Bipolar Recommended Books -- Worth Reading

cmorales · Jun 12, 2015, 03:45 PM

I'm currently reading/doing the workbook

"Overcoming Bipolar Disorder A Comprehensive Workbook for Managing Your Symptoms & Achieving Your Life Goals"

by

Mark S. Bauer, MD
Amy M. Kilbourne, PhD, MPH
Devr E. Greenwald, MPH
Evette J. Ludman, PhD
with Linda McBride, MSN

So far I really like it!

bbTofu · Jun 12, 2015, 04:52 PM

I finished reading "Madness" Marya Hornbacher's book.

I loved and enjoyed every single moment, the way she describes her experiences, the thrill, the highs and lows, the everything

I'm sad it's over.

Next; An Unquiet Mind

Madcat1776 · Jun 15, 2015, 06:25 AM

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

Hello there, and thank you for the list! Another one that I have found helpful not only for myself but also my family is, "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide", by David J. Miklowitz, PhD. In this book he discusses signs and symptoms of Mania and Depression, finding the right meds and therapy, how to prevent mood swings, and how to stay on track at home or work. It really is a fabulous book and there are many 'situations' that are discussed and reasoning behind behaviors revealed.
Thanks again!

Madcat1776 · Jun 15, 2015, 06:26 AM

Hello, not sure if I did that reply correctly so here is another version of what I mentioned:
Hello there, and thank you for the list! Another one that I have found helpful not only for myself but also my family is, "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide", by David J. Miklowitz, PhD. In this book he discusses signs and symptoms of Mania and Depression, finding the right meds and therapy, how to prevent mood swings, and how to stay on track at home or work. It really is a fabulous book and there are many 'situations' that are discussed and reasoning behind behaviors revealed.
Thanks again!

Madcat1776 · Jun 15, 2015, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbTofu

I finished reading "Madness" Marya Hornbacher's book.

I loved and enjoyed every single moment, the way she describes her experiences, the thrill, the highs and lows, the everything

I'm sad it's over.

Next; An Unquiet Mind

I read Madness as well, and I enjoyed it. Her experiences are pretty extreme, and she gives me hope in the respect that she has overcome her issues and in that aspect I find hope that I, too, can overcome my issues. I think that I have read An Unquiet Mind, although after reading these posts I feel I should go back and jog my memory.

Reveille68 · Jun 25, 2015, 08:33 PM

Just started reading the Bipolar survival guide. I was diagnosed 3 months ago and I've been struggling but this book has some great info so far. I need all the help I can get ATM.

jadamz · 12:42 PM

I would suggest any of Julie A Fast's books to help understand BiPolar disease. Her books have provided valuable insight into the Bipolar world.

fingers1 · 02:31 PM

Hi all ! Ok so I have been depressed for the last ten years one of my biggest symptoms has been chronic hypersomnia possibly caused by me taking Olanzapine 5mg per day. Last May (2014) I went into hypomania for five weeks probably due to the fact that I am very sensitive to light.
I then recommended that you read the book Blue light management for soft Bipolar cyclothymia. WHICH IS VERY GOOD. I also read hbomb 0903 post
how light effects those with bipolar disorder. This led me to using DARK THERAPY which helps those with mania and hypomania.
Google DARK THERAPY. since then my mood has improved a small amount
I am now sleeping or was 12 hours anight straight with no sleeping in the day.
Now three weeks ago out of sheer frustration with my depression I asked my doctor if I could try cymbyax but she was afraid it could push me into mania.
So I wrecklessly tried SAM-e without realising that according to various
web sites is not recommended for those with bipolar disorder. Not so according to the experts in the book.
I immediately went hypomanic but discontinued it 400mg a day after 7 days.
I can only say that the results are amazing.

Please read the book " STOP DEPRESSION NOW " and try it.

I feel like a new man !

good luck

fingers1

Oct 06, 2015, 05:20 PM

Change My Mind, Margaret Trudeau

(Margaret is a former 'first lady' of Canada. She was formerly married to then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau)

Margaret's battle with bipolar and mental illness has been very public. She is noted for her odd public behaviour and mental illness at a time it was considered a taboo stigma. She got a lot of flack and was treated unfairly and deplorably by the public.

