Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

Hi folks,

I have found anything on Buddhism to be more than a little helpful. Having read loads of self help stuff (usually when I'm in my own low phase) I wanted something that I could study 'on the level' so to speak, that would be relevant whatever condition I was in.

As I am vulnerable to 'scrupulosity' as discussed on another thread, and have had a close call with Catholicism, I have chosen the least doctrinaire branch of Buddhism that I could find.

The book I return to is 'Buddhism without Beliefs' by Stephen Batchelor. The paperback is easily available on Amazon and quite cheap.

A powerful message that comes over in this view of the world is that suffering (dhukka) applies to all living creatures, not just to those of us with diagnoses of specific illness. By tying in my study of this branch of zen with a meditation group that is non denominational, I have a path which is looking hopeful.

I feel that any sort of mental illness is isolating and painfully self focussing, and this practice helps to break that pattern.

Cheers, Myzen.

Here is a list of some of the books I have read that have been most helpful in understanding and dealing with Bipolar Disorder:

"Moodswing" by Dr. Ronald R. Fieve
* he also has his own website

"Bipolar Disorder" by Dr. Francis Mark Mondimore
A guide for patients and family
A Johns Hopkins Press Health book

"Bipolar Child" by Dr. Demetri Papolos

"Overcoming Depression" by Dr. Demetri Papolos & Janice Papolos

"An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison

"Touched With Fire" by Kay Redfiled Jamison
Manic Depressive Illness and the Artisitc Temperament

"Night Falls Fast" by Kay Redfield Jamison
Understanding Suicide

"Surviving Manic Depression" by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D
and Michael B. Knable, D.O

"Manic Depressive Illness" by Dr.'s Goodwin & Jamison
Note: this is more of a very technical book and very pricey, but was worth the money and reading.

"Hatherleigh Guide to Psycopharacology"
Note: I found this at Borders Books, but I am sure Amazon or any good book store may have it.

The last 2 books I'll mention are more about the lives, narratives, of the author's life experiences.

"The Noonday Demon" by Andrrew Solomon

"Electroboy" by Andy Behrman

There are so many more, too many to list but check in the Psychology sections at Borders, Waldens, Barnes & Nobles, and also try Amazon.com.
Hope you'll find these good for starters

"darkeyes"

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

I’ve seen some other posts about Manic: A Memoir. I know that there’s those who don’t like the book as they consider Terri (the main character) to be too “perfect”, rich, pretty, etc. However, I personally enjoy this book. It’s not one I expect everyone to relate to. But basically Terri is the woman who does have everything and still suffers from this illness. It doesn’t matter how much money, love, sex, or drugs she can get her hands on, it only makes her disorder worse. And at the same time she’s more ignored and her problems are swept under the rug because everyone assumes that if you live the affluent lifestyle that she does then you must have no problems at all. Highly recommend.

Finished "Haldol and Hyacinths". Its wonderful! I can relate to a lot of the bits about bipolar. Hyacinths are nice, and their inclusion in this book is touching. Go find acopy! I felt she was telling my story while at the same time telling ALL of our stories.

Finished "Haldol and Hyacinths". Its wonderful! I can relate to a lot of the bits about bipolar. Hyacinths are nice, and their inclusion in this book is touching. Go find acopy! I felt she was telling my story while at the same time telling ALL of our stories.