remarkable book, which I would recommend, but I feel the author might need to consider whether he's a little blinkered in some areas.

A brilliant insight into the world of psychiatry by the author Dr Waterhouse who likes to be known as Benji or Benjamin (not Ben please!).
It was heartwarming yet at times harrowing but also very funny in parts.
Benji talks of his own childhood difficulties, current therapy and personal life as well as some of the patients stories. It tells of a sadly very broken system and how more often than not, mental health is just not priority. What showed throughout was Benjis passion to help his patients, he was warm, honest & humorous.
I really enjoyed his writing, the chapters were nice & short & I wanted to pick it up any chance I got which is always a good sign - highly recommend!
Thank you to netgalley for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

I have read many accounts from psychiatrists in the past, like Dr Waterhouse I know both sides of the appointment, but I have never read another account which was quite so beautiful.

At no point in this book is mental illness played for laughs without context. Severe mental illness has its funny side, there’s no doctor, patient or carer that would disagree, but context is the difference.

Sensitive, deeply funny and important. I would suggest reading this book would do more good for everyone than taking part in a silly challenge for world mental health day. This book is informative, and it’s not based in the “prettier” mental health problems, it knows those are focused on the most and shines light in on the taboo, scary sounding ones.

Waterhouse sees humanity and, no matter how much budget constraints want him to stop, he cares and this takes its own toll on him.

I shouldn’t think I will read a more important book this year.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You Don't Have to be Mad to Work Here is a must read for anyone who is concerned about the current state of the NHS and primarily the mental health services. It's a hugely informative memoir told with warmth, compassion and humour that I would highly recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

This was a story I was captivated to read purely by its cover, and then the synopsis, the fact that it is a nonfiction memoire by a current psychiatrist within the NHS screamed must read. I found this book completely engrossing, it was informative and provided so much insight into the world of mental health conditions and treatment, whilst also managing to capitulate the overwhelming pressures that the NHS and medical professionals are under.

It was fascinating to see the various types of treatments offered to patients depending on the era and their condition, plus I like the fact that Benji (not Ben!) was trying his best to remove stereotypes of some of these, especially the explanation of ECT, (Electro Convulsive Therapy) often this is displayed negatively and often dramatized in media. Plus, I thank Benji for his descriptions on the differences in the types of psychology careers (psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist etc) as I feel that they are unfortunately usually thrown under one umbrella term.

There were so many parts of this book that I found myself nodding along with, and feeling all the emotions possible, it was so heartbreaking reading about Benji’s own mental health problems after he continued to absorb all the pain of his patients, and I completely felt for him, so grateful that he felt comfortable enough to share this with his readers, and that he is trying to shine a light on all the stigmas surrounding mental health and how it’s ok to not be ok, but to reach out for help. After reading multiple books by Adam Kay and now this one, I have really been made to think just how difficult it is to work within the medical professions and just how physically, emotionally and mentally draining these jobs are, and how the underfunded NHS probable is not supporting its staff as well as it should be!

I would bear in mind that this book comes with trigger warnings, there are some descriptions of trauma emotional and medical as well as various mentions of suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide.

This was super funny in parts, but it also makes you think of the struggles of both patients and Doctors. I really enjoyed it, givem it’s not my usual read.

This was enjoyable and a good insight into the career of a psychiatrist. My only complaint is that it got a bit receptive

You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here by Benji Waterhouse could be described as the mental health version of This is Going to Hurt and if there’s any justice, it should be equally popular. Benjamin Waterhouse relates his time working in the NHS psychiatry specialism, from his first days as a trainee through to being a consultant. He describes it as “A fly on the padded wall account of my decade working in medicine’s most mysterious and controversial specialty.” It is both informative and entertaining, giving a privileged insight into the dark arts of treating patients’ with poor mental health. At the same time it’s a jolly good laugh. It’s a prime example of tragedy and comedy being two sides of the same coin.

