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Welcome to the Jungle, Revised Edition: Facing Bipolar Without Freaking Out
“I wrote Welcome to the Jungle because it’s the book I should have been given when I was diagnosed." Bipolar disorder is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric conditions among teens and twentysomethings, yet there are few books out there written specifically for this demographic. This revised edition comes with a new foreword by the author, a revised and expanded discussion on diagnosis, an updated chapter on medication, a new chapter on alternative approaches, a revised and expanded chapter on symptoms, and updated resources. New research on the causes and risk factors for bipolar disorder are also included along with tools for observing patterns and making gentle changes to daily routines that can have a profound effect. Going bravely where no other bipolar book has gone before Welcome to the Jungle offers devastatingly on-target, honest—and riotously funny—insights into living with bipolar and answers some of the hardest questions facing people newly diagnosed.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
107 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 26, 2014
Hilary is hilarious. Shes done her homework and she has the credibility. Good writer, too. This book is good for anyone with questions about bipolar disorder, not just those who have it. Its informative, well researched, authentic and fun.
But I took off one star because Hilary wont come clean about drugs and bipolar, recreational drugs, that is. She wont straight up tell people that recreational drugs need to be off limits if you have bipolar, and that includes pot. Shes on the fence about it. Look, cannibas makes bipolar worse, not better. My medical marijuana doctor says so, and he is a major advocate of the kronik.
Hilary's advice to take vacations from your meds, "but do it safely" is like telling someone that when you jump out of that 30-story building, just make sure you land on the 29th floor. WRONG. I dont have bipolar but if I did, I'm certain I'd struggle with staying on my meds. i wouldnt need any encouragement to go off them. The manic part sounds pretty fun...until I have to get ECT to bring me back from the brink of death because I'm suicidally depressed.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers but with the caveat that she's a little off when it comes to partying. It just doesnt sound like this illness is anything to play with.
But I took off one star because Hilary wont come clean about drugs and bipolar, recreational drugs, that is. She wont straight up tell people that recreational drugs need to be off limits if you have bipolar, and that includes pot. Shes on the fence about it. Look, cannibas makes bipolar worse, not better. My medical marijuana doctor says so, and he is a major advocate of the kronik.
Hilary's advice to take vacations from your meds, "but do it safely" is like telling someone that when you jump out of that 30-story building, just make sure you land on the 29th floor. WRONG. I dont have bipolar but if I did, I'm certain I'd struggle with staying on my meds. i wouldnt need any encouragement to go off them. The manic part sounds pretty fun...until I have to get ECT to bring me back from the brink of death because I'm suicidally depressed.
I would definitely recommend this book to readers but with the caveat that she's a little off when it comes to partying. It just doesnt sound like this illness is anything to play with.
June 8, 2010
I consider this book to be the "missing link" in the bipolar genre. It is frank and witty, and does not shy away from any bipolar-y issues. I admire the author's ability to tackle tough subjects (hospitalization, meds, suicide) with humor and compassion and without trivializing or over-clinicalizing them.
I did have one beef with the book and that's why it got 3 stars instead of 4. There is a section about how to take a "break" from your medication. Encouraging this struck me as a tad irresponsible on the part of the author. Despite that, I would still recommend this book to newbies to the realm of mental illness. I must say, even after living the dream for a decade, it was still a welcome relief to read a book that made me laugh at my illness.
I did have one beef with the book and that's why it got 3 stars instead of 4. There is a section about how to take a "break" from your medication. Encouraging this struck me as a tad irresponsible on the part of the author. Despite that, I would still recommend this book to newbies to the realm of mental illness. I must say, even after living the dream for a decade, it was still a welcome relief to read a book that made me laugh at my illness.
October 19, 2011
No real answers. I am three years into bipolar diagnosis, and I am probably not the person this book is intended. If you want serious information about Bipolar Disorder, I would suggest The Bipolar Survival Guide by David J. Miklowitz or Psychology Today: Taming Bipolar Disorder by Lori Oliwenstein.
April 15, 2012
This goes beyond Bipolar
As Ms. Smith states on page 158; "Your friends and family might know less about bipolar than you think, so explain it to them...Most people who don't have one are fascinated by mental illness. They've never experiences mania or psychosis and would love to hear your stories." Ms. Smith also advises lending them books, or buying them books - "How about this one?" I totally agree!
