Editorial Review

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Reviews (268)

Informative & entertaining
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helped me understand manic depression better and it was written in a very personable way. Highly recommended!

this book changed my life
even years after being diagnosed with BP, I still felt....just 'misunderstood'. After reading through this book, I found myself yelling in my head THAT'S ME!!!!! she's talking about me!
Kudos for Courage
Like it or not, human nature tends to box and label people, and unveiling mental illness carries a threat of permanent stigma.I applaud Dr. Jamison's courage in exposing her affliction with manic-depressive illness.Unlike many others who suffer from this disorder, she has survived, learned to cope and effectively manage medication; she has maintained her professional credibility and salvaged creativity.Yes, she's been fortunate, but by sharing her personal wisdom in AN UNQUIET MIND, Kay Redfield Jamison offers hope! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Depression    5. Manic-depressive persons    6. Manic-depressive psychoses    7. Specific Groups - General    8. United States    9. Women    10. Women college teachers    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    12. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (18)

Incredible source of insight
I wish they would make another edition, even though its expensive, well worth its read. written well enough for both laymen and professional. It gets kind of technical at the end, but once you've read enough of the other books, you pretty much can get an idea of the clinical stuff.
Making a difficult study simply amazing!
Studying and treating Bipolar Disorder is a difficult trend. Since Kraepelin lessons became available in his book, perhaps "Manic Depressive Illness" is the first to try the almost impossible mission to launch new lights on the matter. And with an amazing approach full of eruditism as well as simplicity and warmth. Untill nowadays, extremely accurate, complete, precise and comprehensive. In little words: in all aspects, amazing!

BUY THIS BOOK
Years ago when I was hospitalized for this illness, this HUGE reference and research book literally got me through.When doctors and my own family didn't know what was going on with me, I knew because the things written in this book were detailing (to a hugely accurate degree)my own experiences. Beyond this, it gives invaluable insight into lesser-known facets of this condition that it's apparent not even some physicians have researched, so in depth. The criticisms of some semi-outdated material are valid...certainly there have been advances in medicine, in particular, in the past 10-15 years.However, the bulk of the information is current in its validity and would not change, over time.This is some intense research.There is simply no other reference book out there that is so detailed and thorough.You must buy this book if you are the least bit interested in learning about this illness.Mental health experts should be required by law to own it.Surely, if you yourself have experienced the effects of bipolar disorder or you know someone in your family or life with it, you will literally not be able to put the book down--it's fascinating! Buy it, coupled with co-author Kay Redfield Jamison's other books (she's a psychiatrist AND a bipolar/manic depressive)--she is refreshingly unashamed and clear about her own life experiences in other works.Don't expect any personal examples in this book, as it's strictly research and data. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bipolar Disorder    2. Health/Fitness    3. Manic-depressive illness    4. Medical    5. Mental Depression    6. Psychiatry - General    7. Psychology    8. Psychopathology - General    9. Medical / Psychiatry    10. Medicine | Psychiatry & Psychology    11. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    12. Psychiatry   

Editorial Review

For any caregiver experiencing life with a bipolar child, Demitri and Janice Papolos's Read more

Reviews (90)

BP in children definitely exists
I didn't have to read the book to know that BP can be a correct diagnosis in children.During my childhood I had intense emotions and fluidity of thoughts.Standardized tests could not measure creativity in science -- I blew them away.History; forget it.Regardless, the same emotion and thought issues that existed throughout childhood translated to adulthood.Anger became extreme and dangerous in adulthood.This is when I extensively researched psychiatric diagnoses and discovered that BP fit me perfectly.Kay Jamisons book confirmed my research.Many years and much medication later, I'm more normal than normal people.
The first resource I recommend to parents of newly dxd kids
As I was reading this book, I wondered how the authors were able to witness what was going on in my family.It was like they were flies on the wall - they described my family to a T.
Bi-polar Child hard cover book review
This book was exactly as described.It was informative and yet not too medically explicit that I couldn't understand the information being explained.It also held a lot of examples from real families which was also helpful and made me feel like this wasn't just a medical book, it was a tool to help me understand that my child wasn't alone in the world which was comforting to know.
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Subjects:  1. Child Psychiatry    2. Clinical Child Psychology    3. Depression in children    4. Manic-depressive illness in children    5. Pediatrics    6. Psychology    7. Psychoses in children    8. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Child Psychology   

Reviews (37)

THE BIPOLAR DISORDER SURVIVAL GUIDE
This is the best book on the subject I have ever read.It is an essential read for anyone with bipolar disorder. It really does gives you strategies not just to survive but to have a good quality of life too.

