Manic-Depressive-Illness Books

Mental Illness is something that every single person has to deal it, be it directly or indirectly. It scares me to see just how many people suffer from mental illness and I often wonder - do we have more mental illness in this generation? Or is it because it went undiagnosed in previous generations? No matter, we are now, as a society, dealing with this disease and all its various forms.

What amazes me is the stigma that STILL seems to be attached today. Why is that? Is certainly a question that author Kate McLaughlin has asked and, no doubt, keeps asking herself.

Kate McLaughlin certainly knows first hand the joys and pains of living with this disease. Two of her children suffer from mental illness and this has had to redefine the life that this family lives and it has also had to redefine what being a woman and a mother means to Kate.

What follows is a heartbreaking and heartwarming memoir of what it is like to live in the midst of mental illness - to live with people that you love who are suffering, sometimes on a daily basis with this disease. The feelings of helplessness that it evokes and at the same time, the feelings of hope and love that it also touches.

You have to be brave to live with this disease and this story shows us just how courageous this family really is.

I loved this story of stark reality against a sea of love. It made me cry on quite a few occasions (I hate it when that happens) and I am in awe of these people.

Thank you Kate for sharing such an intimate story of courage and love

I highly, highly recommend "Mommy I'm Still in Here." Until I read this book, I had a very poor understanding of what it means to have bipolar disorder. My daughter was diagnosed in her late 20s with bipolar disorder, and after reading this book, we have been able to mend the wounds to our relationship. We were once very close but our relationship was nearly destroyed by her mental illness. It was all because I did not understand what was happening to her, and she was unable to tell me. She has a B.A. in Psychology. If she couldn't explain it to me, I am certain there are many families who are experiencing even worse problems than we did. Part of it is denial, part of it is ignorance. If your child has been diagnosed with bipolar, buy this book and read it. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, buy this book and read it, then give it to your family and friends to read.

I came upon this book after a friend told me she loved it. I didn't think it would be relevant to my life as I have no bipolar children. Was I wrong. I started reading it on Friday morning and finished it Saturday afternoon. I was captured by this family's struggles and could even see bits of my own family challenges as we raise our teens. The writing was so down to earth and brutally honest. She really didn't try to paint any of them as saints, just people trying to cope with the curves that sometimes get thrown at us even after we've done everything right. I could see how any parent who is facing challenges of any kind with their kids would be able to relate to this family. Kate's strength and perseverance through such adversity was admirable.

I am a parent of a son who is almost 12, diagnosed a few years back with bipolar and ADHD. I am continually looking for books to help me along this journey. This is a must read book for any parent of a bipolar child. It is written by a mother - and it is very candid. It makes you realize as a parent that you are not alone in this struggle. It has given me renewed hope as we have to face the future. I highly recommend this book. After I finished reading it, my husband is now reading it and I have been telling everyone about it.

I had the pleasure of discovering Kate McLaughlin's, Mommy I'm Still In Here, a memoir of a mother's efforts to hold her family together during the crisis of having two of her three children diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Then I had the good fortune to interview her.

The book was moving and frightening, but ultimately hopeful and eminently practical. There is no adult demographic that I can think of that wouldn't benefit from this easy and fascinating read. If you never need the information on bipolar disorder for the management of your own circumstances, you can only come away enlightened, more compassionate, weighed with important questions and, most importantly, buoyed with hope.

Ms. McLaughlin's eldest daughter, Chloe, suffers from the most difficult to treat cascade of symptoms, and her brother, Michael, wrestles with substance abuse issues in his low times, and yet, with their strength of family and perseverance, they've achieved satisfaction and competence in their lives. Ms. McLaughlin is a shining example of someone able to map the big picture and offers a way to develop perspective. She soars high.

All I can do is recommend Mommy I'm Still In Here.

To hear the audio of the interview, go to PsychJourney dot com.

This book is more important than the DSM and the ICD when it comes to Bipolar. It's mostly for professionals who have to deal with diagnosis and need to understand the illness. The writting style is overly accademic and cumbersome however it is the most useful and informative book around by a long shot. At around 1200 pages long, this is not a cover to cover quick read unless you have several months with nothing else to do.