For Waterhouse, each year’s training placement sees him addressing a variety of problems and helping various patients to the best of his ability. There are hurdles to overcome. It isn’t a given that patients will comply with their doctor’s attempts to heal them. He also has to work within the constraints of the NHS budget and rules, which is where a lot of frustration arises. Waterhouse’s accounts swing from being deeply distressing to darkly humorous; a strategy he admits doctors often resort to in order to engage with difficult subjects and keep their own sanity. Often he is dealing with seriously ill patients; those “at less palatable end of the spectrum - the ones for whom cold water swimming and mindful colouring in probably won’t cut it.” There is a fair sprinkling of fascinating facts about the history of psychiatry, starting with a helpful guide to the distinction between the ‘Ps’: psychiatry, psychoanalysis, psychology and being psychic. Waterhouse also writes about his own family and relationships, which aren’t always plain sailing.

I heartily recommend this book: you’ll learn a lot about situations you probably hope never to encounter, and you’ll develop a deep appreciation for those who consider helping others to be their life’s work. (It’s also pretty funny!)

2024 52 Book Challenge - 47) Self Insert By An Author

This is unlike any memoir that I've ever read, tackling the deep issued within the NHS; lack of funding, lack of steady and reliable employees, the burnout of the remaining workers.

It focuses specifically on psychiatry, and wider mental health in the context of both the patients and the writer himself. I loved the way he writes about his patients, with compassion and understanding but not stigmatising them or their conditions. I also love the little moments of witty humour. When one tickled me, I had to read it out loud for my family's enjoyment.

This was a funny yet thought provoking read that shows what life is like on both sides of the table - the doctors and the patients. Yet it also highlights something that I think is incredibly important - doctors aren’t immune to struggles and are quite often patients themselves. It’s written as a ‘fly on the wall’ type thing which is honestly one of my favourite perspectives in books like this!

You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here by Benji Waterhouse

First off many thanks to those that inspite of everything going on in the NHS , you still continue to work there.
Out of all professions mental health must be the hardest and challenging of them all.
The author writes about his experiences with frank honesty including humanity , humour & horror , never knowing what will becoming their way in a daily basis.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You don’t have to be mad to work here by Benji Waterhouse

When I requested this from NetGalley I didn’t know it was Non Fiction. I was very happy when I realised it was because one of my goals for this year is to read more of this genre.

Benji gives us an insight into what it is like to be an NHS psychiatrist with no funding and no staff to deal with the thousands of people dealing with mental illness today.

People are discharged every day from psych wards because there are others more serious about killing themselves than them. Only patients who are in real & definite danger of hurting themselves will qualify for a bed.

Some of what I witnessed was horrifying. How people are given a code for a diagnosis, some medication and told to come back in 3 months all within an allocated 30 minutes of the psychiatrist’s time. No care or attention as to what they are feeling and how they see no way out of the pain they experience every day.

There was some humour in the type of patients that came to see Benji like the woman who covered every single appliance in her flat in tin foil, the lady who travelled across the world in a wedding dress to marry Harry Styles or the man who thought he was God & tried to walk on water at the local swimming pool

A few sad stories too like the man with schizophrenia who sees not one human being between his three-month appointments and the homeless man who is only staying alive for his dog.

This book had all the emotions for me, sadness, shock, anger, heartbreak but also happiness and laughter. Benji coped so well under the working conditions and maybe to his detriment he had a heart and tried his very best to help the people he met. He had a great way with them that was kind, calm and patient.

This was a very enjoyable and informative read into a world that was otherwise unfamiliar to me

Thanks to Random House for an arc via NetGalley. This book is published 16th May 2024

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of “ You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Work Here” for an honest review.
This was a really interesting and entertaining book , that gives you an insight into the life of a psychiatrist., working in the mental health service
This was an honest book that deals with struggles he faces, and shows the lack in funding the sector is allocated , yet .Somehow the author manages to keep his sense of humour.
A poignant read but definitely a book that needs to be shared