Bipolar Survival Guide
Excellent resource for families struggling with this devastating diagnosis. Lots of great information and help.

Excellent guide to coping with bipolar disorder/manic depression
I have read many books about bipolar disorder, and this is one of the best I've found.It offers strategies for coping with the diagnosis itself, depression, and mania.It talks about diagnostic criteria, biology of the disease, medications, psychotherapy, and coping in both family and work settings.The fact that there is only an 8% chance of passing bipolar to your kids (20% if you include major depression) was worth the price of the book all by itself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. General    3. Manic-depressive illness    4. Mood Disorders    5. Popular works    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    8. Reference    9. Popular medicine    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Illness   

Editorial Review

Julie Fast and John Preston have written a ground breaking book for couples who want to prevent manic depressive disorder from hijacking their relationship. Fast, a health writer diagnosed with bipolar illness and clinical psychologist Preston are ideal companions. Their innovative ideas will be welcomed by exhausted partners of "bipolar individuals"--whose illness can cause them to alternate between manic and depressed behavior. Once medication has been prescribed, the key is studying the specific ways your partner is effected. This allows couples to develop pro-active strategies for treating and stabilizing mood swings and symptoms, before they develop into full-blown crises. The techniques emphasize prevention, rather than putting out fires.These include understanding the difference between the person and the disease (know when "the bipolar disorder is talking") listing your partner's specific symptoms, identifying the triggers that lead to these symptoms and transforming the "bipolar conversation"The goal of all the tools is to pinpoint early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode and be prepared with a holistic treatment plan.Other segments of the book deal with the work (checkered resumes) and financial problems (spending sprees) created by this illness. The author's ideas are engaging, compassionate and realistic--an oasis of relief and hope. Read more

Reviews (42)

Helpful in identifying coping tips
As an individual with bipolar, I would like others to understand me and help me stop myself when I am beginning to act inappropriately.
I wish I had this book 25 years ago!
"Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder" is a book that shares real solutions to a real problem.BiPolar Disorder has been very prevelant in my immediate family for the past 25 years.I have learned to cope with the disorder in family members in my own way but I needed to do more than cope."Loving Someone With biPolar Disorder" has opened my eyes to several things.1. How to separate the illness from the person.2. Through the writing exercises I am learning how much I personally have been affected by loving someone(s) with Bipolar Disorder.3. If you want to know how you can support your loved one who has this illness, this book can give that to you.This is definitely a hands on approach and if possible you can work together.4. A holistic approach to treating this illness.Man does not live by medicine alone. 5.It is possible to head off the worst case scenarios by knowing the warning signs and using preventative treatments before things get out of hand.
Great information for those who are really motivated to help their spouse
In my case the book came too late. I had pretty much made up my mind to get out of the relationship mainly due to my inability to forgive the horrible things that happened while my husband was manic. The hints in the book are helpful to those who have just learned the diagnosis of their spouse or who are very forgiving. However, the descriptions are not sometimes detailed enough (e.g. re: first signs of each bipolar state are only given for one state). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Manic-depressive illness    3. Marriage    4. Mood Disorders    5. Popular works    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Treatment    9. Coping with illness    10. Marriage & relationships   

Reviews (8)

Excellent book
I bought this book after being diagnosed as Bipolar II.For many years I've been diagnosed as having PMS, PMDD, and most forms of depression.It wasn't until I experienced a major depressive episode (suicidal), became euphoric while on antidepressants, and saw a good psychiatrist that I felt I was finally diagnosed properly.
The best book for patietnts about bipolar spectrum disorders.
This is a very important book in these days when many depressed patients are placed on antidepressants after a too short 5 minute visit to their primary care doctor. The National Comorbidity Survey found that 15-20% of patients with depression may be part of the bipolar spectrum. These patients will not get well and stay well with antidepressants alone as their treatment. Dr Phelps explains clearly how to tell if your depression may be part of the bipolar spectrum and tells you about the treatments that can help. I have recomended Dr Phelps website at psycheducation.com for some years. I find the book to be just as good. There is very balanced presentation of all the controversial issues.

