Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

darkeyes · Aug 27, 2004 at 11:31 AM

Thanks, yes they are good reading Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

I was once a Moody Blues fan, the writing, not just the music was great. I am from an older generation, ha!ha! Well 47 going on 48 in Jan.
Welcome to the forums Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

DE

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

cms39 · Dec 02, 2004 at 01:38 AM

I HAVE read "An Unquiet Mind" and it is excellent. I would definitely recommend that one.

Myzen · Dec 03, 2004 at 06:35 AM

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.

darkeyes · Dec 03, 2004 at 12:49 PM

Does this directly relate to Bipolar disorder? I believe the religious type means of help are individual, not all cases can be helped by Buddhism, or any religions, many mental disorders are due to genetics, chemical imbalances of the brain, I haven't seen this changed by religious beliefs, if so the person probably didn't have any mental disorders per say.
I am happy that it works for you, and I suppose many others too, but let's not forget the reality of Bipolar disorder, medication is a need for many patients to achieve stabilization first.
Thanks for sharing your experience(s) with us.
This is a book list for suggested reading that addresses Bipolar disorder as well as this forum, if anyone would like to add to it let me know, I'd like to keep the topic on Bipolar and Bipolar related stuff, that is the topic of this forum, Bipolar disorder.

Thanks,
DE

bettyblueBP · Sep 23, 2006 at 07:10 AM

Theres a new one out, one of those "For dummies" books, I bought it to help my family undersatnd the illness, its called Bipolar for dummies, and is by Candidia Fink, it really is what the title says and helps friends and family understand me.

I think these have already been mentioned but Electroboy & An Unquiet mind are great, however when reading some parts of Electroboy, I kinda missed some things!

Another useful one is
"Coping with bipolar disorder" by Jones Hayward & Lam

Best of luck!

jlove973 · Jan 16, 2007 at 08:36 PM

Bipolar Child written by Dr.Demetri Papolos, this book is awesome I felt like I was reading my life story. It's a great read!! Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

danseur · Feb 06, 2007 at 08:29 PM

Bipolar II by Dr. Fieve. Really excellent and insightful. It was interesting to read what he had to say about the beneficial aspects of hypomania as well. It was also nice to find a book that focuses almost exclusively on this disorder since that's the version I have.

Kerit71 · Jul 25, 2007 at 12:14 PM

These aren't specifically about Bipolar Disorder, but are about personal struggles and overcoming them...

Blackbird
A Childhood Lost and Found by Jennifer Lauck

and the sequel:

Still Waters
by Jennifer Lauck

both very good!

Pughead · Jan 08, 2008 at 11:41 AM

I recently bought Manic Depressive Illness (the 2007 2nd edition) by Goodwin-Jamison. I haven't made it very far, but it appears to be extremely thorough. It's a huge and heavy hardcover book with 1,000 plus pages, 2 columns of text per page!

I also got Psychotropic Drug Handbook by Paul J Perry, Bruce Alexander, Barry Liskow, and C. Lindsay DeVane.
It's a spiral bound book that is very technical in nature, but also very interesting to read. It goes over the different psychotropic drug classes and shows findings from various studies (i.e., how effective a particular drug is for a given indication) that have been done over the years, as well as more detailed information regarding reported side-effects, etc. It goes over meds for depression, mania, schizophrenia, other illnesses, and all sorts of anxiety related disorders. I think it's good to have a solid understanding about the drugs you take and this book can give you that.

jsweetpea · Jun 01, 2008 at 02:47 AM

I felt that I needed to reply to this post. I understand that you are one of the moderators and I was quite taken by the reply you sent to this person. It is our own right to believe in a higher power to go to for our problems whether what they are doesn't matter. He/she was letting us know how he coped with bp and some books to read just like the others are letting us know what books they read and that helped them. So quite frankly they were staying on the topic. Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

darkeyes · Jun 01, 2008 at 09:10 AM

Please RE-READ my post, I said nothing about people's rights to believe or disbelieve, if people get comfort from their faith, that's excellent and often conducive to many people's outcome,on the other hand, many also require medication/treatment intervention as well.
It's not always a "one size fits all" situation.
I think you may have misunderstood something, I am sorry if you felt offended.

Annie Laurie · Oct 11, 2011 at 05:38 PM

"not all cases can be helped by Buddhism, or any religions, many mental disorders are due to genetics ..." ... "[L]et's not forget the reality of Bipolar disorder..."

Darkeyes, I agree with you, but Buddhism also provides a set of practices separate and apart from being a religion, and many of those practices are being used successfully in treating people with bipolarity. (The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Bipolar Disorder by Sheri --- sorry, I've forgotten her last name).

I've been treated for bipolar disorder for over 30 yrs. and have received many kinds of therapy (and am still on meds), but am looking forward to seeing a new therapist who practices this kind of DBT and I'm actually feeling a bit hopeful. Again, I do agree with most of what you say; however, please keep your mind open to various ways we can heal.

Kind wishes,

Annie Laurie

kriya6 · Aug 26, 2010 at 02:10 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.

I totally agree that reading about Buddhism has really helped me to gain perspective on my emotional problems. The thing I love about Buddhism the MOST is that it is not religion, it is more a way of seeing the world, it is a great way to get out of the passive "victim" trap. As far as "this being an inapporpriate place to post this" How so? Are those of us with bipolar NOT suffering? Could learning ways to change our perspective on it hurt us in some way? Learning about Buddhism helped me far more than anything I've ever learned in therapy, and the practice of ACT therapy is CENTERED on mindfulness. I think this post is completely appropriate for a thread on reading material that can provide useful insight into bipolar.

cheeri · May 31, 2011 at 08:41 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.

There are tons of studies on meditation being used as therapy. Supposedly can have extremely positive effects, but I can't ever focus well enough.

Annie Laurie · Oct 11, 2011 at 05:23 PM

Myzen,

I agree with you about Buddhist writings and practices. I find them to be incredibly helpful, especially anything by and spoken by Pema Chodron.

The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Workbook is based somewhat on a mindfulness approach. The author is Sheri (I've forgotten her last name, but if you enter it in amazon.com, it'll quickly come up).

Annie Laurie

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!

bgrumpie · Apr 29, 2005 at 12:07 AM

An Unquiet Mind was a fabulous book. I tell people to read it all the time. <font color="brown"> </font>

28andforward · Jun 11, 2005 at 11:59 AM

Moodswing by Dr Fieve was one of the first books I read and I was SO impressed even though it was quite old. I didn't know he had a website - Thanks so much for sharing that.

darkeyes · Jun 12, 2005 at 10:53 AM

I know it may be old, but this man has done so much for the Bipolar population, with his research and patients.
Much of it is still used today, I may be wrong but I think he has continued to contribute more findings to those in the Psychiatric field and research. But don't hold me to that, my memory is not always on target, ha!ha!
On Psychiatry Matters website, there are always updates on disorders,research and treatments.
A Dr. Calabrese and Dr Akiskal have been doing research on the efficacy of various meds., very interesting.
I hope to have time this summer to post any books, journals, etc. that I find, my present pdoc told me the many pdocs I've read about either in books or professional websites are legitimate pdocs/researchers genius in their field.
I'm not sure, but I think Dr. Fieve may still have his practice in NYC, but not sure. I did see that on the internet when I typed in his name, a couple of years ago.
Well, if you or anyone that visits here and can contribute more suggested readings, please do.

Thanks,
DE

Junerain · Jun 22, 2005 at 02:57 PM

Danielle Steel had a bipolar son & she wrote a book about him, His Bright Light, a book I am sure we can all relate to everything in his life, it spans his lifetime. I wrote Danielle and she wrote me back, we still correspond, she is great.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Recommended Reading	spiritual_emergency	Schizophrenia and Psychosis	18	Aug 21, 2008 10:50 AM
Recommended (Depression/Anxiety) Self Help books?	wbl526	Self-Help Ideas and Goal Setting	3	Dec 21, 2007 03:36 PM
Recommended Reading	spiritual_emergency	Schizophrenia and Psychosis	0	Jul 08, 2007 06:21 PM
Highly Recommended Reading for Women	SeptemberMorn	Other Mental Health Discussion	0	Jul 08, 2005 02:26 PM

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

My Support Forums

darkeyes Elder Member Since May 2001 Location: US Posts: 6,684 23	Aug 27, 2004 at 11:31 AM #1 Thanks, yes they are good reading I was once a Moody Blues fan, the writing, not just the music was great. I am from an older generation, ha!ha! Well 47 going on 48 in Jan. Welcome to the forums DE In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend SOLON __________________
	Reply With Quote

cms39 Veteran Member Member Since Aug 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 449 19	Dec 02, 2004 at 01:38 AM #2 I HAVE read "An Unquiet Mind" and it is excellent. I would definitely recommend that one.
	Reply With Quote

jlove973 Grand Magnate Member Since Oct 2006 Location: I think I\'m in the US? Posts: 4,593 17	Jan 16, 2007 at 08:36 PM #6 Bipolar Child written by Dr.Demetri Papolos, this book is awesome I felt like I was reading my life story. It's a great read!! __________________
	Reply With Quote

danseur New Member Member Since Feb 2007 Posts: 2 17	Feb 06, 2007 at 08:29 PM #7 Bipolar II by Dr. Fieve. Really excellent and insightful. It was interesting to read what he had to say about the beneficial aspects of hypomania as well. It was also nice to find a book that focuses almost exclusively on this disorder since that's the version I have.
	Reply With Quote

Annie Laurie Member Member Since Sep 2011 Posts: 38 12	Oct 11, 2011 at 05:23 PM #15 Myzen, I agree with you about Buddhist writings and practices. I find them to be incredibly helpful, especially anything by and spoken by Pema Chodron. The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Workbook is based somewhat on a mindfulness approach. The author is Sheri (I've forgotten her last name, but if you enter it in amazon.com, it'll quickly come up). Annie Laurie
	Reply With Quote

bgrumpie New Member Member Since Apr 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1 19	Apr 29, 2005 at 12:07 AM #17 An Unquiet Mind was a fabulous book. I tell people to read it all the time. <font color="brown"> </font>
	Reply With Quote

28andforward Junior Member Member Since Jun 2005 Location: MO Posts: 18 18	Jun 11, 2005 at 11:59 AM #18 Moodswing by Dr Fieve was one of the first books I read and I was SO impressed even though it was quite old. I didn't know he had a website - Thanks so much for sharing that.
	Reply With Quote

Junerain Legendary Member Since Jul 2004 Location: dreamy land Posts: 16,874 (SuperPoster!) 19 459 hugs given	Jun 22, 2005 at 02:57 PM #20 Danielle Steel had a bipolar son & she wrote a book about him, His Bright Light, a book I am sure we can all relate to everything in his life, it spans his lifetime. I wrote Danielle and she wrote me back, we still correspond, she is great. __________________
	Reply With Quote