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The Bipolar Experience - One fashion model's war against the stigma of mental illness
Adopted at nine months, married off at seventeen, a mother by nineteen, and diagnosed with the severest form of bipolar disorder at twenty-three. LeeAnn Jefferies believed her dream of being a top model--of traveling the globe for fashion and its industries biggest names--was sealed behind the heavy doors of a fourth floor psychiatric ward. While her husband managed two small children and a full time job at home, LeeAnn underwent the brutality of electroconvulsive therapy, commonly known as shock treatments. And although many of her memories were stripped away, her dream remained.
Then one day, a light shone into the darkest places of her life and LeeAnn knew one thing for certain--she would see her dreams fulfilled. Soon thereafter, she ventured into the world of fashion modeling, eventually landing a contract with the world-famous Ford Modeling Agency.
But LeeAnn carried a secret. A stigma. Refusing to acknowledge her illness or to take medication, she walked a precarious tightrope that, in time, pitched. Eventually forced to resign, she challenged the stigma with ready fists and, in the process, found a new purpose: to open dialogue and to provide hope for the millions diagnosed with bipolar disorder. To prove, once and for all, that dreams are bigger than BD.
Then one day, a light shone into the darkest places of her life and LeeAnn knew one thing for certain--she would see her dreams fulfilled. Soon thereafter, she ventured into the world of fashion modeling, eventually landing a contract with the world-famous Ford Modeling Agency.
But LeeAnn carried a secret. A stigma. Refusing to acknowledge her illness or to take medication, she walked a precarious tightrope that, in time, pitched. Eventually forced to resign, she challenged the stigma with ready fists and, in the process, found a new purpose: to open dialogue and to provide hope for the millions diagnosed with bipolar disorder. To prove, once and for all, that dreams are bigger than BD.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
57 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
LeeAnn Jeffries
1 book1 followerLeeAnn and her husband Kenneth make their home in North Carolina. They are the parents of two grown children and have been blessed with two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 20, 2017
An amazing book written by a woman who has suffered from bipolar disease most of her life. Anyone who is diagnosed with bipolar disease or loves someone who has been diagnosed, should read this book of strength and hope. I highly, highly recommend this book for everyone. It helps to educate those of us who don't understand the stigma behind this disease.
October 2, 2016
In one respect, this is an easy read. Leeann Jeffries tells her life story in the forthright, colorful manner I've come to expect from some Southern women. In other respects, this is a difficult read because most of us are uncomfortable talking about mental illness. So kudos to Jeffries and co-author Eva Marie Everson not only for telling the story, but also for the hope they impart to those diagnosed with mental illness as well as those who care about and for them.
August 27, 2017
I received this book from Eva Marie Everson because of my interest in mental health awareness. I am grateful to read it and broaden my understanding of bipolar. It took some time to move it to the top of my “read it now” pile, but once I started I didn’t stop until I turned the last page.
The story does a wonderful job of illustrating the illness, previously known as manic-depression, now called bipolar. It furthered my understanding of someone who struggles with this. LeaAnn’s husband, Kenneth reacted in the most loving way possible – he walked beside his beloved wife until she came to the point where she would accept treatment and stay there. As a mother of someone who also chose to stay in a treatment plan, I know the challenge he must have had.
I especially felt grateful to read her account of a part of bipolar that is not discussed in polite company – hypersexuality. I appreciated reading her thoughts about the anguish it caused her. I hadn’t thought of that aspect before. Lives are destroyed because of this secretive symptom.
Each time I read a first-person account of an illness, I gain more understanding. I’ve learned that it’s not a choice for them. They don’t want to live this way. No one wakes up and decides I want to have bipolar, or schizophrenia, or depression anymore than someone chooses to have diabetes or cancer.
I believe if we all could read and experience an illness through the eyes of the ones affected, we can react in a compassionate and loving way. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to gain understanding of an illness that affects so many in our world. Once we as a culture have empathy, we can change the way we help them all cope and move into recovery.
The story does a wonderful job of illustrating the illness, previously known as manic-depression, now called bipolar. It furthered my understanding of someone who struggles with this. LeaAnn’s husband, Kenneth reacted in the most loving way possible – he walked beside his beloved wife until she came to the point where she would accept treatment and stay there. As a mother of someone who also chose to stay in a treatment plan, I know the challenge he must have had.
I especially felt grateful to read her account of a part of bipolar that is not discussed in polite company – hypersexuality. I appreciated reading her thoughts about the anguish it caused her. I hadn’t thought of that aspect before. Lives are destroyed because of this secretive symptom.
Each time I read a first-person account of an illness, I gain more understanding. I’ve learned that it’s not a choice for them. They don’t want to live this way. No one wakes up and decides I want to have bipolar, or schizophrenia, or depression anymore than someone chooses to have diabetes or cancer.