Good, if not a tad condesending
As a Bipolar II sufferer I agree with all that has been stated by the other reviewers.However this books greatest failing is in its definition of Bipolar II as "soft" bipolar.It is a seperate illness and should not be compared as such.Bipolar sufferes have greater highs, but bipolar II sufferers have greater lows (which also tend to last longer than bipolar I).
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Diseases - Genetic    4. General    5. Manic-depressive illness    6. Mental Depression    7. Mental Illness    8. Popular works    9. Psychology    10. Self-Help    11. Coping with illness    12. Health & Fitness / Diseases / Genetic    13. Popular medicine   

Reviews (9)

Patient-loved, doctor-approved
I got this book because it was recommended highly by readers of the "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide." I was NOT disappointed. Dr. Fink takes a sharp, problem-focused approach in her writing.
straight talk about Bi polar
I believe that this book should be given to everyone diagnosed with Bi Polar disorder and their family. It explains things in clear easy to read format. You can skip parts that you don't need ( I skipped the part about children with Bi polar because only my husband has been diagnosed) . It reads like a friendly magazine. Doctors are to technical and some books are to anacdotial.

Bipolar Disorder for Dummies
Perfect for all Dummies (which we were until recently).Very easy to understand terminology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. General    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Mood Disorders    6. Psychology    7. Family & Health    8. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (31)

Great Book For Me!
I wasn't diagnosed officially with Bipolar II until Wednesday, March 27, 2003, but I'd already had this book for almost ten years at that point...because I'd suspected that I was a manic-depressive since 1991, after seeing a segment about both Bipolar and ADHD on ABC's "20/20" and the follow-up on ABC's "Nightline" that same night.
The reality hurts
The reality of living with manic-depressive illness, whether it be you or someone you love, is driven home by Patty Duke's extreme symptoms of this disorder. This book is basically an autobiography of her life but it is also much more. It is very easy to read and informative on the types of bipolar mood swings, the different medications and how they work, which is very helpful to the average person who doesn't understand medical terminology! (like me).I never cared much for The Patty Duke Show, but now have a profound respect for her after reading her history and how she survived. Toward the end of the book are important chapters for spouses, siblings, children, friends and anyone who lives with or cares for a person with bipolar disorder on effective ways to help cope with the stress and therapy. Cases are cited in detailed on "victories" and "failures".It is easy to see where one can work on changing their own reactions to helping the one they care about. This is the first book I have ever seen my husband read in 2 days; he could not put it down. Afterward, he looked at me and started treating me in a new light. I think we will be one of the "victories!"

Great Book for Everyone
I think this book will reach out best to middle-aged women as Patty Duke writes from that perspective.However, I was 18 when my father and I read it together.One of the virtutes of the book is that it isn't just about Patty, but also about the rest of her family.This allows for even the non bipolar afflicted to understand what is happening and how they can help.The fact that Patty Duke is well known is both a positive and a negative:positive because we all know her and negative because how many people live like a star?I think this book presents an accurate portrayal of a colorful illness in a digestible format.I think the book is a good read that will teach you about bipolar even if you aren't trying to learn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1946-    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Duke, Patty,    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    6. Manic-depressive psychoses    7. Mental health    8. Popular works    9. Specific Groups - Special Needs    10. Women    11. Biography & Autobiography / General    12. Biography: general   

Reviews (2)

This book gives you insperation!
This is a great book. It would work for anyone with bipolar, no matter what stage of your treatment your in. It really gave me a different perspective to my illness. I found out about my illness 4 years ago and this book still helped me to learn a lot of things that I had never thought of before. I was really great.

wonderful
I had been looking for a guide/workbook for this. Most books don't cover exercises in depth to help and the few guides I have found, frankly were written so poorly they were of no use.
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Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Clinical Psychology (Specific Aspects)    3. Manic-depressive illness    4. Mental Health    5. Mood Disorders    6. Popular works    7. Problems, exercises, etc    8. Psychology    9. Treatment    10. Coping with illness    11. Philosophy & theory of psychology    12. Psychiatry    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Mental Health   