Anyway, she recounts her life before and after her diagnosis. She was diagnosed later in life and like many of us looks back to a turbulent life. I particularly felt myself drawn to her descriptions of mania. It is as though she was describing my own life.

Anyway, my psychiatrist gave me the book on loan. It really made a difference to me at a time I was questioning myself and what it meant to be and deal with bipolar.

Samantha26643 · Nov 02, 2015, 12:14 PM

Any books for self help for bipolar and depression (also PTSD)? I am scared of going to a psychiatrist andhave not been diagnosed, but I was a victim of a bad event and know that I have PTSD or something like that..

BekaLombardo · Nov 04, 2015, 01:43 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

"darkeyes"

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

I actually wrote a book as well. It was just released in August. I would be happy to supply you with a copy of it. It's similar to Electroboy in that it's written like a diary. If you ever want to check it out, it's on Amazon. I can't post a URL yet. It's called It's Not Your Journey.

Let me know if you would like to read it. Thank you.

JustJace2u · Jun 12, 2016, 05:34 PM

I ordered Bipolar Disorder Demystified and it arrived today. Can't wait to read it. This newbie needs all the help she can get. Thanks for the suggestion.

JustJace2u · Jun 12, 2016, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearsomeAnna

I've read both An Unquiet Mind and Touched By Fire, which are wonderful books. A book that I found to be very, very helpful is a book called Bipolar Disorder Demystified by Lana Castle. The author has the disease and the book covers everything from mental disorder myths, to physiology, to symptoms and treatments. It's a wonderful resource without pandering to "victimhood" - I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about - the awful books that encourage an "oh, woe is me" approach to mental disease. This book recognizes that bipolar disorder, while not to be taken lightly, is a manageable disease on par with, say, diabetes.

Go! Go and read it! That's an order :-p
~Anna

some of it's magic
some of it's tragic
but i had a good life all the way......
~jimmy buffett

Just ordered Bipolar Disorder Demystified the other day and it arrived today. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm currently reading another book, so that will be next on the list. This BP newbie needs all the help/support she can get since it seems my parents are in denial.

nativechic · Jun 22, 2016, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurelhardy

Has anyone read Bi Polar for Dummies or Bi Polar expedition? I have heard of both of these but not sure if they are any good!!

I read "Bipolar Expeditions" by Emily Martin--not sure if this the same book you are talking about but I really enjoyed it. A bit of an academic slant but very readable.
Had mixed feelings about "Bipolar Handbook" by Wes Burgess but it's a good overall resource.
Really like "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Jamison but couldn't get through her other book "Exuberance".

nativechic · Jul 12, 2016, 12:56 PM

Hope people with book suggestions will participate in the book club discussion--the tag is BBCBBC and there's a poll up to vote for our next few books.

Jul 16, 2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aileenweaver

Hi
I have one book I have very helpfull
Escaping Emotional Entrapment
by: Daniel Rutley
Freedom from negative thinking and unhealthy emotions.
aileen

Dear Aileen,

This book looks like exactly what I'm needing -- right now!

I ordered it from Amazon.com, new copy 01¢ plus shipping.

Jul 16, 2016, 05:03 PM

Here's a great workbook -- a therapist I had, had it sitting on his desk! He didn't point it out to me but I SAW IT there and knew I had to have a copy. If you like to do workbooks, this is for you. It's beyond description, it's so well done. It has a lot of great blank workbook pages, with permission to make as many copies for yourself as you need. I use it in times of trouble, like now. Something ticked me off, and I can't shake the anger/irritability. I'm going to the page that tells how to control "erroneous thinking". It's not the perfect, permanent solution, but the exercises work for me when I need them. "Ten Days to Self Esteem" by David D. Burns, MD. And, by the way, the best thing that has helped me permanently is Jungian Art Therapy. I was fortunate that a mental health drop in center had a Jungian art therapist there, and then I went to the YWCA where there was another one. Private pay is very, very expensive.

Nate7907 · Nov 02, 2016, 01:02 AM

I just got an unquiet mind!

captain1 · Dec 03, 2016, 09:58 AM

I check these out. Thanks darkeyes.

Fedor · Feb 09, 2017, 12:02 AM

Many thanks

Moose72 · Feb 11, 2017, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

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