I did not read this book to learn about Bipolar. I read this book because I like Hilary Smith as a writer. What I learned from this book was extensive and yet, very familiar. While I don't know anyone who has been diagnosed as Bipolar, I do know many with behavior issues, memory glitches, physical limitations, depression, and mood swings - as a result of - accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and reactions to required prescriptions. This book presents a realistic and engaging opportunity for everyone to consider all these things and have a bit more compassion for each other.
I believe this book will be beneficial for removing any stigma from "mental illness" but could even be used for therapy for other "mental illnesses" because the acceptance and self management energy in these pages is strong and positive and should be shared.
I personally am recommending this book to High School teachers for inclusion in their programs. Ms. Smith's example and advice goes beyond dealing with Bipolar and mental illness into "self-management" that will benefit everyone.
As Ms. Smith states on page 158; "Your friends and family might know less about bipolar than you think, so explain it to them...Most people who don't have one are fascinated by mental illness. They've never experiences mania or psychosis and would love to hear your stories." Ms. Smith also advises lending them books, or buying them books - "How about this one?" I totally agree!
I did not read this book to learn about Bipolar. I read this book because I like Hilary Smith as a writer. What I learned from this book was extensive and yet, very familiar. While I don't know anyone who has been diagnosed as Bipolar, I do know many with behavior issues, memory glitches, physical limitations, depression, and mood swings - as a result of - accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and reactions to required prescriptions. This book presents a realistic and engaging opportunity for everyone to consider all these things and have a bit more compassion for each other.
I believe this book will be beneficial for removing any stigma from "mental illness" but could even be used for therapy for other "mental illnesses" because the acceptance and self management energy in these pages is strong and positive and should be shared.
I personally am recommending this book to High School teachers for inclusion in their programs. Ms. Smith's example and advice goes beyond dealing with Bipolar and mental illness into "self-management" that will benefit everyone.
January 21, 2013
If you've just been diagnosed with Bipolar, this is one of the first books you need to read. It's written like you're talking to a friend; Hilary gives the facts, but does it in a humorous and down-to-earth way, often making fun of herself in the process. The only drawback of this in my opinion, is that Bipolar NOS isn't talked about at all; she only mentions Bipolar I, II & Cyclothmia, and I really feel NOS needs just as much attention as any of the others on the spectrum. At any rate, this book will definitely make you laugh, bring some perspective, and inform you at the same time. Definitely pick it up, it's worth a read or two.
September 3, 2016
Probably the best book I've read on Bipolar Disorder. It's not only informative, but also written from a standpoint that is completely relatable. The author's voice is amazing and put me at ease, it was like talking to a friend. I highly recommend this for anyone that has BD or anyone that has a friend or loved one that has been diagnosed.
January 7, 2011
This book is informative (in matters pertaining to Bipolar Disorder), witty and easy to read. It doesn't include many statistics, which is actually a bit refreshing. I recommend it!
January 15, 2019
At first, I actually liked most of this book except a few glaring things towards the end that, put me off this book entirely. I have bipolar disorder so I take this subject a little personally (I suppose that is my warning but you might understand why I have to say that considering what I have to say next).
Okay, I'll start with the positives before lodging my complaints since there is a lot of positive information that is told well. I read this book quickly and easily. I found it rather accessible and not overly scientific for a book about a medical condition which is nice. I even liked the authors voice, to a point.
However, there were a few very specific things she said that I found were highly inappropriate in a help/informational book about bipolar disorder, even if she were joking. There was a section about how to get your health benefits covered. Now this was written before Obamacare (thank God for its existence so people can't be discriminated against for preexsisting conditions), so I understand this was a harsher time in America (now isn't great but it's mildly better because at least there are some options). Anyway, she was talking about how to get on welfare- two of the options; get pregnant or blind yourself. Both of which are not funny things to say remotely, considering how a large percentage of bipolar people self-harm or are suicidal and bipolar women have notoriously difficult pregnancies and are prone to severe postpartum depression. I think this was supremely irresponsible for someone to put in a book about bipolar disorder, especially considering who the audience will likely be.
The people who are mainly going to read this are looking for help, hope, and answers with a difficult illness. Saying they should blind themselves or get pregnant to get on welfare- what the FUCK? I'm sorry these people need real help, not more problems. Perhaps this was an attempt to show how truly shitty some aspects of the American Health Care system are? Chances are the readers already know that because having bipolar or any long term medical condition requires a lot of medical care. Medical Cost can be one of the more troubling aspects of having an ongoing condition. Okay, readers will more than understand that, but what don't need is jokes in poor taste about injuring oneself.