Editorial Review

The march of science in explaining human nature continues. In Read more

Reviews (56)

Mens sana in corpore sano.
Over the years.....for as long as I can remember - I sit alone and let my mind soar to the most incredible heights. My mind hears, sees and feels ....original music that tragically will never be heard. Motion Pictures that will never be seen. Eroticism that would make even the most sexually creative blush - never be felt.
Still Worth A Read
While Prof. Jamison's previous writing has inspired me and also given me insight to the potential pitfalls that face someone with bipolar disorder, I found this book to be a bit more technical. Perhaps a little too technical.
Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament
It is a very beotifull book, with an almost poetical writing abaut the relation between the manic-Depressive illness and art creativity. It is over all a book thatdoes not approach the problematic of the illness from a negative point of view but yes looking to important points that they must be had in account when somebody is come across with this illness and not only from a clinical point but also social and cultural point of view. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists    2. Authors    3. Creative ability    4. Creativity    5. General    6. Manic-depressive illness    7. Mental health    8. Mood Disorders    9. Psychology    10. Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)    11. Clinical psychology    12. Health systems & services    13. Literary theory    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    15. Theory of art   

Editorial Review

It may be difficult for those suffering from depression to add a little work into their day; simply getting out of bed can seem like plenty of work. But if you are newly diagnosed or experiencing moderate problems with depression or bipolar disorder, Read more

Reviews (24)

WOW! Better than 10 years therapy
WOW! After spending a number of years in therapy, I must say that I have found this book to be profoundly more helpful than any of the therapy. I truly wished every therapist, especially the HMO therapist that I have had to deal with, had a copy and practiced the formulas in this book. Highly recommended! Read this book and give a copy to you therapist and Physician for them to actually read and use.
Somewhat helpful
I found that this book was heavily skewed to bipolar depression.While the information and exercises given are no doubt helpful to those with bipolar depression, I found that they did not really pertain to my unipolar (postpartum) depression.I would look for different resources if you are suffering from unipolar depression.

Great Help for Depression
Depression is a horrible illness that I would not have survived if it were not for books like this one.I researched and sought information endlessly when in the black hole of this horrible illness.This book provides resources and information that is necessary for anyone suffering from depression or those working with the suffering individuals.Always remember there is help and its not as bad as it seems.Depression is an illness that effects your entire being so treatment is necessary.You cant just shake it off.This book helps.
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Subjects:  1. Depressed persons    2. Depression    3. Emotions    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Manic-depressive persons    6. Mood Disorders    7. Psychology    8. Rehabilitation    9. Self-help techniques    10. Coping with illness    11. Popular psychology    12. SELF-HELP / Depression   

Reviews (9)

A Good Reference Book
"Kids in the syndrome Mix..." is a good reference book, listing disorders and giving tips for parents and teachers that should help them understand the children in the syndrome mix better. However, I feel it lacks in-depth information and details on direct application in the classroom. That might be beyond the scope of the book; therefore, you will have to look for that information elsewhere. In conclusion, the book serves the purpose of a stepping stone for further study - or it can be read as a quick guide, depending on your level of interest.

Great Read - Lots of Information
This book is useful for so many reasons.It is great for teachers or others who intereact with individuals with a variety of special needs.It is perfect for parents who are trying to narrow down/begain to understand their child's diagnosis.It is perfect for a child who has an Alphabet Soup diagnosis - multiple dx - for one book which address all of them.I would reccomend you read this book!!It is well writen and full of great information

Highly recommended
Really good information, written concise and easy to read.Great for parents and teachers who do not have a lot of time to read.Chapter 2 is the best chapter I have ever read on how to relate well to children who are often difficult to relate to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    2. Behavior disorders in children    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Developmental - Child    5. Developmental Disabilities    6. Education    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Learning Disabilities    9. Learning Disorders (Neurological Aspects)    10. Learning disabled children    11. Special Education - Learning Disabled    12. Special Education - Socially Handicapped    13. Teaching of children with emotional & behavioural difficulties   

Reviews (2)

