Overcoming Bipolar Disorder: A Comprehensive Workbook for Managing Your Symptoms and Achieving Your Life Goals

by Mark Bauer, Devra E. Greenwald, Amy M. Kilbourne

A doctor may understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder and your close friends and relatives may know your manic and depressive phases inside and out, but only you have experienced your bipolar disorder firsthand. This workbook will help you learn how to recognize your mania and depression triggers, develop coping skills for managing symptoms, form more productive partnerships with your healthcare providers, and keep your life in balance as you work toward your goals.

The authors' Life Goals Program has already helped hundreds of people with bipolar disorder understand how bipolar works and take charge of their lives. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder makes Life Goals Program techniques available to the public for the first time, giving you the tools you need to create an action plan for symptom management designed specifically for you. You'll also discover how simple changes to your eating, exercise, and sleeping habits can improve your mood and keep symptoms at bay.

Overcoming Bipolar Disorder is about more than just medication. New research shows that learning specific skills to manage bipolar disorder can significantly reduce symptoms and help to maintain long-term balance…. It should be an important resource for people living with bipolar disorder and for concerned family members.-Gregory Simon, MD, MPH, psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, WA

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Self Help

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2009

Reviews

[Justyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming Bipolar Disorder is a workbook geared towards those looking to understand the nature of bipolar and how to manage manic and depressive symptoms. It can also be used in therapy with clients. The chapters are short, practical, and written in accessible language. The modules go step by step, taking a CBT and ACT approach. Part 1 provides psychoeducation about bipolar. Part 2 covers how to identify and manage manic symptoms. Part 3 uses the same format for depressive symptoms. Part 4 looks at wellness including physical health habits and behaviors. The final part covers life goals and how they fit into treatment. The book also includes resources such as mental health organizations as well as a nifty guide to medications. Overall, from a therapist perspective, if you like CBT and ACT this book is a great resource.

[Rachel Jessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this for a group at work, and so far it is quite a nice format.