Mind Race: A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Bipolar Disorder

by Patrick E. Jamieson, Moira A. Rynn (Primary Contributor)

[SERIES COPY] New to the Adolscent Mental Health Initiative series are books written specifically for teens and adolescents. Each book addresses some of the major mental health issues facing young people depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Tey will be written for and by young people who have struggled with and conquered these illnesses themselves. Supplementing this first-person narrative with the scholarship and expertise of leading psychiatrists and psychologists, the authors will provide such essential information as how to go about getting a diagnosis, what the latest treatment options are, and how to cope with mental illness at home and at school. Using this unique combination of personal narrative and cutting-edge research, these books are designed to help teens adn young adults deal effectively with these illnesses and to empower them and their families to act immediately and wisely and getting the best
available treatment possible.

The life of a person with bipolar disorder can be tumultuous. Imagine living in a world divided into many one is fast-paced, frantic, energetic--you are at the top of your game and feeling invincible; another is so bleak and dark that even the simple task of going to the store requires Herculean effort. Now imagine a going about your daily routing when another manifestation, the mixed state, combines these symptoms simultaneously. This is just a glimpse into the world of a person with bipolar disorder
Many people diagnosed with this disorder are young people who often feel isolated, unsure of who to talk to, or where to turn for help or answers. Having been diagnosed with the disorder at age fifteen, Patrick Jamieson knows firsthand the highs and lows and bring his experiences to bear in Mind A Firsthand Account of One Teenager's Experience with Bipolar DisorderR, the first in the Annenberg Mental Health Initiative series written specifically for teenagers and young adults. Mind Race is a first-person account, aimed at teens who have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, informative in a compassionate, good-humored, yet authoritative manner. Jamieson discusses his own challenges and triumphs, and offers advice on dealing with developing symptoms such as how to recognize the beginning of a mood shift. In accessible language, he presents the latest in scientific research on the disorder, treatment options, and how to cope with side effects of different
medications. He includes a detailed F.A.Q. that answers the questions a newly diagnosed adolescent is likely to have, and also offers suggestions on how to communicate with friends and family about the bipolar experience.
With Mind Race , Jamieson offers hope to teens and young adults living with bipolar disorder, helping them to navigate and overcome their challenges so they can lead a full and rewarding life.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Illness, Mental Health

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of ignorance/misinformation/misunderstanding surrounding bipolar disorder, and it is a very serious, real disease which should not be taken lightly.

For those of us who are close to someone who has it, i.e., a family member, when that person decides they don't want to take their prescribed drugs anymore, doesn't want to see their doctors, go to therapy, take care of themselves in general, it makes for chaos and unbelievable turmoil and stress for the rest of the family.

And as this book and every other resource will tell you, sooner or later, almost every person with BPD WILL stop taking their meds.
You either HAVE BPD or you DON'T. It's not the same thing as depression (which can certainly be very serious).
Someone isn't a "little bit bipolar" (because "aren't we all?"). (NO.) I've heard people say this, and it makes me want to scream.

My only real issue with this book is that it's a little dated (and I can't blame that on the book; I chose to read it knowing it was published in 2006; my options were limited) and the author mostly talks about lithium and now that it's 2022, I don't know if that is the go-to drug anymore. I know Limictal is prescribed for it now, evidently more than it was in 2006.

If you or someone you know/love has BPD, I feel for you and understand it's rough and a challenge for all involved. I just hope that by writing this review I can help to raise a little more awareness about the seriousness of this disorder.

And to the author: I hope you are doing well!!
Recommended.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and easy-to-read book about bipolar disorder. Written for adolescents with the disorder, it provides a lot of resources and information as well as the personal story of the author. The final section includes Frequently Asked Questions that I thought were particularly helpful, and easy to refer back to. I wish that it had included more about famous and historical people with the condition, but I enjoyed the three he did reference and I hadn't heard about Ted Turner or Bob Boorstin before. I especially liked his discussion about language and choosing the words that feel right for you and allow you to express yourself as individual, not just a disease. A nicely written book. I recommend it to all ages interested in learning more about bipolar disorder, especially the newly diagnosed.

[E.a.pischke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this at my library during my first 'mixed-episode' of bipolar depression and it was extremely helpful. I'm not sure if it was before or after my diagnosis, but I remember being able to relate to so much of what the author had experienced and thinking "this is me! This is what's going on exactly! "
I am very thankful for such an honest and helpful account of Jamieson's personal struggle with bipolar depression.

[Raving Redcoat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this is a quite readable account of one teenager's grappling with bipolar disorder. The only real fault is that in the middle of the narrative, the author goes into a more clinical examination. Personally, I would have preferred for the author to tell the story of his own treatment, and then wait until the end to provide more clinical matters and reasources.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*
Very well written, engaging, and informative. I would love to see an updated edition with more relevant resources and treatment findings, but still holds up pretty well. Finding books like these at book sales is always the best!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book on bipolar disorder, as always, looking for insight into a relationship of the past to answer questions to better help me understand what it may have been like for him.

He'd obviously done his research. Kay Jamison who wrote the Unquiet Mind and many more on the same subject was quoted a lot. Many other reliable studies were mentioned. It told his feelings as he looked back. It reminds me how unfair life is sometimes and how some people have to struggle a large portion of their life. I feel very fortunate. It reminds me to "Walk Two Moons in Another Persons Mocassins" before judging someone.

[Karen Mayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hm. I have a better understanding of adolescent depression... I understand that everyone experiences depression differently. So it's unfair for any of us to compare that person's depression with other person's depression.

Brains are tricky, that's all I can say.

[Jennifer Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book gave a wonderful detail of bipolar disorder. I read it ages ago i will be more active with my book reading here. wish i could enterface bookshare.org here.
along with the library of congress bard app.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would absolutely recommend this book for teens who have been diagnosed or may have friends or family who have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

[Soyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and easy to read for non psych peeps

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredibly helpful Honest first hand account. great sources in the back. easy and quick to maneuver through the topics; outlined well.

[Kim Baccellia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for teens dealing with bipolar disorder. Easy to read, plus very insightful on one teen's experiences with this mental issue.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides some very good, concrete info for those who have bipolar and those who love them.