[Formerlybrilliant]

Just wondering if you have an opinion on David Oliver. If you don't know him he is a kind of self made expert on Bipolar and has a website, daily newsletter, and tons of stuff for sale on various topics related to supporting those with bp. Anybody have an opinion on Mr. Oliver?

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by Formerlybrilliant

Just wondering if you have an opinion on David Oliver. If you don't know him he is a kind of self made expert on Bipolar and has a website, daily newsletter, and tons of stuff for sale on various topics related to supporting those with bp. Anybody have an opinion on Mr. Oliver?

I have never heard of him. Is he a Psychiatrist and/or does he have BP?
If the newsletter is free you can pick and choose what you get out of it, but I would be a bit suspicious of paying for anything if he didn't have credentials to back himself up.

Even one of my favorite authors on BP (she is also diagnosed) co-authors her books with a MD. JMO.

[perpetuallysad]

I don't know. I've spent about 20 mins browsing his site and I wouldn't be quick to buy into it. He may be completely legitimate, but he sure charges for a lot of things. Most helpful and informative mental health sites give nearly all of their information away. Though, I will grant, that many do offer books for sale. I don't mind buying books, but I am not sure I am willing to buy all of these "courses" he's come up with. Also, he's never been bipolar, though he claims his mother is. I realize many of our doctors and psychologists/therapists also have never been bipolar, but that have been trained to understand the disorder and how to most effectively support those with it and to treat them. Basically, I would be wary. Just because he's an effective "salesman" doesn't mean he's got the answers you are looking for.

[Formerlybrilliant]

Thanks for the input. I get his newsletters. They are free. The newsletters kind of come off as your hearing from a motivational speaker. Mostly they are on the topics of staying on your meds, the value of exercise, seeing your doctors, and generally taking care of yourself. Many of the newsletters are written more for supporters of people who have bp.

I bought one of his books on the topic of weight loss. There really wasn't anything in it that I couldn't have learned elsewhere for free. He hypes his material to the point where it reads that he has come up with some breaking information unavailable anywhere else. Then, what good marketer doesn't do the same? Based on my experience, I will not be buying any more of his material.

Anyway, just wanted to get a read of what other people had to think of him.

[NYMoodyBlue]

I would not order anything from David Oliver. He is not an expert of any kind and has no credentials other than his mother is bipolar. That does not make him an expert. If you have advice to offer people because of your experience of having a loved one with bipolar than write a book. Do not set up a newsletter like some kind of business package like you have all these inside secrets about bipolar. I think that is exploiting people who have loved ones with bipolar to make money. If you have legitimate info write a book and make money that way. Bipolar Disorder is a serious illness that people need help and information on, they should not be exploited by someone who wants to get rich and holds out carrots of secret info to people who are hurting and desperate for help. That is just pathetic. Shame on you David Oliver! One of his big selling points is that Dr's and therapists just don't understand like people who live with family members of bipolar's. If that is your concern by all means look for books by people with family members who have bipolar. There is a wealth of information out there people, you do not have to buy what this phony is selling! Suggesting (in his ad's) without explanation that people should threaten their loved one's doctor and therapist is pretty irresponsible. I could go on and on about how irresponsible this jerk is but I think you get the point. Is this the kind of person you trust to buy information from? Think about it!

[FooZe]

I found a "Ripoff Report" on him here.

[BlueInanna]

Looks like someone trying to make money. There are enough other sites out there for support who are not trying to get our money. We already have to spend enough money on this stupid disorder.

[venusss]

Thanks for the input. I get his newsletters. They are free. The newsletters kind of come off as your hearing from a motivational speaker. Mostly they are on the topics of staying on your meds, the value of exercise, seeing your doctors, and generally taking care of yourself. Many of the newsletters are written more for supporters of people who have bp.

does he bring something new or is that the mainstream medical model re-re-re-recycled? You can get that from site you google in few seconds. You don't need to pay for "see your doc regularly and btw, excercise is healthy". It's sorta common sense.

[JeffersonFord]

I have had a bad experience with this person. I have had to implement stop payments to him as he has continued to bill my account for things I did not agree to purchase. I had called but never received a return call. My bank (when implementing the stop order) also try calling but got what I did - voice mail that is not returned.
I do not recommend this.