After some thought, I gave this book two stars. On the whole, this would have been a great book save these really dangerous comments. Perhaps I overreacted, but I don't think that those particular comments had any place in an informative book that's intent was to help and educate people living with bipolar and their families. I want to rate this book higher, but I feel like due to those particular and a few other irresponsible comments made by the author, I in good conscious, cannot nor would I recommend this book to newly diagnosed bipolar patients as comments like that are the last thing they need to be reading.
Triggers: Suicide and Self-Harm mentions (a real risk for many bipolar and depressed individuals), though this is almost always professionally handled except for that one time I can remember but that was bad enough in the context to need a warning label. I can see some people possibly taking that dangerous advice so I'm adding the !!! that I feel this review needs as it seems like no one else on goodreads has said anything in regards to those particular comments.
Okay, I'll start with the positives before lodging my complaints since there is a lot of positive information that is told well. I read this book quickly and easily. I found it rather accessible and not overly scientific for a book about a medical condition which is nice. I even liked the authors voice, to a point.
However, there were a few very specific things she said that I found were highly inappropriate in a help/informational book about bipolar disorder, even if she were joking. There was a section about how to get your health benefits covered. Now this was written before Obamacare (thank God for its existence so people can't be discriminated against for preexsisting conditions), so I understand this was a harsher time in America (now isn't great but it's mildly better because at least there are some options). Anyway, she was talking about how to get on welfare- two of the options; get pregnant or blind yourself. Both of which are not funny things to say remotely, considering how a large percentage of bipolar people self-harm or are suicidal and bipolar women have notoriously difficult pregnancies and are prone to severe postpartum depression. I think this was supremely irresponsible for someone to put in a book about bipolar disorder, especially considering who the audience will likely be.
The people who are mainly going to read this are looking for help, hope, and answers with a difficult illness. Saying they should blind themselves or get pregnant to get on welfare- what the FUCK? I'm sorry these people need real help, not more problems. Perhaps this was an attempt to show how truly shitty some aspects of the American Health Care system are? Chances are the readers already know that because having bipolar or any long term medical condition requires a lot of medical care. Medical Cost can be one of the more troubling aspects of having an ongoing condition. Okay, readers will more than understand that, but what don't need is jokes in poor taste about injuring oneself.
After some thought, I gave this book two stars. On the whole, this would have been a great book save these really dangerous comments. Perhaps I overreacted, but I don't think that those particular comments had any place in an informative book that's intent was to help and educate people living with bipolar and their families. I want to rate this book higher, but I feel like due to those particular and a few other irresponsible comments made by the author, I in good conscious, cannot nor would I recommend this book to newly diagnosed bipolar patients as comments like that are the last thing they need to be reading.
Triggers: Suicide and Self-Harm mentions (a real risk for many bipolar and depressed individuals), though this is almost always professionally handled except for that one time I can remember but that was bad enough in the context to need a warning label. I can see some people possibly taking that dangerous advice so I'm adding the !!! that I feel this review needs as it seems like no one else on goodreads has said anything in regards to those particular comments.
February 12, 2011
As author Hilary Smith says in her introduction, most books on mental disorders seems to be written for the stressed-out family who are at their wit's end. Or they are confessional tell-all memoirs. This book, then, fills a gap -- it's a straightforward, humorous examination of what life with bipolar is like, written by someone with a bipolar diagnosis for others who have been recently diagnosed. The book is wry, sarcastic, and genuinely informative. I quite liked it.
July 27, 2017
I read the first edition of this book when I was first diagnosed in my early twenties. Unlike many, I had an accurate diagnosis almost immediately; nearly being hospitalized due to intense mania with psychotic features tends to have that effect. Go figure.
Smith's book came at exactly the right time and with exactly the right words. Especially when you're in your twenties, you try on new identities, and being diagnosed as bipolar hands you a brand new one to try on. It's a little like a hideous sweater from your Aunt Thelma that you have to wear to Thanksgiving to be polite; you don't necessarily want it, but you have to wear it anyway, so you might as well own it.
