Beating Bipolar: How One Therapist Tackled His Illness . . . and How What He Learned Could Help You!

by Blake LeVine

      Beating Bipolar explains how to emotionally overcome bipolar disorder, sharing insider lessons from a leading expert who also lives with the illness. It will help families, teachers, mental-health professionals, those with bipolar disorder, and anyone looking to learn about it. The book is filled with uplifting stories and techniques to help manage this debilitating illness.
      With bipolar disorder affecting millions, this book will be the guide to allow us to create more healing in our lives.

Genres: Self Help, Mental Illness, Memoir

209 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2012

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I wanted other insights into bipolar disorder, which I have. This is a very personal issue for me, just as I imagine any disorder or illness is for the people who are directly effected by it.

However, it should be noted that I am not a medical professional nor am I a trained therapist so this review is going to be based on my personal experiences with bipolar and opinions of what I feel is being offered in this book. If you suspect you have bipolar disorder, you should contact your local, trusted doctor for testing. They will be able to help you, if you need it.

With that being said, I’ll continue on with the review.

I think this book would be the most helpful to a newly diagnosed bipolar person. I have known about my disorder and have received treatment for about three years, so a lot of the stuff he talks about I already knew from experience or had heard about in treatment. Some of what he says, either didn’t apply to me or I didn’t agree with personally. However, each person is going to be effected by their bipolar slightly differently, especially if you’re dealing with multiple issues at once, as it seems many bipolar sufferers tend to. I can’t speak for anyone but myself and my experiences with bipolar.

While this definitely wasn’t the author’s intention, I found the tone of the book a bit off-putting since its almost aggressively positive, which just didn’t work for me. Bipolar disorder can be shitty at times but its definitely not the end of the world (trust me, I know and I agree with this assertion). Still, you don’t have to baby people with the disorder (in fact that’s probably a bad idea since that can lead to enabling); I’d much rather be told directly how things are. Maybe this is a personal preference. Also some of the points are visited multiple times, making the book on whole a little repetitive. However, a good thing is that this reads easily and quickly (my edition was exactly 200 pages); so it should be accessible to most readers.

I rated this book 4 stars! Definitely worth the read since it does give insight from both the bipolar and professional perspectives, which most books on the disorder probably don’t do. The author knows what he’s talking about; he has both the personal experiences and the proper education on therapy and psychology. I didn’t agree with everything he said, most of what is covered should be at least helpful if you or someone you care about lives with bipolar.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about how the author was diagnosed with bipolar at fifteen, and how after being hospitalized five times was finally successful in a proper diagnosis and treatment. Mr Levine also had a great desire to not only open up about his personal struggles with his illness, but got his degree so he could help others.
On a personal note I am also bipolar and I tried all the same drugs that he discusses in his book, but I was unsuccessful with those drugs.

My wife and I did some research with a book by Abram Hoffer called Niacin The Real Story and determined from that Niacin is very helpful in the treatment of not only the issues with bipolar but other illnesses as well. Niacin may not work in all cases, but in my opinion It is worth checking out.

[Shelby Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the methods works! I recommend taking notes with this book and really taking his advices. Especially with the clean eating, routine, sleep, and working out ideas. As for as for me personally latuda and cipralex combo with a sleeping aid and anti anxiety aid helps. Along with clean eating, daily exercise and structure things are going great just like this book says. Very good inspiration too, honest tips and insight into what bipolar really is. I recommend this for all BD sufferers and supporters. Easy read too.

[Veronyka Quarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who knows a lot about this disorder I must say that I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me insight into this illness so that I can understand it better. It's motivational and gives hope to people who suffer from bi-polar disorder. Hope that one day everything will be better. Even if it is a constant battle.

[Chaitanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone living with this disorder, I found the strategies that are suggested to be very basic, and not all that helpful.

The same information can probably be gleaned from a few hours of online information.

The author’s story brings an emotional touch since it’s relatable to anyone whose life has been touched by bipolar disorder, but that’s the main takeaway.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful explanations in effects of bipolar and differences.

Positive approach and belief that individuals w/BP can make choices to direct their lives.

Practical steps listed in several chapters and personal stories from his own life or clients showing the struggle is real and worth it.

[Jennifer Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strategies for Living

Quick book on the strategies one can and should employ to manage the chronic, mental health condition that is bipolar disorder.

[Dawn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed his personal story. Think it's awesome that he went to school to help others.

[Janel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's kind of repetitive and biased based on his experience. But overall an okay read.