Fills a unique niche
I applaud John McManamy for writing an excellent, insightful and information packed book!John has the unique perspective of not only being a very knowledgeable authority on depression and bipolar disorder, but also a consumer himself because of his diagnosis.He is brutally honest about issues ranging from medications, the role of sleep in wellness, the seriousness of the illness . . . there is no sugar coating or glossing over topics. At the same time, John intersperses the book with a refreshing sense of humor and candor.Unlke many books that present the facts in a dry clinical format, this book will bring a smile to your face or have you laughing out loud at comments such as "anyone taking ***** with either of these drugs is simply begging for an audition as the next Macy's Santa" (in reference to medication induced weight gain).
the most up to date and readable book on this subject out there
I am one of those people who struggle with my Bipolar I disorder and buy every book out there on the subject hoping to find something new, or something I can learn I didn't know on my illness.
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Subjects:  1. Depression    2. Depression, Mental    3. Diseases - General    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Manic-depressive illness    8. Mental Depression    9. Mental Disorders    10. Mood Disorders    11. Popular works    12. Psychology    13. Self-Help    14. Coping with illness    15. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (1)

Brilliant and Helpful
The book was very readable for patients and equally helpful to family members. I found this book to be an excellent resource book for patients and families who want to have a consultation on their bipolar condition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Manic-depressive illness    2. Mental Health    3. Mood Disorders    4. Popular works    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - General    7. Psychopathology - Manic Depressive Illness    8. Self-Help    9. Treatment    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

A must-read for anyone dealing with depression, Read more

Reviews (27)

YES - YES - YES ! ! !
What the author says is true!His program works!I am at last free of insomnia and depression.Even anger has become fully under my control.
Ground Breaking Research; Vital Information
This is a book that can be life changing.It's extremely solid, clearly written, for the lay person,and fully documented, and it concerns Dr. Stoll's claims as to the benefits of taking Omega-3 oil supplements.It was recommended to me by a Nurse Practitioner at the Hospital Clinic where I go for regular medical care, and it has caused a revolution in my life.We live in a wilderness of self help and health care books that can confuse us and numb us with their contradictory claims.But be assured this book is a thorough and brilliant record of the results of actual medical research. Dr. Stoll's work with Omega-3was done at Harvard, and he knows whereof he speaks.He is not the only one recommending that we take Omega-3 supplements to make up for the deficiencies in our "modern"diet.Indeed many many doctors are now talking about this, and word can not spread too fast.Read this book.And take it from this reader: there is indeed a profound" Omega-3 connection, " and it's vital that we avail ourselves of this substance for better health.

Best discovery for everyone
This is one of those books where after you read it your life style will change. We spend billions of dollars on health care at the treatment level when we should be focusing on the cause.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Manic-depressive illness    9. Mental Depression    10. Mental Health    11. Nutrition    12. Omega-3 fatty acids    13. Pharmacology    14. Therapeutic use    15. Treatment    16. Fitness & diet    17. Health & Fitness / General    18. Mental health services    19. Psychiatry   

Reviews (53)

As good as it gets
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in March 2006 after having struggled for 19 years with its symptoms.At last I was put on the right medication, only to find out that lithium gives me severe headaches.So now I am taking depakote, and I read from this book all the time.This newer (second) edition has some important additions, so if you have the first edition, I highly recommend getting this one.I have often had mixed epidodes, and Dr. Mondimore does his best to explain this rare and poorly understood mood state.I could add a few things about it, having experienced them myself.He also does a good job of explaining bipolar disorder in children.I think I had it starting at age 7, which is rare but does happen.Information on children with bipolar disorder is hard to find, and when you do find it, it is usually not very helpful in its level of detail and explanation.I found the information on medications (including anti-psychotic medications, one of which I take) to be very helpful.This section has more information than the first edition had.Overall, I highly recommend this book even if you suffer from a more unusual manifestation of the disease, as do I.

Easy to read with lots of information
As a psychologist who has taught abnormal psychology at the college level for many years, I was impressed by the depth of coverage and the writing style of the author. The author explains in plain language what is known about the disorder and how to cope with it. It can be read by the professional and the non-professional alike. I purchased this book for a friend who has bipolar disorder and is not a professional. She loves the book.

