How To Survive The Madhouse is witty, realistic, thought-provoking, and mysterious. The book was written by The Secret Madman, who spent six years locked away in a Welsh forensic hospital. During his stay, he paid close attention to how this institution operated and turned the experience into books, almost as a to-do guide to others, or rather what not to do. It’s a unique perspective on things you’d only know if you’d lived through it.

Rule one of How To Survive The Madhouse is, of course, to avoid the madhouse at all costs. Various other rules simply explain how to get through the process should you end up in the same situation. It’s short and mostly serious in tone, with quotes at the start of each chapter from, I presume, other patients.

How To Survive… is one of three books, written under different pen names, by this writer about his experiences in the psychiatric system. I only wish to learn more about him and his story. To ‘The Secret Madman,’ if you’re reading this, I applaud you. This book will hopefully help people who are going through a hard time, or are generally interested in mental health and first-hand experiences.