This book is very thorough and gives an in depth look into the most recent research surrounding manic depressive disorder and depression. Starting with the history surrounding mental illness, moving along to diagnosis, prognosis, course of the illness', physiological, biochemical and anatomical changes that occur along with up to date research in it's genetic component, this book gives great insight into mood disorders.

This month's long-awaited second edition recently hit the streets, and is well worth the wait. At more than 1,200 pages and with an impressive list of collaborators shedding light on all manner of matters melancholic and manic, the book represents a virtual Manhattan Project on mood disorders.

With our recovery riding on being as smart, if not smarter, than our treating professionals, it pays for patients to read what their clinicians are reading, especially a work of this magnitude. Don't let clinician-speak intimidate you. The authors went to great lengths to organize their subject matter into a meaningful and comprehensive whole, with clear transitions from one topic to the next. A few pages into the text, and one quickly becomes habituated to the polysyllables. Then it's clear sailing.

At $99, sales resistance is understandable. My two cents: You cannot afford NOT to have this book. Each day you struggle with this illness costs you money, already. The cost-benefit is a no-brainer. Stop paying your cable bill, if you have to, and make what could prove to be the best investment of your life.

Although a huge book along with a hefty price tag, this is probably the most up to date information on bipolar disorder (manic depression) available today. It offers a wealth of information that is usable to the clinician as well as the patient. In fact, I think this should be required reading for any clinician who deal with people with this condition.

I strongly urge the purchase of this book esp. for the consumer as self knowledge will be such an asset when communicating with your doctor. This book covers most everything from the most basic to the most complex information to date on this vexing condition. Though I am constantly searching the internet for the most up to date information on bipolar disease, I find the authors of this book to be the leading authorities presently.

I bought this book because someone I know has just been diagnosed with "Soft Bipolar" disorder. This is a "shadow" form of bipolar disorder. While I've dealt with people with bipolar disorder before ( I'm a retired minister), I never heard of "soft bipolar" or "bipolar spectrum" disorder before. This book is the classic text on Bipolar disorder. The only problem is that it is a little old ( about 10 to 15 years old) and discoveries about "soft bipolar" disorder are just coming into the literature now. If you are depressed or diagnosed as depressed, as the person close to me was, you might have soft bipolar disorder. It is much more common than you think. The problem with it is that it needs different medications than regular unipolar disorder does. As an example, if you take one of the SSRI's (such as Prozac or Zoloft) and have soft bipolar, the chances are very good that you will end up with hypomania, which is a mild form of mania. It feels good for a long time--just like alcohol. But at some point in time, it will begin to backfire on you as it did on my friend. She kept getting more and more hyper and angry. Finally, her therapist decided to try out this diagnosis on her. He switched medicines, and it made her mood much more stable. This book would also be excellent for someone who wants to know about bipolar I disorder--manic depressive disorder. The problem with the book is that it is very technical, but everything is there even if it could use a little updating.

I find myself going back to this book again and again. It's almost amazing to me that so many kids could be so alike in their fears and actions, but this book offers practical ways of getting out of the storm. It also is just so refreshing to have the voice of calm of the book, and be reminded life isn't always like this. It's a very thorough book covering all concerns for parents of bipolar kids. There are no easy answers, but it sure is nice to have this book to reference.

Bipolar Kids is a wonderful book bringing the world of Dr. Greenberg's children to us. It gives the reader real insight on the thoughts and feelings of her children. Dr. Greenberg shares her expertise so eloquently and is obviously a master at her craft.

A marvelous book. Written in a clear and concise manner, one that everyone can easily understand. Reassures worried parents that their children can be helped. Can turn your life around.

This is a great book for introducing students not only to bipolar disorder, but also to a compassionate, caring, and up-to-date clinical approach for treating it. Dr. Greenberg writes with enormous warmth about her patients, and her empathy is inspiring for all educational and mental health professionals.This would be a perfect book for a general psychology course as well as teacher education courses. Everyone who works with children should read this book.