I believe if we all could read and experience an illness through the eyes of the ones affected, we can react in a compassionate and loving way. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to gain understanding of an illness that affects so many in our world. Once we as a culture have empathy, we can change the way we help them all cope and move into recovery.
January 17, 2017
LeeAnn Jefferies’ true story as a bipolar child, teenager, and adult professional model. Eva Marie Everson, a seasoned writer, beautifully paints a picture of a life tormented by a disease. First, LeeAnn suffered as the child of a bipolar Mother. The nature of the illness had to be kept hidden since mental illness was totally unacceptable at the time. Hidden from friends and neighbors. Silence in the family and then silence throughout most of her life because of her own disease.
It is a fascinating read with all the ups and downs of bipolar portrayed openly,
hoping that being honest, and therefore vulnerable, would give a voice to those who often suffer in silence.
LeeAnn had a dream -- to be a Ford Classic Model. She achieved her dream and wants others with a bipolar diagnosis to know they can rise above their illness and achieve their dreams, not allowing the disease to define them. Her faith, her family (especially her ever-patient husband) and her medical team were her support and strength daily.
LeeAnn suffered from neglecting her health and medication and recommends that to NO ONE. She is a fighter and would not allow bipolar to hold her down although it beat her up and sat down hard on her; she rose up and fought for her very life. I received this book for my honest review.
It is a fascinating read with all the ups and downs of bipolar portrayed openly,
hoping that being honest, and therefore vulnerable, would give a voice to those who often suffer in silence.
LeeAnn had a dream -- to be a Ford Classic Model. She achieved her dream and wants others with a bipolar diagnosis to know they can rise above their illness and achieve their dreams, not allowing the disease to define them. Her faith, her family (especially her ever-patient husband) and her medical team were her support and strength daily.
LeeAnn suffered from neglecting her health and medication and recommends that to NO ONE. She is a fighter and would not allow bipolar to hold her down although it beat her up and sat down hard on her; she rose up and fought for her very life. I received this book for my honest review.
May 28, 2018
Work of Fiction?
I have been bipolar for more than 30 years and while I recognize that all bipolars will have the same symptoms or experiences, some of the points the author makes about the disease are curious to me.
I came away with the overall impression that bipolars should be pitied and treated as if they are "handicapped". I have experienced many of the symptoms the author describes in addition to anorexia and bulimia, sexual abuse, alcoholic parents, a suicide attempt, ECT, and several hospitalizations, but I never considered myself someone to be pitied! And never, have i ever, felt I had to justify my behavior by telling them, "I'm so sorry, but I'm bipolar!" Yes, it is a lifelong journey of meds and therapy, but it's NOT cancer, and can be managed effectively. I have always been fortunate enough to have a supportive family and competent doctors. I have had children and held down jobs and had a life. The only people aware of my bipolar are my doctors , family and a few close friends. I do think it's admirable and brave for Ms. Jeffries to have written such a personal book.
I did find the way the book was organized was a bit confusing -going back and for from the past to present and changing perspectives. The chapter from her daughter seemed odd. Not one of the better books on bipolar.
I have been bipolar for more than 30 years and while I recognize that all bipolars will have the same symptoms or experiences, some of the points the author makes about the disease are curious to me.
I came away with the overall impression that bipolars should be pitied and treated as if they are "handicapped". I have experienced many of the symptoms the author describes in addition to anorexia and bulimia, sexual abuse, alcoholic parents, a suicide attempt, ECT, and several hospitalizations, but I never considered myself someone to be pitied! And never, have i ever, felt I had to justify my behavior by telling them, "I'm so sorry, but I'm bipolar!" Yes, it is a lifelong journey of meds and therapy, but it's NOT cancer, and can be managed effectively. I have always been fortunate enough to have a supportive family and competent doctors. I have had children and held down jobs and had a life. The only people aware of my bipolar are my doctors , family and a few close friends. I do think it's admirable and brave for Ms. Jeffries to have written such a personal book.
I did find the way the book was organized was a bit confusing -going back and for from the past to present and changing perspectives. The chapter from her daughter seemed odd. Not one of the better books on bipolar.
February 10, 2021
Compelling Subject
The book is well written and gives the reader a private view into what a person with a bipolar disorder goes through. I’m sure I’ve met people that are like this but perhaps they haven’t been diagnosed or they live in denial. From what the author says her case was extremely harsh, but through her faith in Jesus she was able to coast through for many years without any terrible symptoms and without any medication. The book is well written, even though at the beginning she flip flops all over the place but its not hard to keep up. I recommend this book for anyone who is curious about this mental disease.
