Living with Bipolar: A Guide to Understanding and Managing the Disorder

by Lesley Berk, David J. Castle, Michael Berk

Analyzing an ailment that affects more than half of those suffering from depression, this reference provides practical and comprehensive information about bipolar disorder. Formerly known as manic depression, its mood swings can be extraordinarily disturbing for both the sufferers and those around them. This resource outlines the characteristics of the two main forms—Bipolar I and Bipolar II—their causes and triggers, treatment options, and ways of preventing relapses. With strategies for coping with symptoms and advice for living a healthy lifestyle, this handbook will prove invaluable to those suffering from bipolar disorder as well as their family and friends.

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

312 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good practical book. It has suggestions for things like determining your manic/depressive triggers, working with your doctor, setting up contingency plans for when you get sick, etc. I would have appreciated something more concrete for work issues, but I have yet to discover that book.

I'd also recommend this for family & friends, because of the way it describes triggers and coping mechanisms.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Living With Bipolar’, being a great mix of both educational and empathetic to the wide range of different struggles people with this disorder may face. I’m not someone with this disorder myself, so don’t feel asif I can’t speak on the accuracy of the experiences portrayed, however the author included quotes from and interviewed a range of individuals with bipolar disorder which is always important when writing a book such as this one
I learnt a lot reading this book, the -1 star is due to a common consensus I’ve found in a few reviews and did notice this myself, of the book quite heavily pushing a medication route without highlighting the nuance in these options/ noting that some people prefer not being on medication.

The topics/ chapters explored within this book are ‘what is bipolar disorder’, ‘bipolar depression’ ‘mania and hypo mania’, ‘adapting to bipolar disorder’, ‘causes and triggers’, ‘medication as a personal strategy’ ‘getting to know your medications’ ‘psychotherapy’, ‘managing your triggers’ ‘catching symptoms early’, ‘support and active strategies when becoming depressed’, ‘helpful thinking strategies to reduce depression’, ‘reducing suicide risk’, ‘managing warning symptoms of hypo mania or mania’, ‘preventing damage and boosting your coping skills’, ‘monitoring your bipolar disorder’, ‘planning to prevent or reduce relapse’, ‘maintaining a healthy lifestyle’, ‘maintaining close relationships’, ‘you and your doctor’ and ‘someone I care about has bipolar disorder’.

[Nora Ozolanta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this extremely helpful, it's full of very good practical advice. I think the authors depend a bit too much on suggesting and pushing for medication, though. But that's just my personal view.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward book about bipolar 1 & 2. A useful book but I've read better, for example Mastering Bipolar Disorder: An Insider's Guide to Managing Mood Swings and Finding Balance, and Lifelong Journey (A): Staying Well with Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in an easy to read style which gives a greater understanding of a much misunderstood illness. I was unaware of BiPolar illness having categories and this book addresses not only the similarities between BiPolar 1 and BiPolar 2, but clearly explains the differences and offers practical help in uncovering triggers and dealing with them early.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in understanding Bipolar, with a variety of chapter topics.

[Cyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent guide to living with one of my mental illnesses. Good strategies for coping and thriving.

[Nikki Duggan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helped me understand my newly diagnosed illness!