This book is an excellent resource for any parent of a child with bipolar disorder, as there are so few resources out there. It is comprehensive, easy to understand, up-to-date, and very informative, approaching topics relevant to parents struggles with issues applying to their bipolar child. An especially important chapter is the one on medications, and the fact that he goes over each one specifically. Another major problem that parents face is "Is it bipolar disorder or something else?" Too many children have been misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder (manic) when it is just ADHD, and this book addresses that, as well as other disorders of misdiagnosis. The main thing is that this book shows parents how to traverse the peaks and valleys of their child's wild bipolar mood swings, with practical advice and illustrative examples that any parent can follow. I especially like the part at the end called "Real Life, Real Answers." I highly recommend this book as a resource.

This book is so helpful in reminding me that I am NOT alone in this !! It is not written from a medical standpoint such as Papols' work, but is written by a PARENT for other PARENTS. Includes examples of behavior that you find with bipolar kids and some of the examples are from the kid's viewpoint. Fascinating ! One of the most important things I gained from a practical standpoint is that out insurance company should be viewing my son's bipolar diagnosis as a MEDICAL condition not a MENTAL HEALTH condition. This would increase our benefits about 10-fold. Highly recommend this book !!

"According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3.4 million children and adolescents suffer from depression in the United States, and up to one third of those may actually be experiencing the early onset of Bipolar Disorder...Left untreated, Bipolar Disorder can lead to suicide, and the suicide rate for children age 10-14 has more than doubled over the last 15 years."

"If Your Child Is Bipolar" is a results of the author's own family experiences and the result of hundreds of stories from parents sharing the frustration of raising a child who is Bipolar. There is also information from mental health professionals and empowering information to allow parents to understand a diagnosis.
I have personally come to believe that many people feel suicidal because they do not feel loved or they feel lost in a complex world that does not recognize their many unique gifts. There are also mental disorders which a person can't control and a child who has violent tantrums or severe mood swings can make life rather difficult for any parent. When a child starts to talk about killing themselves at the age of six, there is definitely a problem.

Through this wonderful book, you can learn about the causes of this disorder and get the support and information you need to make your child's life a more pleasant experience. Not to mention give you some needed peace of mind.

There are six main sections:

Figuring Out What You're Dealing With
Adjusting to the Bipolar Diagnosis
Helping Your Child Get Treatment
Having a Bipolar Child in the Family
Taking Care of Yourself
Helping our Child Live with Bipolar Disorder

This book will be especially helpful for parents who are trying to figure out why their child reacts very negatively to even the best parenting skills. Bipolar children have problems with extreme anger, frustration and seem to be highly intelligent. There are stories of children who cry all day or show extremely inappropriate and sometimes harmful behavior. There are quotes from parents throughout the book to give an idea of the wide variety of symptoms. I had no idea children were going through some of these extreme symptoms and this was highly enlightening.

I was especially interested in the ODD symptoms because I've personally been around a child with ODD and the "actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests" is so true. The authors also discuss Conduct Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction and ADHD. Often a child is misdiagnosed or a child is given the wrong medication because a professional does not realize there are other symptoms involved.

I'm not overly enthusiastic about medicating children, but after you read some of the more extreme symptoms, something has to be done to give these children a chance to attend school. I've seen medications calm a child and I've also seen overdosing. If you need to get more than one doctor's opinion, do it. Schools also play a role in medicating children (in the nurses office), so it is important to stay involved and find out what is going on at school.

A glossary at the end of this book provides terms and definitions to terms used in this book. I found this book to be extremely informative, helpful and written in a down-to-earth manner.

Highly recommended for parents with difficult children, psychologists, counselors and anyone dealing with family psychology. This would make an excellent textbook for psychology classes because it presents so many real-life examples.

