Not Just Up and Down Quotes

“On average, we spend far more of our time in depression than we do in mania or hypomania—by a ratio of three to one for those with bipolar I, according to a major 2003 study. Estimates go much higher for those with bipolar II.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder

“In addition, we can make a very strong evolutionary biology case that depression is our body’s way of telling us to slow down from our over-exertions—to rest, heal, reset all our biological systems.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder

“As a general rule, if you’re holding down a job it’s best to lie low and keep your mouth shut.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder

“Call it the bipolar’s dilemma: Take a chance and we risk losing control of our brains. Play it safe and we isolate ourselves from humanity.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder

“Other people make plans. We make life-or-death risk assessments. Often, our illness mandates that we play it safe, not tempt fate. But if we don’t take risks, we lose out on all those life-affirming experiences that define us as human.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder

“As long as I’m rested, as long as I’m not overstimulated, as long as I can space out my day, I can count on my brain reasonably cooperating with me.”
― John McManamy, Not Just Up and Down: Understanding Mood in Bipolar Disorder