One of the best things I could have read was her advice about not over-identifying yourself with your diagnosis, and I'm not talking about the whole "you are more than your diagnosis" (which is good advice, but still touchy-feely and paradoxically, makes you identify more with your diagnosis); Smith is the opposite of touchy-feely. She tells you, "Dude, knock it off, or you're going to be That Guy with the one schtick he's defined by. Don't be That Guy."
At a time when I might have run with being That Guy whose whole schtick was wearing ugly sweaters, I needed that. (Like, really needed that. There's always that insufferable douche who manages to mention their ugly sweater in every conversation, and I could have been that douchecanoe.)
I do wish she talked about the opposite problem, as she briefly addressed in her first edition, which was under-identifying. Sometimes I go long spells without any episodes and think, "It was a misdiagnosis! I'm fine!" until, oh, right. During particularly uneventful long spells, I really start to get paranoid - "Am I making this up? I'm fine. I was just angsty" and I wish someone had told me that's (a) completely normal, and (b) no, don't do that, because you end up doing stupid stuff later on.
Also, Smith doesn't ignore Bipolar I. People, and authors, act weird about Bipolar I. Books give you hints and tricks and tools for living your best life with bipolar II, then give this dry, clinical account of Bipolar I diagnostics and basically tell you to take medication, like, "Yup! No way to have a normal life with Bipolar I. You're fucked." Well, thanks? Or they don't mention it at all, which is sort of worse and sends the same message. (I have a sneaking suspicion that this is because it's easier to destigmatize bipolar II because it's not as overtly scary, and we still don't know how to handle people who hear voices or think government agencies are following them, but that's just a suspicion).
Hers was the first book I read about bipolar that mentions bipolar I and II equally and doesn't get freaked by psychosis. "You think you're the Queen of Egypt? Cool! Maybe don't tell people that, but it happens." She doesn't ignore it or give the message that you will Never Have a Normal Life and should be Locked Away Forever, You Crazy Person. She doesn't make it this Big, Scary Thing. It's just another part that could happen, and that's okay. Here's how to not let it screw up your life. And honestly? I really needed that. I still do. People love making lists of successful, famous people who have/had bipolar... II. It can give a girl a complex, you know? But it doesn't have to! It can just be a different kind of hurdle.
I love her tone, as well. Some books are dry and just kind of repeat the DSM definitions; others act like you need to be ~soothed~ because you're so traumatized. What I wanted back then - and now - is practical, matter-of-fact advice that acknowledges you have a life and responsibilities and do not have the money or time to develop a comprehensive, thirty-year plan to handle your disorder, and Welcome to the Jungle delivers in spades. She strikes just the right balance between brutally honest, funny, and compassionate.
Oh, and by practical, I really mean it. Most books stop short at "Keep a mood chart!" and "Keep a routine!", which is great, but hey, I'm bipolar. I suck at routines. Bipolar is like, the anti-routine. Chapter 6 actually has some techniques for how to keep from going into a full-blown episode when you feel it creeping in, which is what I need.
She can get a little hippie-dippie, but she's upfront and completely okay with the fact that not everyone is into meditating and herbal teas; it's presented as another option that you can try, not, "These magic crystals will cure you!". The lack of information on medication can inadvertently lead to the assumption that she's anti-medicine, but she throws in just enough, "Maybe take your meds, that's a good thing", that I don't think it's that bad of advice. Mainly, she focuses on a holistic approach: treat your mind with meds, treat your body with stress techniques, and don't forget that one affects the other.
Finally, if you've read the first edition and are worried this is a rerun with a new theme song, fret not. About 80% of this edition is new material, with a more mature, though no less funny, take.
Smith's book came at exactly the right time and with exactly the right words. Especially when you're in your twenties, you try on new identities, and being diagnosed as bipolar hands you a brand new one to try on. It's a little like a hideous sweater from your Aunt Thelma that you have to wear to Thanksgiving to be polite; you don't necessarily want it, but you have to wear it anyway, so you might as well own it.
One of the best things I could have read was her advice about not over-identifying yourself with your diagnosis, and I'm not talking about the whole "you are more than your diagnosis" (which is good advice, but still touchy-feely and paradoxically, makes you identify more with your diagnosis); Smith is the opposite of touchy-feely. She tells you, "Dude, knock it off, or you're going to be That Guy with the one schtick he's defined by. Don't be That Guy."