The book is well written and gives the reader a private view into what a person with a bipolar disorder goes through. I’m sure I’ve met people that are like this but perhaps they haven’t been diagnosed or they live in denial. From what the author says her case was extremely harsh, but through her faith in Jesus she was able to coast through for many years without any terrible symptoms and without any medication. The book is well written, even though at the beginning she flip flops all over the place but its not hard to keep up. I recommend this book for anyone who is curious about this mental disease.
January 25, 2018
A must read!
I have had depression most of my life. I have been talked down to for my feelings. After reading this book ,I can say it won't ( please God ) happen again! It is not our fault that we suffer this disease, unless we do nothing. I am motivated to do something .Thanks to God for this book!
I have had depression most of my life. I have been talked down to for my feelings. After reading this book ,I can say it won't ( please God ) happen again! It is not our fault that we suffer this disease, unless we do nothing. I am motivated to do something .Thanks to God for this book!
April 17, 2019
The Bipolar Experience
This book has been stored on my kindle for a long time as I put off reading it. When I did download to read I couldn't put it down I found it fascinating. Having never had any experience of Bipolar it opened up a Newcastle to me. Lee Ann was so honest and brave to share her experiences I hope it has an impact on many other people
This book has been stored on my kindle for a long time as I put off reading it. When I did download to read I couldn't put it down I found it fascinating. Having never had any experience of Bipolar it opened up a Newcastle to me. Lee Ann was so honest and brave to share her experiences I hope it has an impact on many other people
January 3, 2022
transparent and honesty
I appreciated that Lee Ann didn’t gloss over her diagnosis, at least not in the book. I know a young man recently diagnosed with bipolar and hearing Lee Ann’s reality breaks my heart for him. He has a long road ahead.
I, too, went to Banks High School. It was recently torn down.
Thank you for sharing.
I appreciated that Lee Ann didn’t gloss over her diagnosis, at least not in the book. I know a young man recently diagnosed with bipolar and hearing Lee Ann’s reality breaks my heart for him. He has a long road ahead.
I, too, went to Banks High School. It was recently torn down.
Thank you for sharing.
September 3, 2017
An Amazing Story
The Bipolar Experience by Lee Ann Jeffries and Eva Marie Everson is an amazing story of one person's fight to overcome mental illness. It made me see bipolar in a light I've never thought of before. Everyone should read this book...
The Bipolar Experience by Lee Ann Jeffries and Eva Marie Everson is an amazing story of one person's fight to overcome mental illness. It made me see bipolar in a light I've never thought of before. Everyone should read this book...
February 19, 2019
This is not a particularly well-written book, and despite her assertion that everything is told, there is a 14-year period gap when she was modeling during which she suffered no symptoms? Seems unlikely. Kind of a boring story overall.
January 3, 2022
Jeffries’s transparency leapt off each page. She shared the markers of Bipolar Disorder without using medical jargon. The emotional toll was raw but not gory. We have a family member with this diagnosis and reading Jeffries’s account brought some clarity.
I highly recommend the book.
I highly recommend the book.
October 27, 2017
I really wanted to understand the disease better
I really wanted to understand the disease better and this was a good personal story that helped me understand better.
I really wanted to understand the disease better and this was a good personal story that helped me understand better.
February 14, 2017
A must read
A must read for anyone whose life is touched by someone with bipolar disease. I have a daughter who was recently diagnosed and Lee Ann's story has been so helpful in helping me to understand what it is like to live with it from her perspective. This is a truly remarkable book from a remarkable woman!
A must read for anyone whose life is touched by someone with bipolar disease. I have a daughter who was recently diagnosed and Lee Ann's story has been so helpful in helping me to understand what it is like to live with it from her perspective. This is a truly remarkable book from a remarkable woman!
February 7, 2017
The Bipolar Experience is a fascinating, educational, and inspirational read. It's fast-paced like a suspense novel and poignant like all good memoirs should be. It was a challenge not to read it all in one sitting. I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to know more about the Bipolar illness from the perspective of a person diagnosed with it. It deepened my understanding and compassion for brave men and women who are living with a mental illness. The general tone of this book is upbeat and hopeful.
January 16, 2017
Blessed to not be bipolar
Very good insight in to the world of bipolar. It's like a paralyzed person who is determined to walk or have a measure of independence again and they never give up. This book says it's a brain that misfires and I truly believe that. Congratulations to Lee Ann Jefferies and Eva Marie Everson. Great book.
Very good insight in to the world of bipolar. It's like a paralyzed person who is determined to walk or have a measure of independence again and they never give up. This book says it's a brain that misfires and I truly believe that. Congratulations to Lee Ann Jefferies and Eva Marie Everson. Great book.
October 14, 2016
Good read about LeeAnns true experience with biopolar. Extremely brave to share her story with the world. She managed to have a career and a family and a wonderful supporting husband. Recommend for those who struggle with this or know someone who does.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews