Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

Moose72 · Feb 11, 2017 at 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thickntired

The absolutely worst book I have ever read was Manic: A Memoir

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/006143...110_SY165_QL70

Let me give you a synopsis. Terri is a perfect size 6 and all men find her irresistible. She lives in a very exclusive neighborhood in Los Angeles. She is a high power lawyer with a great salary. This income allows her to wear only the best clothes and own a porsche. She turns on all the men single and married when she is manic and hypersexual. Terri never does much of anything that makes her appear less than perfect. She is living the high life.

Don't waste your time.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

She is really on the extreme ends of things- her manias, depressions, hallucinations,

Possible trigger:

suicidal attempts

and yes she had/has a lot of money.

Lifeischallenging · Feb 19, 2017 at 12:45 PM

Hi,
Thanks for this post. I will check out some of these books. I feel reading keeps you occupied in the first place anyways. You try to stay focused on this new world.

Feb 27, 2017 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thickntired

The absolutely worst book I have ever read was Manic: A Memoir

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/006143...110_SY165_QL70

Let me give you a synopsis. Terri is a perfect size 6 and all men find her irresistible. She lives in a very exclusive neighborhood in Los Angeles. She is a high power lawyer with a great salary. This income allows her to wear only the best clothes and own a porsche. She turns on all the men single and married when she is manic and hypersexual. Terri never does much of anything that makes her appear less than perfect. She is living the high life.

Don't waste your time.

I couldn't agree more. It was awful. Sure, the charmed life thing was annoying, but the thing that really kept driving me up a wall was that she lumped in all her clearly borderline behaviors. So what, you might say, some people have both. Agreed. BUT. It leaves the inevitable conclusion that she's still talking about them as if they're BP. This really fried my bacon because many, many people won't know it isn't. Don't we already have enough "PR" problems without this conflation misleading people?!

It's been a few years since I read it, so specific examples are fuzzy. I had a spell in therapy where I'd read (and review, lol) psych topic books. When I mentioned the BPD aspects, she totally agreed

What if the author didn't know, you say? She should have known better than to write a book on someting when she doesn't know its parameters. It's just so misleading. God knows she had enough money for therapy to figure it out.

Naynay99 · Mar 10, 2017 at 08:32 PM

I just got a new fun book: "It's All Absolutely Fine" by Ruby Elliot.
Its a sort of memoir/graphic novel of stick figure drawings combo sort of book. Its about her struggle with depression and bipolar disorder. I honestly mostly just bought it because I liked the cover and it had drawings in it.
But I am enjoying it. It's sort an illustrated journal of what it feels like to live with depression, anxiety, etc. Its not a profound read or anything, but it is very honest- She can express a lot of emotion with just a few squiggles. I related a lot to her story. And it made me smile.
While I don't want to endorse ripping off the author, you could probably sit and finish it at the bookstore if you wanted to save a few $.

MuseumGhost · Apr 10, 2017 at 10:19 PM

Thanks, everyone!! who took the time to list helpful reads. It's wonderful we have so many members here who have tried to assist one another, over time.

1978dd · Sep 04, 2017 at 11:13 AM

I'd rather not read about people's bpd. I have enough drama with my own bpd struggles!!

adlucem · Sep 06, 2017 at 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myzen

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.

This is a very important message, especially so for a predominantly Western audience. I think the insistence to keep spirituality away from a discussion on mental illness is very damaging and detracting. Spirituality, in particular Buddhism, is a huge source of solace and provides excellent perspectives on how to modify one's attitudes and responses to life so as to be happier. I've seen it working very well and I fervently wish more people would discover it as a source of happiness. We need to understand that medication, though very important, is only one of the ways to deal with mental illness. Thanks Myzen!

Misterpain · Nov 04, 2017 at 08:03 PM

This book has nothing really to do with mental illness ,however it will cause a major shift on how you feel about life, i myself thought for along time i got a raw deal ( most people actually agree i have had it extremely hard ) I have a rare disease that's fatal but This book changed me "Not Fade Away" by Rebecca Alexander she also has a rare disease , one that i would have a hard time swallowing or having the incredable perspective she does , a disease that as she ages she is going both blind and deaf , I have a disease that at the end I will still feel see hear but not be able to move breathe or even blink on my own , but losing those senses would just be truly painfull as I am a music collector and can find all manner of emotion in music and losing that would be ugliness I can't contemplate and having to stare at people and things so i don't forget who or what and there beauty is devastating.
I have all of the editions of this book including kindle so it's always with me.

I Think very highly of the book if you can't tell!

franklds01 · Nov 16, 2017 at 01:50 PM

My all time favorite is Madness: a Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher!! Definitely a must read!

Beana77 · Nov 18, 2017 at 02:31 PM

The Other Depression by Richard Grieco.

dsmith · Dec 20, 2017 at 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkeyes

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 Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

"darkeyes"

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

Unquiet Mind was very good. Kay really has a way with words; pulled me in without beating me over the head.

Here's another good one:
Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes
Book by THERESE JOHNSON BORCHARD

Therese is a fascinating woman and a great storyteller; you can learn more about her at her Website

bbishoff · Dec 26, 2017 at 07:22 AM

Also recomended - Living Well With Depression & Bipolar Disorder by John McManamy. He's an extremely well informed patient who runs his own website. Secondly- Bipolar Not So Much by Dr. Chris Aiken & Dr. James Phelps

Asteya · Jan 07, 2018 at 06:21 AM

Journey of Souls by Michael Newton

FearlesslyTheIdiot · Jan 18, 2018 at 12:25 PM

"An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison just arrived yesterday. Just finished part 1. Totally engrossed, love her writing. Thank you for the amazing recommendation!

Quebec01 · Aug 12, 2018 at 01:40 PM

High, Flat, Down And Back Up Again ! (Alain Amzallag)
A fuide To Manic-Depressive Illness

rocknrolladdict86 · Sep 08, 2018 at 07:25 AM

i have only read 'an unquiet mind' in my own language and there is no other book that had been translated. i got very tired if english books have too much terminology and literally figurative things

Blue_Bird · Dec 10, 2018 at 01:25 AM

Something I read recently was "Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life" by Ellen Forney

Really enjoyed it, I like the humor and I'm a big fan of graphic novels

sunnyvibes · Feb 22, 2019 at 04:11 PM

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.

Shell99 · Apr 11, 2019 at 02:29 PM

"Two Bipolar Chicks: Guide to Survival"

Phoenix_1 · Jun 04, 2019 at 10:55 AM

Patty Duke's books, "A Brilliant Madness" and "Call Me Anna".

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Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

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Lifeischallenging Member Member Since Sep 2016 Location: Somewhere in my own world! Posts: 147 8 52 hugs given	Feb 19, 2017 at 12:45 PM #222 Hi, Thanks for this post. I will check out some of these books. I feel reading keeps you occupied in the first place anyways. You try to stay focused on this new world.
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MuseumGhost Grand Magnate Member Since Apr 2012 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,257 12 12.3k hugs given	Apr 10, 2017 at 10:19 PM #225 Thanks, everyone!! who took the time to list helpful reads. It's wonderful we have so many members here who have tried to assist one another, over time.
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1978dd Member Member Since Jan 2017 Location: Midwest Posts: 144 7	Sep 04, 2017 at 11:13 AM #226 I'd rather not read about people's bpd. I have enough drama with my own bpd struggles!!
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franklds01 Junior Member Member Since Nov 2017 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 12 6	Nov 16, 2017 at 01:50 PM #229 My all time favorite is Madness: a Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher!! Definitely a must read! __________________ Bipolar I \| ADD \| OCD \| EDNOS
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Beana77 Member Member Since Dec 2011 Posts: 76 12	Nov 18, 2017 at 02:31 PM #230 The Other Depression by Richard Grieco. __________________ Bipolar II, ADD Prozac 20, Wellbutrin XL 150, Abilify 5, Vyvanse 40, Ambien 10, Seroquel 50 (tapering off)
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bbishoff New Member Member Since Dec 2017 Location: New Hampshire USA Posts: 2 6	Dec 26, 2017 at 07:22 AM #232 Also recomended - Living Well With Depression & Bipolar Disorder by John McManamy. He's an extremely well informed patient who runs his own website. Secondly- Bipolar Not So Much by Dr. Chris Aiken & Dr. James Phelps
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Asteya Member Member Since Dec 2017 Location: So Cal Posts: 64 6 16 hugs given	Jan 07, 2018 at 06:21 AM #233 Journey of Souls by Michael Newton
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FearlesslyTheIdiot Junior Member Member Since Jan 2018 Location: Arizona Posts: 22 6 14 hugs given	Jan 18, 2018 at 12:25 PM #234 "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison just arrived yesterday. Just finished part 1. Totally engrossed, love her writing. Thank you for the amazing recommendation! __________________ BPII/GAD/ADHD Cymbalta 60mg Zyprexa 5mg Trileptal 600mg Adderall XR 20mg
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Quebec01 Member Member Since Jun 2013 Location: Quebec Posts: 147 11 22 hugs given	Aug 12, 2018 at 01:40 PM #235 High, Flat, Down And Back Up Again ! (Alain Amzallag) A fuide To Manic-Depressive Illness
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rocknrolladdict86 New Member Member Since Sep 2018 Location: Turkey Posts: 9 6	Sep 08, 2018 at 07:25 AM #236 i have only read 'an unquiet mind' in my own language and there is no other book that had been translated. i got very tired if english books have too much terminology and literally figurative things
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Blue_Bird Legendary Wise Elder Member Since Jun 2013 Location: Middle Earth Posts: 37,399 (SuperPoster!) 11 14.9k hugs given	Dec 10, 2018 at 01:25 AM #237 Something I read recently was "Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life" by Ellen Forney Really enjoyed it, I like the humor and I'm a big fan of graphic novels __________________ “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” -St. Francis of Assisi
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Shell99 New Member Member Since Apr 2019 Location: Michigan Posts: 3 5	Apr 11, 2019 at 02:29 PM #239 "Two Bipolar Chicks: Guide to Survival"
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Phoenix_1 Grand Member Member Since Jul 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 907 13 214 hugs given	Jun 04, 2019 at 10:55 AM #240 Patty Duke's books, "A Brilliant Madness" and "Call Me Anna". __________________ Dx: BP2 with GAD and OCD Seroquel 100 mg Risperdal 0.5 mg Clonazepam (Klonopin) 1.5 mg Buspar 5 mg Lamictal 200 mg Coversyl Plus for high blood pressure Crestor for high cholesterol Asmanex Ventolin
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