At a time when I might have run with being That Guy whose whole schtick was wearing ugly sweaters, I needed that. (Like, really needed that. There's always that insufferable douche who manages to mention their ugly sweater in every conversation, and I could have been that douchecanoe.)
I do wish she talked about the opposite problem, as she briefly addressed in her first edition, which was under-identifying. Sometimes I go long spells without any episodes and think, "It was a misdiagnosis! I'm fine!" until, oh, right. During particularly uneventful long spells, I really start to get paranoid - "Am I making this up? I'm fine. I was just angsty" and I wish someone had told me that's (a) completely normal, and (b) no, don't do that, because you end up doing stupid stuff later on.
Also, Smith doesn't ignore Bipolar I. People, and authors, act weird about Bipolar I. Books give you hints and tricks and tools for living your best life with bipolar II, then give this dry, clinical account of Bipolar I diagnostics and basically tell you to take medication, like, "Yup! No way to have a normal life with Bipolar I. You're fucked." Well, thanks? Or they don't mention it at all, which is sort of worse and sends the same message. (I have a sneaking suspicion that this is because it's easier to destigmatize bipolar II because it's not as overtly scary, and we still don't know how to handle people who hear voices or think government agencies are following them, but that's just a suspicion).
Hers was the first book I read about bipolar that mentions bipolar I and II equally and doesn't get freaked by psychosis. "You think you're the Queen of Egypt? Cool! Maybe don't tell people that, but it happens." She doesn't ignore it or give the message that you will Never Have a Normal Life and should be Locked Away Forever, You Crazy Person. She doesn't make it this Big, Scary Thing. It's just another part that could happen, and that's okay. Here's how to not let it screw up your life. And honestly? I really needed that. I still do. People love making lists of successful, famous people who have/had bipolar... II. It can give a girl a complex, you know? But it doesn't have to! It can just be a different kind of hurdle.
I love her tone, as well. Some books are dry and just kind of repeat the DSM definitions; others act like you need to be ~soothed~ because you're so traumatized. What I wanted back then - and now - is practical, matter-of-fact advice that acknowledges you have a life and responsibilities and do not have the money or time to develop a comprehensive, thirty-year plan to handle your disorder, and Welcome to the Jungle delivers in spades. She strikes just the right balance between brutally honest, funny, and compassionate.
Oh, and by practical, I really mean it. Most books stop short at "Keep a mood chart!" and "Keep a routine!", which is great, but hey, I'm bipolar. I suck at routines. Bipolar is like, the anti-routine. Chapter 6 actually has some techniques for how to keep from going into a full-blown episode when you feel it creeping in, which is what I need.
She can get a little hippie-dippie, but she's upfront and completely okay with the fact that not everyone is into meditating and herbal teas; it's presented as another option that you can try, not, "These magic crystals will cure you!". The lack of information on medication can inadvertently lead to the assumption that she's anti-medicine, but she throws in just enough, "Maybe take your meds, that's a good thing", that I don't think it's that bad of advice. Mainly, she focuses on a holistic approach: treat your mind with meds, treat your body with stress techniques, and don't forget that one affects the other.
Finally, if you've read the first edition and are worried this is a rerun with a new theme song, fret not. About 80% of this edition is new material, with a more mature, though no less funny, take.
January 15, 2012
Though I commend the open, unbiased way this book looked at several topics related to bipolar disorder (like the prospect of taking psychedelic drugs, for instance) I was really put off by the humor. Normally I'm all about the humor, I guess I just found this more frustrating (and condescending at times) than funny. I might just feel that way because I've been around the block a few times and none of this information was new to me, but I couldn't take the information or the humor seriously, unfortunately.
November 5, 2012
I found this book to be very typical of "coping-based" strategies. Most of the information is accurate for the younger crowd and the writing is good. I am concerned with those who take the "strictly coping" approach. Overall, this book was ok, but Marohn's book and Ian Reynir's book has more depth for people who are higher functioning bipolars.
November 8, 2020
Funny and very insightful! I will be getting my own copy!
January 4, 2021
#2 of 2021
Very informative.
I liked the metaphors the author used.
Very informative.
I liked the metaphors the author used.
September 9, 2019
It is irresponsible to liken life coaches to psychotherapists.
The sentence: “[Life coaches are] good for you if you need someone to help you get your life on track in a basic way, you need help identifying your goals and making a strategy to achieve them, you want someone who’s “on your team” to act as a sounding board, you’re basically stable and don’t need the psychiatric services of a therapist.”
First off, holy run-on sentence Batman?
Secondly, this is just wrong. On the same page you also say “there are plenty of unqualified life coaches out there” as “life coaches are not professionally licensed.” So why would you recommend anyone do the above?
Additionally, the word you’re looking for in the above quote is “don’t need the psychoanalytic services of a therapist” because NO THERAPIST provides psychiatric services. That sentence is written like someone who is not in the mental health field.
Oh right...
So let me fix that paragraph for you.
Psychotherapists and mental health professionals (counselors) are good for you if you need someone to help you get your life on track in ANY way. Perhaps you may need help identifying your goals and making a strategy to achieve them. Or perhaps you want someone who’s “on your team” to act as a sounding board. You can be having a rough time, or see yourself as stable but are still looking for help nonetheless. Therapists a held to a licensing board, ethics, and require continuous training that Life Coaches are not required to have.
Life coaches have a purpose. Just not in a mental health book.
The sentence: “[Life coaches are] good for you if you need someone to help you get your life on track in a basic way, you need help identifying your goals and making a strategy to achieve them, you want someone who’s “on your team” to act as a sounding board, you’re basically stable and don’t need the psychiatric services of a therapist.”
First off, holy run-on sentence Batman?
Secondly, this is just wrong. On the same page you also say “there are plenty of unqualified life coaches out there” as “life coaches are not professionally licensed.” So why would you recommend anyone do the above?
Additionally, the word you’re looking for in the above quote is “don’t need the psychoanalytic services of a therapist” because NO THERAPIST provides psychiatric services. That sentence is written like someone who is not in the mental health field.
Oh right...
So let me fix that paragraph for you.
Psychotherapists and mental health professionals (counselors) are good for you if you need someone to help you get your life on track in ANY way. Perhaps you may need help identifying your goals and making a strategy to achieve them. Or perhaps you want someone who’s “on your team” to act as a sounding board. You can be having a rough time, or see yourself as stable but are still looking for help nonetheless. Therapists a held to a licensing board, ethics, and require continuous training that Life Coaches are not required to have.
Life coaches have a purpose. Just not in a mental health book.
March 21, 2011
meh. i was hoping this would be an antidote to a lot of stodgy heavy writing on the subject. but it was a little too disney parade "hey! come along with me and clap your hands! are you ready now! let's go!" so... not helpful.
quote: "At the end of the day, only you can decide if being on meds and stable is worth the loss of your old self. But don't make a false god of that old self; chances are that hindsight has bumped it up a few notches from how it really was. And you can never stay the same way forever. Meds or not, you'll key on growing and changing your whole life. "
quote: "At the end of the day, only you can decide if being on meds and stable is worth the loss of your old self. But don't make a false god of that old self; chances are that hindsight has bumped it up a few notches from how it really was. And you can never stay the same way forever. Meds or not, you'll key on growing and changing your whole life. "
January 20, 2014
a pretty good introductory book about bipolar disorder for teens and young adults. it's not very informative for someone who already has a grasp on things like myself. but ten years ago, this book would have been great. the writing style is very conversational, making it easy to understand and relate to. only reason it really gets 3 stars from me is bc sometimes clinical explanation and advice is needed (within the wit) to give a book about bipolar disorder an authoritative air.
January 23, 2022
I really liked the book. Lots of humor making such a serious topic taken from a light perspective. I enjoyed the reading from cover to cover. There are also websites and resources at the end of the book to dig more in the topic of Bipolar Condition.
April 5, 2022
This books tell us about how life is different being a patient of bipolar disorder, symptoms and description are really true ,and some advice on whether to go on medication or what action to take when depression or mania appears is also written in this book
I read this book because my friend has bipolar disorder and I have to get to know this disease before I can give him a hand correctly instead of hurting him without noticing
It seem like the world of them is quite not the same from ours,but I will help him develop an idea that despite he has to face this all by himself I am always here to support him whenever he needs me
I read this book because my friend has bipolar disorder and I have to get to know this disease before I can give him a hand correctly instead of hurting him without noticing
It seem like the world of them is quite not the same from ours,but I will help him develop an idea that despite he has to face this all by himself I am always here to support him whenever he needs me
October 1, 2018
A really interesting guide to bipolar written by a young person who has the condition. Written in 2010 it looks at many aspects of the condition with wit and humour. Just what a mother of a recently diagnosed young person needs.
