Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder
A 4-Step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the Illness and Create Lasting Stability
by Julie A. Fast and John Preston, PsyD
Is
your life spinning out of control with unwanted thoughts, spending
sprees, and mood swings? Are you being medically treated for bipolar
disorder? You may be surprised that medication alone will not curb
the bipolar symptoms. In Take Charge of Your Bipolar Disorder,
authors Julie A. Fast and John Preston, PsyD, present a thorough
treatment plan for leading a healthy life with the illness.
A person with bipolar suffers from both the symptoms
and the stigma of the illness. He may act emotionally or psychologically
troubled. Do you know that the illness causes changes in the brain,
which then alter your actions? When bipolar disorder stabilizes,
those symptoms frequently disappear. You may also feel guilt, confusion,
anger, and sadness over your diagnosis. Accepting that bipolar is
an illness, not a personal fault, is the first step to wellness.
Comparing it to other illnesses, like diabetes, will help you and
your family understand that the illness needs special, medical treatment.
Do you know you have bipolar conversations? Have
you ever told family, "I never do anything right," or "Why are you
bothering me all the time? I need space." These leading comments
are symptoms of bipolar disorder. Your words do not portray your
feelings, but the conversation cycles because everyone reacts to
the words. Recognizing these patterned comments will help family
respond to the illness instead of the words. It will help you maintain
stability by addressing the bipolar symptoms.
Fast and Preston outline a four-step program to
manage bipolar disorder: medications and supplements, lifestyle
changes (sleep, diet, exercise, light, work and money), behavioral
changes (discovering your triggers and conversations), and asking
for help (family, friends, supportive medical team). This book allows
readers to personalize answers and create a treatment plan. Caregiver
tips are highlighted for family and friends, and patients’ experiences
pepper the book. Most people misunderstand the disorder, and I like
that Fast and Preston ease patient and family fears in a comprehensive,
easy-to-follow format. If bipolar plays havoc with your life, Take
Charge of Bipolar Disorder will give you the tools and the hope
for a healthy life.
|
The Book |
Hachette Book Group USA/ Warner Wellness |
September 26, 2006 |
Paperback |
0-446-697-69761-3 |
Non-fiction Self-help Health |
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at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Jennifer Akers |
Reviewed 2006 |
NOTE: |
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