Books for Bipolar Disorder
The World Health Organization estimates that there are about 60 million people worldwide affected by Bipolar Disorder. The condition usually consists of both manic/hypomanic episodes and depression with periods of normality in between.
Medicines are available to stabilize moods and social interventions are considered key components of therapy. Talking therapy can also help prevent relapse or limit the effect of the illness.
If you are looking to understand and cope with Bipolar Disorder or help a loved one, we carefully selected several helpful books for bipolar disorder.
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, Second Edition: What You and Your Family Need to Know
by David J. Miklowitz, PhD
All in One Book
A well-written and comprehensively good reference book for Bipolar Disorder. It outlines basic description of the condition including its varied presentations using case stories. Its discussion about identifying early warning signs for both mania, hypomania and depression is extremely helpful.
Its explanations about medication and its importance with bipolar disorders are simple and yet effective. On the other hand, I guess some who are anti-medications may find this a reason to be against this book.
Best approached with an open mind, it lays out your options and is otherwise a delightful reading with practical tips for coping with the disorder in your daily routines, workplace and relationships with the use of worksheets and exercises.
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Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor: An Olympian's Journey with Mental Illness
by Amy J. Gamble (Basketball Olympian)
The Book for Champions
An honest account of Amy’s journey from a tough competitor to a champion of bipolar disorder, her journey is heartfelt and will touch anyone who’s life has been affected by the condition.
Her personal story is so vivid and has gone on stages of chaos, despair, stigma and hope which is somewhat typical of Bipolar Disorder. Setting aside the story of her life which makes the book worthwhile on its own merit, many will find useful tips on how to achieve recovery.
It may not be as controversial or of celebrity proportion as Carrie Fisher’s The Princess Diarist, Amy's book can be an eye opener for many who had been lost along the journey.
There is not much about basketball in this book but personally it is more appropriate to mixed martial arts … little rules and you have to use all the resources you’ve got. This book is truly for anyone who wants to develop a winning attitude.
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The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook: Managing Recurring Depression, Hypomania, and Anxiety
by Stephanie Mcmurrich Roberts PhD, et al
An Exercise a Day, Keeps the Beast at Bay
The explanations of the different types of bipolar disorder and its different manifestations are right on the money for DSM IV.
It is dense with several tools and self-help exercises which should not be finished in one sitting and are reflective of the work that needs to be done towards recovery for bipolar disorder. Like any exercises, it is generally ideal for daytime reading as exercises should be read with a view of applying it to one's routine activities.
The authors however did not deal much with Borderline personality disorder that often overlaps with the symptoms of Bipolar type disorders. I guess they are aware of this hence they included Dialectical Behavioural Therapy which, although has some evidence for Bipolar disorder, is a well-known treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder.
This Bipolar Disorder exercise book is otherwise a powerful tool against Bipolar disorder especially when followed correctly, patiently, consistently, and with hopeful anticipation of recovery.
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There is no substitute for professional advice, please consult your doctor.