Also look for:

The Guilt-free Guide to Your New Life as a Mom
Win the Whining War & Other Skirmishes
Survival Tips for Working Moms

~The Rebecca Review

I purchased this book on January 1, 2004, when I accidentally stumbled upon it at The Tattered Cover Bookstore when I was searching for additional books to add to my own library on the topic of early onset bipolar disorder. This book, is by far, the easiest to understand, makes the most sense, especially to the lay person who may not be a Psychiatrist or Psychologist, and as a parent and a health provider ( a retired Registered Nurse) I found the language appropriate for anyone who lives with and loves a bipolar child. I honestly feel that this book saved my sanity regarding my experience with my bipolar child. I have read and reread this book many times, highlighting in green, yellow, pink and orange with each new read. I have suggested to everyone that I know, personally involved with a bipolar child, to buy and read this book. It makes sense to own it for me as I am constantly looking for pieces of the puzzle or reminders that I may have forgotten since I last read it. This truly is a MUST read for all families with a child that they love who happens to be bipolar. I cannot thank Cindy Singer and Sheryl Gurrentz enough for putting their hearts into this book.

Child and adoelscent psychiatrists are still debating clearer definitions of pediatric bipolar disorder. While we are working this out, we are still faced, here and now, with very complicated, difficult children; Children who tax the energy and resources of schools and families. Faced with diagnostic ambiguity, you can end up with "true believers" on either end of the spectrum: Those who have a very broad definition of bipolar disorder, and those who feel that these difficult, emotionally labile children have other diagnoses.

I liked this book because it is not political either way. The book is by a parent. She is more focused on dealing with the realities of these difficult children. This said, she also believes in being a strong advocate for the child when the parent feels that professionals are missing the child's symptoms and special needs.

Each section includes informational material interspersed with personal vignettes from the author and many other parents. I liked that she included stories from so many families, because each family encounters different professionals, schools and social situations. With so many voices, parents will find some that reflect their own experiences.

Figuring out what you are dealing with: Children with bipolar disorder and other related conditions often go through many different diagnoses, therapies and school settings. Diagnosis and treatment are often an ongoing journey, even if you have excellent clinicians and a good school. She provides solid information to help parents ask intelligent questions and challenge opinions that do not seem to fit.

Adjusting to the diagnosis: She talks about the emotional rollercoaster that most parents experience when they are trying to come to grips with the fact that their child has a severe, probably chronic disorder. How do you love this child? How do you deal with your own anger and grief? Sometimes stressed, grieving parents do make mistakes.

Helping your child get treatment: She talks about interactions with therapists and school systems. this section is useful for parents who need suport in feeling empowered to speak up.

The sections on taking care of yourself and on having a bipolar child in the family are my favorites. I hope that clinicians read these sections. Ideally, children with bipolar disorder should have two parents in the house and a supportive extended family. Too often though, marriages fall apart under the strain. When confronted with a difficult child, clinicians should immedately do whatever they can to support the family structure and build in comunity support. The author talks about how she and other families found outside support, even when marriages were failing and extended families did not understand.

Helping your child like with bipolar disorder: Finally she discusses how you talk to your child and help him or her develop a positive self esteem. It is difficult to determine how you teach the child responsibility for his or her actions.

It is wonderful to read a book for parents that is written by a parent. This is someone who understands my daily life. This is a practical guide. I wish I had this book when my son was diagnoised 2 1/2 years ago! I would suggest this book and "The Bipolar Child" as manditory reading for a parent (or family member) whose child has been diagnoised with bipolar.

David Lovelace presents a perfect autobiographical account of an apparent 'idylic' childhood that has the undercurrent of a misunderstood mental illness that racked his entire family and shaped his unique persona. David's witty and somewhat satirical writing style is spectacular and his insights into his own family's coping mechanisms are brilliant.
Read this book! It's excellent.

Paul M. Melrose, MA

Unlike most other memoirs about mental illness, Scattershot isn't a complete downer. You finish with hope and laugh quite a bit along the way. I didn't end the book and feel exhausted or sad. I could relate to many of the experiences, since only a few were horrific ordeals.

This is a fast, fun and sometimes harrowing read! If you read the opening chapter, you'll be hooked. As enjoyable as this is, it still chronicles the dissolution of of an entire family to a misunderstood mental illness.

I was trying to explain to my daughter what makes this such an amazing book. There are just so many things. The whole thing is laced with poetic language. The cadence is magical. And I was struck by how brilliantly organized it is. Amid his personal storytelling Lovelace gives historic background and scientific stats and info on the Bipolar condition in a seamless manner. And, the story just keeps going. Some of the scenes are just waiting for the Big Screen. I really could not put it down!

