Reddit Reddit reviews The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know

We found 28 Reddit comments about The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know
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28 Reddit comments about The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know:

u/GoodAtExplaining · 15 pointsr/nba

Real talk, I have a mental health issue. I'm seeing way too many ignorants on FB post shit like "I have depression. If you want to spread awareness, of mental health issues, cut and paste my status!"

No. Don't do that. It trivializes some serious shit. If you actually wanted to, you could post up helpful shit, like toll free crisis lines, or coping mechanisms, or links to books that help people cope, like this one.

It just really pisses me off.

u/Brocktreee · 14 pointsr/BipolarReddit

You took the first step posting here. On behalf of your hubby...thank you.

They may not have told you this, but here's the facts: SSRIs, like Prozac, can and very often will induce mania in bipolar individuals if not balanced against a mood stabilizer like depakote, lithium, etc. This almost certainly contributed to your husband's mental state.

I very, very strongly recommend buying The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. This gave me so much footing to stay grounded on when I was diagnosed in November. It has information about bipolar, triggers to mood states, coping strategies, mood tracking/managing strategies, a section devoted to how to support your bipolar loved one as a family member or friend, seriously. Buy this book as soon as possible. The author has years of experience working with bipolar individuals and brings that in full force to the book.

Lastly, post here. Talk to us about what's happening, questions, frustrations. This subreddit isn't just for bipeeps, it's also for their loved ones. Have a seat at the table. You and your family have taken the first step towards stability and getting your husband the help he needs.

u/TheRighteousMind · 12 pointsr/bipolar2
u/schizoidvoid · 6 pointsr/BipolarReddit

Here you go! You recommended everything I was going to recommend so I thought I'd make your links easier to click.

>All of these are useful:
>
>An Unquiet Mind
>
>Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide
>
>The Bipolar Workbook: Controlling Swings
>
>The Mindful Way Through Depression
>
>The last book describes a self-guided therapy that I used to lift myself out of a mixed mood a few years ago. I was willing to do anything to get better and that included doing things that I had little to no faith in but I still had to try. It worked despite my skepticism. I believe in it now.
>
>and then there is the bible of the illness and its treatment. It's massive and very technical (written for medical professionals) but you might find parts of it useful.
>
>Manic Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent Depression
>

u/al_b69 · 6 pointsr/BipolarSOs

Hang in there. Even when your SO are discharged, it will take months if not years for the brain to heal. Also with meds, it keep those highs at bay and he'd have to adjust to the new normal. Explain to him that the meds are to prevent another relapse and hospitalization, each relapse damages the brain.

Basically if you go to therapy session, they'll say the same thing as these books, so reading them prior will help reinforce the treatment plan and help your SO through recovery.

  • I Am Not Sick I Don't Need Help! - Xavier F Amador Ph.D.
  • Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder - John D. Preston, PsyD
  • The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition - David J. Miklowitz, PhD

    Caution: There are good therapist and bad therapist , your gut feeling will tell you! Seen a few bad ones which made the situation with SO worse. So if therapist say things that contradicts these books, I'd have serious concerns and will seek 2nd opinion.

    Ask your therapist: How many years of experience in Mood Disorder and have he/she handled bipolar patients, what is the general outcome of these patients. If he/she claims 100% success, then they are lying since some cases are untreatable. Sad to say that some will continue seeing you and take your money, despite not knowing how to treat mood disorder.

    During therapy session: Do take notes and write everything down. Sometimes your SO may interpret things differently and those notes will clear any confusion. If SO insist otherwise, bring the issue up in next session.

    tl;dr: Read those books and shop for suitable therapist, take notes.

    Edit: Just read your previous posting. Ya, even with Zyprexa, my SO relapsed into a major episode requiring 6 weeks hospitalization. And with current meds, she still has a few minor episodes yearly!
u/LurkingRaeven · 4 pointsr/bipolar

I recommend The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. It's a great book for both of you to go through together. It help my husband understand me a little better and gave him ways to help me more.

There's also this site that has a lot of articles on it and they are really helpful and informative.

u/adorabledork · 3 pointsr/bipolar

BP 2, here. Is your gf on any kind of medication? Honestly, it doesn't sound like it, or if she is, she needs a higher dose.

There is a TON of info about bipolar disorder, and a large amount of information for loved ones who have a family member with bp. You just gotta look a bit harder.

Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder
and
The Bipolar Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know.

These are both great books. I can attest for the latter, especially. It has helped my mother and sister understand me a bit more.

Also, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness is truly an amazing book. It was the first time I felt like there were other people who got it, who understood. I highly recommend it for both you and your girlfriend. I wish I could emphasize just how much I recommend that book. It is really wonderful.

Most of all, your girlfriend needs to take a bit of responsibility for what is going on with her. Medicine and therapy.

Bipolar disorder is not something that goes away. But it is manageable. It took me almost 10 years to get my meds right, and find a place where I am improving - but you know what? I AM improving. Every day is a fight. But it is a fight worth winning.

