Winning the War with Bipolar

by Mr Samuel Jonathan Swidzinski

Do you want to learn how to manage bipolar disorder? Sam has bipolar 1. After years of turmoil, he discovered the steps he needed to take to overcome this hurdle. In this book, he draws from his personal experience with bipolar and his work in the mental health field to help Whether you have bipolar, know someone who does, or you're a mental health professional, this book will help you see that there is light, even when things feel hopeless, and give you the tools you need to win the war with bipolar. About the author Sam sees mental illness from three different angles. First, as an academic, working towards a PhD in psychology at King's College London, where his focus is on improving treatment options for people with bipolar disorder. Second, as a mental health worker who's spent time working one-on-one with patients. And third, as a bipolar sufferer himself. He's gone from someone who couldn’t leave the house, to someone who helps others get their confidence back so they can play a part in society. From someone who hated himself, to someone who accepts who he is and loves life. From someone who couldn’t read a single page, to the person who wrote the book you're reading.

232 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2020

Reviews

[Uzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, intimate read

Information on bipolar and other mental health conditions tends to be surrounded by myths and obfuscation. Swidzinski, however, succeeds in giving a lucid perspective on the ins and outs of living with bipolar, marking that perspective with inspiring transparency, vulnerability and authenticity, effecting the reader’s total immersion in his moving journey. The information contained in Winning the War with Bipolar is easily digestible, eye-opening and valuable to a variety of curious individuals, from those experiencing mental health difficulties to psychology cognoscenti and curious laymen. Highly recommended read.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, educational book. A brutally honest account of the authors struggles. I'm a psychology student and I found this book to be beneficial in helping me grasp bipolar disorder and the techniques I may use with future clients. The book not only uses lived experience. It also cites research. I liked that the eBook allows the reader to click on the in-text citations and be brought to relevant articles. There is a good balance between logical reasoning and emotional feeling within the book. The authors empathy for those suffering from mental health issues and gratitude to those working in the field is made evident. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in psychology and particularly for those interested in clinical psychology.

[E Bostock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lived experience researcher in the field of bipolar I found Mr Swidzinski’s book a must read. He describes bipolar disorder with accuracy and humour. This book is great if you have been newly diagnosed, have a friend or loved one with bipolar or would just like a good book to read.

I found the chapters on psychotherapy extremely useful, from a personal and research point of view. It was uplifting to hear from someone who is managing this debilitating condition.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the real power of this book is that it's an empathy portal.

If you don't have a mental illness, it's close to impossible for you to understand what life is like for people who do. So if your loved ones are diagnosed with the likes of bipolar, you can feel like you're fumbling in the dark.

This book turns on the light. You'll learn first-hand about all the personal challenges the author had to overcome to get to the point where he felt in control of the illness. And you'll learn the theory too, both in the form of excerpts from academic literature and quotes from the likes of Kanye West.

And most important of all, when you finally put it down, you'll be far better equipped to help anyone in your life with a mental illness - especially if that person is you.