While Scattershot focuses on the heartbreaking story of a family struggling with Bipolar disorder, this is not some pity piece - Lovelace tells the story with sensitivity but no sugar coat, showing everyone's weaknesses and heroism. I feel like I started to understand the reality of being "crazy" at times and knowing it, along with the strange allure of the manic state. Told with humor and a poet's touch, Scattershot is readable - as well as sad, happy, and revealing.

The beginning in some memoirs can be drudgery , waiting for momemtum, but not so with this! I was intrigued immediately, and finished this in two nights. Some of my favorite scenes are in the waiting room, and the MAYBE HYPO manic, and the tender way he described his parents marraige. The 'lost friendhips' brought a sense of sadness for me. Teh role of art in their lives was really well written and interesting to me. I like the way his father was atheist , at one time,and what a burden the ever present ' dogmatic stabilzer' was in their environment. I empathized wholeheartedly with the synapse between being present for his children and wife and being 'stimulated' or clincially euphoric and ' grandiose'.
My best read since The Tender Bar and an Unquiet Mind.



Rebecca Holske

This book helps both the parent of a bipolar child as well as the trained professional. It is an insight into the illness written in a way that is easy to follow, yet full of extremely valuable information. I have purchased many copies of this book in order to pass this information on to those parents I know who are struggling with their bipolar children. The idea of being a "good enough" parent has really helped me with my own daughter. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in search of information, or purely curiosity. It is an excellent read.

I am a psychologist who works with bipolar adolescents and adults and I think this book is the best I have read on this topic.
This is a kind and gentle book that shows great understanding of the problems and strengths of the bipolar child. This is a wonderfully written book without jargon, which accurately describes the good, the hard and the complicated of being a child or raising a child with this disease. This book also deals with the secondary problems children face such as drug and alcohol use and other risk taking behaviors.
The author describes in detail how such children function from preschool through young adulthood. There is an important section of the difference between bipolar disorder and ADD. And, there are clear recommendations as to how to deal with the difficulties bipolar children have in ways that don't punish the child or the parent.
Actually, his suggestions are great for parents with children who are not bipolar.
What comes across is this is a caring book written by a caring doctor.

I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and just recently sat down to read the book cover to cover. Dr. Lombardo is a gifted teacher who presents ideas and concepts in such a fashion that the recommendations he gives to parents make sense. I especially was glad that he acknowledges that parents need to be good enough, not perfect. As Dr. Lombardo phrased it: "perfect is the enemy of good" (pg 62). I think this is very validating to parents of bipolar children who all too often get unspoken messages from others that defective parenting skills are the cause of the bipolar's child's behaviors. As if in a "hats off" to parents of bipolar children, Dr. Lombardo states: "It takes courage to acknowledge the presence of bipolar disorder, in ourselves and in our children....Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to do the right thing in the presence of fear" (pg 276).

I am a psychotherapist with some 20 years of experience, but I do not deal directly with children. I was drawn to this book in an effort to learn more about a field that is outside my own. I found it to be an amazing work. In the first place,it makes a major contribution to the problems raised in understanding and parenting a bipolar child. It presents the very latest knowledge in the field,in clear and lucid language, beautifully organized and wholly understandable to the lay person. I found it particulary useful because it also deals with the positive aspects of this illness, such as the extraordinary sensitivity and creativity that many of these children manifest. Its coverage is complete, extending from infancy into adolescence. But beyond that, it successfully places those problems in the much broader context of human psychological and personality development in general. For example, the chapter dealing with saying "No" to young children contains a brilliant analysis applicable to all children or even,for that matter, to adults. At the end of the book there is a thorough discussion of the many different types of treatment available, together with a reference guide to the latest medications. I can recommend it without hesitation both to parents and professionals. Indeed, I will be recommending this book to those of my own patients who have problems with their children, even though they may not necessarily be diagnosed as bipolar.