What did concern me was her 'on the fence' attitude to recreational drugs. Anything else I have read has shown red flags for marijuana or psychedelic drugs .. not only do they not go well with meds, they can be the trigger that precedes bipolar. Hilary seems comfortable with advising a more 'suck it and see' attitude which may not be helpful.
What did concern me was her 'on the fence' attitude to recreational drugs. Anything else I have read has shown red flags for marijuana or psychedelic drugs .. not only do they not go well with meds, they can be the trigger that precedes bipolar. Hilary seems comfortable with advising a more 'suck it and see' attitude which may not be helpful.
April 21, 2020
I loved the style this book is written in. The author shares information and tips about bipolar disorder, and she shares it in a laid-back, very chill way rather than formal and boring. I liked how it was broken into sections within chapters because it made it easy to read and follow. The only downside was that I expected her to share more of her own personal experiences and stories, and while she shared some, I thought more would've made it even more interesting. I'd like to check out her other books though!
January 8, 2025
5 ⭐
Great to get an overview for bipolar disease, regardless of if were diagnosed yourself or your loved one.
This is a book about bipolar disorder. Or if you're a free spirit or an R. D. Laing enthusiast who doesn't believe in a pathological explanation of your extreme mood states, it's a book about living with the highs and lows everyone else in North America is calling “bipolar disorder” (the punks!)...
- Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bipolar but Were Too Freaked Out to Ask, p. 1
Great to get an overview for bipolar disease, regardless of if were diagnosed yourself or your loved one.
September 10, 2017
It wasn't until about halfway through reading this that I realized this was the same author behind two of my favorite YA novels of the past 10 years. Reading this after those two books make me appreciate this book so much more.
There's a sense of humor and lightness in this book that doesn't typically exist when solemnly speaking about mental illness. If you are tired of reading through 500 pages of "You're going to piss off a lot of people and ruin your life," then switch to this. Really.
There's a sense of humor and lightness in this book that doesn't typically exist when solemnly speaking about mental illness. If you are tired of reading through 500 pages of "You're going to piss off a lot of people and ruin your life," then switch to this. Really.
January 3, 2021
I’ve been looking for a book to recommend to clients and colleagues who are looking for a reference on bipolar disorder. I don’t think this is it. I appreciate the author’s lighter, less academic approach, but it goes too far referring to psychiatrists and psychologists as shrinks and clowns and describing how to get off your bipolar meds by having a “trip sitter.” Any helpful insight the author provides is quickly overshadowed by actively harmful thoughts and phrases like this.
July 16, 2017
This was probably the most helpful reads on bipolar that I have read so far. The author has a great humorous and sarcastic outlook and really helps you feel not so alone. I feel like other books can be isolating. They cover the clinical definitions and don't really reach any outliers and this one does just that and that's really great! Highly recommend.
March 18, 2021
Excellent book and fun to read
I'm occasionally looking for new books about bipolar. Older books tend to be too technical with medical jargon. This book was easily digestive and fun to read. It made bipolar disorder more relatable to the average person, if there is such a thing. Nice work, Hilary!
I'm occasionally looking for new books about bipolar. Older books tend to be too technical with medical jargon. This book was easily digestive and fun to read. It made bipolar disorder more relatable to the average person, if there is such a thing. Nice work, Hilary!
January 4, 2022
This book is perfect for anybody who’s been newly diagnosed who wants some more info but presented in a far less stuffy way than all those doctor-y websites. There are definitely a few outdated things, especially in regards to Obama and universal healthcare, but I can’t hold that against the author because it was extremely relevant when the book was written
May 14, 2017
Geared for teens. Big time. Do not care much for her overly stated and repeated opinions. Would've been good at a younger age as a START to self education. Not a reference guide or repeat go to for help. Does have good work through parts.
June 14, 2017
This is a great book for both newly diagnosed and those in recovery. The author touches on everything you would want to know. I've been diagnosed for 15 years and this was a great refresher. This will definitely be a book that I recommend to newbies.
July 27, 2017
Best book I've ever read on the topic of mental health, specifically bipolar disorder. Hilary is hilarious and reading this book made me realize that having this "disorder" isn't the end of the world. There's actually things to laugh at. And that made me feel better.
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