A "Must Read" for Those with Family Members or Friends with bipolar mood disorder
Many books about bipolar disorder are either for psychiatrists or are just generally uninformative.This book is written by a psychiatrist, but for lay persons.Bipolar mood disorder is a disease.This book discusses symptoms, treatment, and how to recognize those with the disease.Case studies are illustrative and helpful.Highly recommended, particularly if your life is affected by someone who you think has bipolar mood disorder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Affective disorders    2. Bipolar Disorder    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Manic-depressive illness    7. Mood Disorders    8. Popular Works    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - Manic Depressive Illness    11. Political Science / Foreign Legal Systems    12. Social welfare & social services   

Editorial Review

Like Kurt Cobain, Nick Traina lived for punk rock (his bands made two CDs, Read more

Reviews (186)

A Mother's Heartache
As a Danielle Steel fan since the dawn of her writing career, I've often wondered how she captures emotional anguish so vividly.In researching manic-depression while writing LOVING LARRY, I found the answer apparent in HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.From the heart of a mother she lovingly introduces her children, shares her personal history and bares her soul in this painful account of her son's struggle with manic-depressive illness and its effect on her family.The poignant portrayals she creates in fiction come--at least in part--from heartbreaking first-hand experience.

Steel's best work to date
Widely known for her romantic novels in far off places, Danielle Steel managed to create a career that likely exceeded her wildest dreams. Yet beneath the veneer of gentile refinement, the famous author struggled to help her son Nick Traina, a young man who was taken from Earth before his time. Lucky for him, and for us, Steel didn't let his passing go without triumph for those like him.
His Bright Light Can Save Lives
Danielle Steel wrote this book with a purpose greater than many may realize. As a pure and loving tribute to her son Nick's life and as a direly needed awareness among people about how BPD (Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression) is a disease that kills people, because they do not have proper medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Depression    6. Family relationships    7. General    8. Manic-depressive persons    9. Mental Illness    10. Parental Memoirs    11. Specific Groups - Special Needs    12. Suicide    13. United States    14. Women authors, American    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (2)

Cut through the Theory and Go to the Heart of What Works
Julie Fast's unique perspective on bi-polar disorder comes from personal experience. In dealing with her own bi-polar disorder, she has personally had to do the challenging work to carve her own path through so she could live a productive life. Reading this book is a short-cut.It cuts through all the theory and goes to the heart of what actually works.If you need real assistance in dealing with the disorder yourself or if you need to know how to deal with a loved one who has bi-polar disorder, this book sends you life line. It lays out a step by step, practical approach that you can use as a handbook to guide you as you carve your own path through your individual challenge with bi-polar disorder.

A plan for surviving and THRIVING
I was one of the lucky people who read an advance copy...and I was determined to be the first person to reveiw this amazing, life saving book on Amazon.Readers of Fast's and Preston's other book on Bipolar disorder (loving someone with bipolar) will be thrilled to finally get a detailed, step-by-step, super-in-depth plan that gently guides them to health.And for family members, this book will save relationships and marriages.The two things about this book that set it apart from anything else on the market that deals with bipolar disorder are 1)BIPOLAR CONVERSATIONS -- example: how do you talk to your teenage daughter/ mother/ spouse when they she's ready to kill herself, or manic, or sexually out of control?Fast and Preston, through their vast experiences and decades of dealing with this illness, show us what conversations work, and also HOW NOTto deal with those we love... and 2) sidebar stories from both bipolar patients and family members who have survived the devastating effects of this illness.They tell you what worked for them, where they were in their lives when they made the choice to take charge and get well.Especially powerful was the story written by Fast's brother.Actually, I found myself skipping ahead through the book and reading all the stories of the people who have this illness -- as well as the family member stories.Of course, I went back and read the whole book cover to cover.BUY THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - General    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Manic depressive persons    9. Manic-depressive illness    10. Mental Disorders    11. Popular works    12. Rehabilitation    13. Coping with illness    14. Health & Fitness / General    15. Psychiatry   

Reviews (18)

Thank Goodness for This Book
If it weren't for this book, and for James Webb, I might have believed the teachers and psychologists who told me that something was really wrong with my daughter. After reading this book, I realized that several things were really right with her, but that we weren't handling her in the ways most likely to help her adapt and succeed.
where to start?
I have so many problems with this book that there is no way one review can include them all.I'm going to list some of the major ones here.