I?m a parent that tackles family problems with books, support groups, therapy, whatever it takes. I read Dr. Lombardo?s book only 6 months or so into the diagnosis of bipolar disorder for my 13 year old son, after the nightmarish depressions, poor and nasty psychiatrists, after reading 4 books -- The Bipolar Child (twice), Acquainted with the Night, Jamison?s book (can?t remember the name), and some other book on alternative therapies for bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, and after spending countless hours talking to parents online and learning about meds, side effects, behavioral issues.

As a single parent, with an MA and a PhD in fields of psychology and education, I can honestly tell you that I learned quite a bit from Dr. Lombardo?s book. Here?s what I found?.

The perspective Dr. Lombardo has on child development as a teacher, psychiatrist, and one who has suffered from bipolar disorder greatly enhances, and lends credibility to his ability to differentially diagnose typical and atypical behaviors in children. Furthermore, the information on the differential diagnosis of ADHD versus BP from the neurological and behavioral perspective was very clearly presented, highly informative, and points to the need for expert care for children with these disorders.

The overall developmental approach is extremely valuable because, behaviors and life issues change through development, and is helpful to look ahead to see what might be coming along. Additionallly, some of the more subtle behavioral and cognitive issues that children with BP face is discussed and NOT COVERED in the other books I?ve read ? including a discussion of the concomitant disorders that some kids face along with bipolar disorder.

The review of the meds was excellent, partitioned clearly, and will be a helpful resource guide. As for the structure, I overall liked the format, where some of the critical issues are set out from the rest of the text. Only boring part for me was some of the case studies ? written more for a psychiatric textbook than for a parent.

All in all, I found the book to be an excellent companion to the Bipolar Child and highly recommend it ?. For the novice parent and the ?experienced parent?. I also think this book should be required reading for school psychologists and social workers! At least one of these 2 books, please.

On the eve of my 41st birthday I was finally given the correct diagnosis--Bipolar II. I had been in and out of psychiatrist offices for 20 years! This was the first book I read on the topic. Not only did I laugh and cry, but I related on so many subtle levels. He really hits the nail on the head as far as what it is like and how to get on with your life. I know that I will have to be medications for the rest of my life, it will save my life. I am forever thankful that Paul wrote this book with humor and integrity. My husband is reading it now to learn more about me and the illness. But remember, bipolar is not a death sentence. It is actually the answer to so many questions. I would give this book 10 stars if given the option.

I was just dx as Mixed Bipolar in 6-08. I have ordered at least a thousand books (purchased a lot----spending $$$ is part of the disorder---but I rationalize that by telling me it's to HELP ME!!!)

This is the only book I ACTUALLY reserved and cked out of my local library!!! It's almost overdue. But I will finish it tonight. I am going to his website BipolarBoy.com in about 5 mins!!!!

I love his book.It's like having another "ME" to chat with. I also love his statement on the psychotherapy gig. My shrink (has a cool accent from Bosnia) at each monthly visit says "You do have a psychotherapist don't you?" I figure if she can't even remember the woman across the hall from her....what's up? Plus I have read all about Cognitive Therapy til I am purple in the face. Yrs ago post divorce (seems like another life) I saw a psychologist that sat there and just blabbed the "so how are you feeling junk." So I might go with a few more blabs with the talk therapy and then just keep reading great books like Mr.Jones' and try to stay with my neat psychiatrist. She told me most people get wrongly diagnosed 10 yrs and see at least 4 docs before the correct diagnosis is made. I nearly fell off the chair. She was on the money.Pun is intended too by the way! I always thought I was unipolar and when I felt good that was just how all people who were not depressed felt 24/7. My internist never found a SSRI or the latest flavs of the day Cymbalta -nothing worked. My shrink says "that's because you are not unipolar, you are MIXED bipolar." I had NEVER heard of any type of Bipolar except the classic- manic depressive we have all heard of. I was shocked to learn Type II has a higher suicide rate than the old fashioned type I. Anyway, it's apparent my pressured speech and flight of ideas have taken me off this man's great work. I would recommend this book to everyone in the world. Even people who are not interested in mental illness. It's a great book. So down to earth. I am an RN and I found it so much more entertaining and helpful than any of the heaps of articles, purchased books I have recently read. With 4 y/o boy twins.and a 6 yr old trying to burn my books and computer for "mommy are you going to stop reading?". OK. I will give this man's book a million bright stars that I will remove from the pretty MN sky tonight. JJJ.