I wish you all the luck. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

Edit: After re-reading your post, I question if maybe you aren't spending too much time with your friend. I get he needs support, but you can't be his crutch. I could definitely understand if you're girlfriend is feeling a bit of resentment.

u/clickclakblaow · 3 pointsr/bipolar

Bipolar survival guide:

http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Second-Edition/dp/1606235427

Pretty much covers everything

u/BipolarType1 · 3 pointsr/BipolarReddit
u/berenoor · 3 pointsr/bipolar2

For me psychoeducation has been key to improving my insight. I am a reader, so I'll recommend two for you, if you're interested.

First up, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I33KQGY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

This one is a workbook that helps you figure out what your symptoms look like, what your triggers are, and presents some strategies for coping with them.

https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Guide-Second/dp/1606235427

This is a pretty comprehensive book. Have just started it, but I see it often recommended around the bipolar subreddits and I like it so far. It covers everything from medications to therapy methods, warning signs to strategies.

u/[deleted] · 3 pointsr/BipolarSOs

Also best you educate yourself about this disease, books that helped me:-

u/tyinsf · 3 pointsr/BipolarReddit

Drugs will help with all those and it sounds like you know you need to take them.

Your parents are going to need to educate themselves. I always recommend Stephen Fry's BBC documentary on bipolar. His diagnosis process is filmed as part of it, so they can see what that's like - "they just ask a bunch of questions" - and why it can take only an hour. There's a section on childhood and adolescent bipolar that might be helpful. One caveat. Fry decides not to take his meds at the end of it, something he has changed his mind about after another suicide attempt. It's free on youtube. Part 1 and Part 2

Kaiser recommends The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide which would be good for you and them to read. Meds are essential to treating bipolar, but there's other stuff you should be doing as well - mood tracking, planning ahead to deal with episodes, CBT...

You might want to see if there are any friends and family DBSA groups in your area they could go to. (Or a DBSA peer group for yourself) You can look that up here. Good luck.

u/Jin_the_Wanderer · 3 pointsr/bipolar

There's a lot of literature available these days;

  • An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison


  • The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know by David J. Miklowitz


  • Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me: A Graphic Memoir by Ellen Forney

    These three come to mind, the most frequently recommended ones. I've read the first one and it explains a lot of how someone who suffers from BP I (or manic-depressive illness) leads his or her life.

    Other than that, reading about other People's Experience that have lived and live with this illness may prove helpful as well. You can find a lot of very useful insight into what bipolar disorder really implies in this subrredit.

    Finally, above all, take your time to listen to her, truly do, and do your best to understand what is going through her mind. We experience very complicated feelings and emotions, incredibly extreme at times, so be aware of that. This doesn't mean we are crazy though, it only means we are more "sensitive", if you will, which means being understanding, compassionate, loving and caring play a huge role in a relationship.

    You'll catch the drift quickly enough, trust me, and then it'll be just like any other relationship, with the possible hiccup here and there.

    Few people care to understand this illness, glad you're doing so. An example to follow, if I may.

u/abzurdleezane · 2 pointsr/BipolarReddit

Springtime and to a lesser extent fall are especially tricky times for people with Bipolar.
Has she signed releases so you can talk freely with her caregivers about your concerns? It helps to form an alliance with them and develop a crisis plan in advance. I would push her Doctors to discuss a broader range of options. If you doubt them, I would ask for a medication second opinion referral. In most regions there are Doctors who are known to be specialist in different illnesses. You might have to pay out of pocket for this but it may bring some peace of mind that you have educated yourself on all options.

Most of all I recommend joining local support groups for these two organizations.
[National Alliance for Mental Illness]
(http://www.nami.org/) for friends and family

For people with mood disorders I recommend:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

I live in New England and both organizations are very helpful in providing emotional support and ideas for how to cope. Best of all they are free so your Insurance company can not limit access.

The best books I have read on management of Bipolar are: [The Bipolar Workbook]
(http://www.amazon.com/The-Bipolar-Workbook-Controlling-Swings/dp/1593851626/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333669671&sr=1-1) by Monica Ramirez Basco

and with more of a emphasis on relationships:[Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide] (http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Second-Edition/dp/1606235427/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333669671&sr=1-3) by David J. Miklowitz PhD

I would suggest using the library to make sure they are a good fit.

One last resource I recently ran across recently, is a hour plus lecture on relating and understanding someone with Bipolar. I have not read Dr. Jay Carter's books yet but I did find this video helpful to understand how sometimes very good, loving, solid people can act really irrational when manic, mixed or depressed. There is some dance elements that I found cheesy but hey, its free to view!
[Bipolar Insights with Dr. Jay]
(http://bipolarlight.com/index2.html)

Good Luck and take care of yourself!

u/blazingwildbill · 2 pointsr/bipolar

I cannot comment on 'The Bipolar Workbook' but "The Bipolar Survival Guide " has been a lifesaver! It is very well written and oraganized.

u/mk_s69 · 2 pointsr/BipolarSOs

Bottom line is to establish clear boundaries with the BipolarSO and stop yourself being dragged back into this unhealthy environment. I'd prefer to cut off all ties, however we have a teenager son, so she visits often and we exchange pleasantries.

