The title of this textbook will certainly capture the attention of practitioners, academics and policy makers. Global mental health has been debated at many international conferences around the world in recent years. The discipline is very broad and the editors have assembled an impressive list of 54 authors from 18 countries reflecting the rich contribution to the ongoing debate by scholars and researchers from around the world.

The book is organised into two sections: the first 12 chapters focus on the principles of global mental health whereas the second section of 8 chapters focuses on key areas of practice. What will be most challenging to the readers is translating the principles into practical tips for mental health professionals working on the shop floor. Reading about the innovative ideas and the success stories from around the world, especially from low- and middle-income countries, can be very encouraging to many labouring in the mental health field where often the resources are meagre. There are many excellent chapters written with the experience of those who know their subjects very well, for example scaling up services for mental health, organising anti-stigma campaigns and delivery of treatment by non-specialised health workers. Although the book is about mental health, some authors have written too much on mental illness with only a brief description of preventive strategies and mental health promotion, particularly in the chapters on child and adolescent mental health and women’s mental health. The anti-stigma campaign chapter would have been more inspiring to all if the authors had included discussion of outcome studies.

There is an interesting description of the formation of an Asian mental health task force in 2010. I have enquired of many clinicians in Asian countries recently but none of them seemed to have heard of this partnership. Once again, there is an apparent disconnect between planners in the boardroom and workers on the shop floor.

As the editors ponder over a second edition in a few years’ time, they may wish to consider possible chapters such as ageing and globalisation which have a tremendous impact on mental health today and will continue to do so in the years to come. Mental health is one of the neglected health issues of our times and people with mental illness are among the most neglected and vulnerable. It is not enough just to read this book, there must be a plan for action.