What a revelation. After 25 turbulent years of marriage, i have finally been given insight into my husbands mental funk. While reading this book, i laughed, i cried and i read in awe about a life that so similarly mirrored my husband's. Having only recently been diagnosed, he is having trouble accepting the "mental illness" label. Having him read this book is my current goal. So many of my questions were answered, and I know that when he does read it, he will breathe a huge sigh of relief just realizing that the life experiences he has/had are not the "be all, end all" of his existence. Help is there-he can do this.

Thank you, Mr Jones, for opening yourself up to the scrutiny of everyone--in order to help someone. That someone is me, my husband and our family.

If you are searching for answers or just grasping for straws, get the book-read it . . . exhale. Wow . . . The Up And Down Life: The Truth About Bipolar Disorder--the Good, the Bad, and the Funny (Lynn Sonberg Books)

Because this is a personal experience and he is not a doctor, Bipolor Boy is thankfully able to bulldoze pages of medical information. There are plenty of books full of medical info but not near enough accounts like this one. This has humor but it is also straightforward. Encourages consumers to take responsibility for living a balanced life with this disorder. Refreshing.

As someone who was diagnosed with Bipolar II, in July '08, I became scared because I had no idea what to expect. All the mood swings I had been experiencing, I thought were just a part of me. However, once I found out they weren't, I started looking for answers and what "normal" meant.
Paul's book is the MOST "down to earth" book on Bipolar Disorder I have read (I have read at least 10 since my diagnosisous(sp?)). He speaks to the reader on a level you can relate to. There is no "over the head" unecessary information. I understand basic brain function and did not need an education on that. I wanted to find out what someone else experiences w/ Bipolar and Paul let me in on that knowledge. It gets frustrating in dealing w/ the meds, finding the right combination, etc. Plus Paul gave me an idea of what "normal" actually may be and for that I am extremely grateful.
I strongly recommend this book for people who have recently been diagnosed w/Bipolar, as it gives a person insight on what to expect and he shows you, that yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just may not get there as quick as you want to, I know.

Susan has drawn her spirit. Drawings with feelings always touch the soul.

I just finished reading your book last night - I loved it. It was beautiful. I don't think I've ever read anything so open and honest before. It was very inspiring and encouraging to experience your pain and struggles with you and to be brought into healing. Your story brings hope to us all. Your side columns are incredible. Even though most were written in prose, it's some of the best poetry I've ever read. Very haunting! I love your art work. With one glance, one can grasp the emotions in your pictures. Pete Richardson, artist and author of "Dance on Fire."

This book offers a chance for you, the reader, to become empowered to take control of your life. Sue eloquently and vividly points out that if only one side of a person is treated, then the treatment is not complete. Sue shares how she learned each person is a triad - body, soul, and spirit. To treat one and not the other two is like having only one leg on a three-legged stool; it will soon tip over. Mark Lanyon, MHS, CAAC, Brandywine Counseling Service

I have just finished your book and wanted to let you know how I felt about it. The thing that most struck me about the book was your ability to articulate the feeling and depth of your own suffering in such a readable style. The experiences you write about are more universal than people realize. It's amazing to me that you could continue to search in the midst of so many negative influences. It makes me realize how very important a supportive partner is in the mental health of the other partner. Although I didn't know you during most of this time, I feel that now, having read your words, I can recognize the new person I do know as one who is stronger and more complete for the work she has done. Donald M. Pruden, Executive Director, Center for the Creative Arts

Sue Heisler has emerged from a very deep darkness. She never gave up on herself. She searched everywhere for answers; searched with all her heart, and has proved to all of us that there is hope. She tried all the methods, and then went beyond it all into a new place of healing for her soul and spirit. Well done!

After hearing Dr. Stout speak at a NAMI meeting, I rushed right out and purchased the book. Not only does it do an excellent job of explaining the emotions of someone living with this illness, it is riveting. I didn't want to put it down. Several friends have asked to borrow it.