Helped my bipolarSO recover from 3 major breakdowns and had to deal with 3-4 yearly minor episodes for over a decade. Her last mania episode, she committed adultery, even deny it when confronted. Finally she admitted her infidelity, claims it was a mistake, went for a separation and continued seeing new men.

I honestly won't know how I'd react if she has her next major breakdown. I only hope that my teenage son would not be around to witness the mom in full psychosis, to be restrained by the cops or locked in a fully padded room. Lets pray that the meds will keep her stable.

Agree with gdobssor, quote: "...how terrible his choices were and how little responsibility he took for them, I would still let him back whenever he wanted". Lesson here is: Learn to be selfish since all the self-sacrifice won't cure or save your bipolarSO, it only drains your mental health.

Books that helped somewhat:
> I'm not sick...

> Loving someone with Bipolar Disorder

> Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide

u/keaty789 · 2 pointsr/bipolar

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know https://www.amazon.com/dp/1606235427/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ktUXAb7NERF76


This book had been incredible for me (BP2) and my wife. Has good info, steps to take, things to remember, descriptions of medications... This has helped a great deal

u/meevis_kahuna · 1 pointr/bipolar

I highly recommend "The Bipolar Suvival Guide"

http://amzn.com/1606235427

Understanding bipolar is a long process and should be treated as an ongoing education, not a quick fix. I recommend you and your loved one read through this.

u/SemolinaPilchert · 1 pointr/BipolarSOs

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide was recommended by our counselor and it seems pretty good so far. It's relatively cheap and, even better, it's on audible.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1606235427/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418269682&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

u/between2poles · 1 pointr/bipolar

I've found this book incredibly helpful. It includes instructions on creating a plan when you or your friends and family recognize escalation. I'm new to this whole thing and am grateful I got myself a copy.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1606235427/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1398827150&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Edit. Personally I've had to stay away from drugs and alcohol and found that a regular exercise routine stabilizes me and lessens the depression (unless of course it's really bad). I got me some kettlebells and do the workouts at dailyburn.com at home.

u/epsilongo · 1 pointr/bipolar

I'm not a dr but maybe they meant the combo is not used? I am on lithium and I had thought it was still one of the most research-backed meds for treating BPD (when effective). Lithium was recommended to me 2 years ago by a couple psychiatrists I trust as being the "gold standard" (their phrase not mine). Also, this book as a good chapter on meds. Not sure how up to date it is though: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1606235427/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468942616&sr=1-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=david+miklowitz&dpPl=1&dpID=41oMwdu2SDL&ref=plSrch

u/jellybean_11 · 1 pointr/bipolar

How old is your daughter? I know of a few books that might be able to help.

  1. The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide.

    http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Second-Edition/dp/1606235427/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=185VDHE67X9K5HTZHGCD

  2. If Your Child Is Bipolar

    http://www.amazon.com/Your-Child-Bipolar-Parent-Parent/dp/1930085060

  3. Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder (this one is geared towards romantic partners, but I've heard decent things about it... might be worth a shot)

    http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Bipolar-Disorder-Understanding/dp/1608822192

  4. The Bipolar Teen

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Bipolar-Teen-Child-Family-ebook/dp/B005D5ASL8

    Have you considered counselling? Often, the people supporting the person with bipolar need support just as much as the person with bipolar does. There are also support groups that exist for family members and loved ones.

    Good luck!
u/redditabc · 1 pointr/bipolar

It is possible. One thing I would recommend is to start out by reading books written for people with bipolar actually before doing like a google search. Books like that seem to have a "you can do this" attitude and can give you a good foundation of understanding in a slightly separated way. (Recommendation: http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Guide-Second/dp/1606235427/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414328331&sr=1-1&keywords=bipolar+survival+guid) A lot of what's online is a snapshot of someone desperately searching for help in their most troubling moments, with little follow-up on how the issue was resolved, so I think there's more room for potential triggering. Obviously I find this forum very helpful, but if you are in a very fragile state, you might want to post your own problems and not read others, then use it to relate to others and pay it forward when you are in a more stable place. I do think it's good to talk things out, but you have to be very careful to only talk to people who are supportive and understanding about mental illness.

u/jkell05s · 1 pointr/bipolar

In my own way, I'll become fixated on an idea or concept - maybe its for a book, or for a website, and I'll write all these notes and stay up late outlining for a project I'll never complete. Recently it was for a podcast with a friend, I walk around brainstorming names and catch lines and what we would cover in the first 10-15 episodes, even though I've never podcasted in my life.

In my unprofessional view, your lack of need for sleep, energy/irritability, outgoing/bubbly personality, and "delusions" of what you can accomplish are what truly throw this into the manic category. The "what" of the studying may change next time, but when you start catching yourself with the other symptons, time to call the Doctor or work on your prevention of cycling up too hard. I recommend the BiPolar Survivor's Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Survival-Guide-Second/dp/1606235427

u/SundressandSangria · 1 pointr/BipolarReddit

Email me [email protected] if you need someone to talk to about it. It hard for my family to do so.

The book I referred to as "my bible" is The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide . My therapist has also given me chapter every week of another book. I will try to get that title if you interested