I Am Laurie: How Bipolar Disorder Altered My Life

by Laurie Johnson Dr

I realized after my diagnosis four years ago that having bipolar disorder does not define who I am as a person. For close to three decades, I battled an unknown adversary, believing I was just sinning because I wasn't choosing happiness. The story is composed of trials from my life, including a turbulent relationship; hopelessness and thoughts of suicide; the abandonment of my Olympic dream; the death of a son in my arms from a genetic disorder; the early end to my teaching career; and the suicide of my nephew. I can now see how my undiagnosed bipolar disorder affected my decision-making ability, my relationships, my joy, and the goals I once had for my life. It is a story of triumph in the face of adversity, one that tells how God has given me a meaningful life even though things haven't turned out how I originally envisioned.

188 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2011

Reviews

[Laurie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a personal account of my struggle with bipolar disorder. I hope others will benefit from reading it, whether they suffer from a mental illness or not. My goal was to be transparent in the telling so that people could relate to what I went through.

After writing and re-writing the manuscript, I diligently line-edited then had a professional editor make corrections before it went to print. My desire was to produce a high quality product and I am pleased with the result. I hope you are too!

Included in the story are other trials, such as losing a son to a genetic disorder and a nephew to suicide, so anyone who has experienced loss will understand some of the difficulties I have faced in life.

Ultimately, mine is a story of hope, healing, and forgiveness which is only possible through a relationship with Christ. (Staying on my meds hasn't hurt any, either!)

[Joshua J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew next to nothing about the subject before reading it and it was eye opening. The symptoms Johnson talks about I would have blown off as something else but I have to realize that there are many factors I need to consider. Her life is a testimony to God's grace and redemption.

[Cbel00 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written. Reads like a diary. She talks more about her athletic abilities than bipolar disorder. If you don't know anything about the disease the last part of the book might be helpful. Otherwise, you are wasting your time.

[Brenda Kneeshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A needed read for anyone with a loved one dealing with bipolar disorder.