One of the things that is difficult to understand for many of us family members of someone living with mental illness, is the utter despair and hopelessness they experience when they are symptomatic. Dr. Stout is able to convey this well.

There is a lot of good information for family members as well as ill people themselves. My ill family member and I have both used many ideas from his book.

I highly recommend it for a good read and for useful information.

Precise, Great Advise. A true Bipolar Recovery book. I have never seen a self help book I couldn't put down. A great book for all those who suffer from Bipolar. Especially those who were victims of abuse. Speaks to those in commons language. Doesn't preach. Speaks of the importance of medication. A must own.

Bipolar is a big part of my life and my families life. Understanding the people who deal with it must be as hard as having it. Reverend Dr. James Stout gives us a "diary" if you will, of his life and dealing with his abusive family. Not a technical book but a book that will teach you practical techniques for managing moods without losing your mind. Unlike the other books out there on this subject, Rebuilding your life, makes you feel like you are not alone. Someone else has been through this and knows how you feel and is trying to help you.
I commend Reverend Dr. James Stout for the courage I know it took to write this book.

A very close relative of mine has bipolar disorder, so I've read everything I've been able to find on this subject.
However, this book is as comprehensive an analysis as I've found. Although the author goes into a bit more detail of his day-to-day life than I wanted, DO NOT skip a single chapter. Every chapter has tools and techniques that are invaluable to understanding and coping with the disorder.
The book is especially trailblazing in putting this "chemical" condition in the context of a dysfunctional upbringing. And in presenting skills for dealing with those, related, problems.
The appendices are especially helpful, and succinct.

Stout provides a very rare take on bipolar disorder. It is from the perspective of one who has been there (is there) and has more than survived. As a psychiatrist, I have rarely encountered a 'personal experience' volume with such bredth and balance. Yes, he includes religion... he's a minister! But he identifies scores of important aspects to 'rebuilding your life' with bipolar disorder. He doesn't shun medicine as some organized evil attempt at behavioral control. He doesn't say God will heal you without any work on your part. Basically he details all the areas of your life, which if taken for granted (like sleep) can lead to symptomatic relapse.

The title of Chapter 14, "Life in a Psychiatric Unit: Sometimes Awful, Sometimes Fun" fairly well says it all. (And it describes working in a psych unit too!)

Stout has maintained a sense of humor, balance and optimism which would be well adopted by anyone facing a mental health challenge. He has no hidden agendas and never preaches. He tells it like he has experienced it, and as it has worked for him. And he tells it well.

Heartily recommended to all.

This was the first work on depression authored with a real life perspective on the illness and its affects on "life" that I had read. Having been trained in the mental health field and being employed in a mental health related job, this was the first work to help me feel better about my own illness. It was so easy to be understanding and supportive of others with this illness, but when it came time for me to understand and to be caring for myself, it all but elluded me.

Also in this work I found the connections between depression, addiction, weight related issues, and hormonal problems. Every little piece of my spotty medical history came into focus under the hands of the author in this book. I have yet to read anything that has helped me on the road to understanding my depressive illness any more than this book. Having a lay person relate information through her own real experiences is a definate plus as well.

The author feels that many substance abusers have an underlying emotional problem like depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder etc. They really need to be treated for this in order to get the substance abuse under control.

If you are having a substance abuse problem, read this book and be sure you get screened by a real professional for emotional problems. Keep an open mind and save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache. When the emotional issues get resolved, the substance abuse problem may practically take care of itself!

This is a very accessable book for anyone concerned about depression in a loved one or yourself. Written so people (not just professionals) can understand it. I've given it to several friends who were helped, too. Best of all, it helped my partner realize the behavior wasn't crazy but treatable. Excellent book.

A great "primer" on depression. This is the first book I read on depression after reading Darkness Visible, and I still think it's one of the best, especially as the author's daughter, who suffered from depression, contributed to it.

This book is up to date in its information. It is very informative, and reader friendly. It explains the cause of some mental illness, addictions, phobias and anxieties. These down to earth explanations take all the guilt out of having a disorder, disability, or addiction. This distancing from self blame enables action and change.