The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know

by David J. Miklowitz

I firmly believe that people with bipolar disorder lead happier lives when they do not carry the expectation that recovery means being free of all symptoms. A better definition of recovery is to lead a satisfying and fulfilling life despite symptoms of the illness and being able to work toward your life goals without sacrificing your mental or physical health.

Moreover, people with bipolar disorder cannot always tell when their cognitive functioning is off-kilter. As a result, family members may get frustrated and blame you for not trying hard enough.

True

Many people who have bipolar disorder burden themselves with guilt and self-blame because they believe their mood disorder is caused solely by psychological factors or even sheer weakness of character.

could have avoided such self-blame if she had known that her dramatic mood shifts were associated with changes in the function of nerve cell receptors or activity in the limbic system of the brain.