Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

New Harbinger Guides for the Newly Diagnosed

by Janelle M. Caponigro, Erica H. Lee, Sheri L. Johnson

Bipolar disorder is not only one of the most difficult mental health issues to treat, but also one of the most stigmatized and misunderstood. For these reasons, a diagnosis of bipolar is a major turning point in a person’s life. Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed helps readers process their diagnosis, decide who to tell, and discover the treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage their symptoms. This book offers hope and support for the newly diagnosed without overwhelming them with extraneous information. The book covers workplace issues, how to become aware of bipolar triggers, how to find support, working with the treatment team, and dealing with the fear and stigma surrounding the diagnosis. Anyone who has been diagnosed with bipolar will appreciate having this easy-to-use reference at hand to help them understand more about the condition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Self Help

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kristen (kristenthebibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm beginning my quest through bipolar fiction + non fiction in an attempt to further educate myself (about myself ).
this is great beginners guide to bipolar disorder, and I recommend family members of anyone diagnosed with bd to read this informative book. myself, I skimmed some portions that I was overly familiar with, but still found little gems of new information.

[Justyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are unfamiliar with Bipolar Disorder, this is a great introduction to demystify it. This brief volume covers the nature of Bipolar Disorder, diagnosis, medication, psychosocial treatments, how to notice warning signs, how to strategize when facing warning signs, and how to communicate with others about Bipolar Disorder. I enjoyed the accessible language and layout which gives you the basics for understanding enough about the disorder to feel informed about your treatment options and some basic coping. However it's only a starting point and for those with bipolar, I'd hope this book would motivate them to seek treatment. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder is a collaborative effort you are in control of, but involves working with your doctor, therapist, and other social supports like family and friends. As the author writes, although Bipolar is a lifelong illness, people can continue to live satisfying and meaningful lives.

[Léa Taranto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, concise and informative book on bipolar for the newly diagnosed. Great for research and anyone who is close to someone with bipolar, covering how bipolar manifests in daily life as well as how it can affect relationships. It covers what bipolar is and it’s different types, symptoms, medication, treatments and strategies on how to effectively identify triggers that may cause a shift into either depression or mania. It’s encouraging, to the point and offers hope to someone who may know almost nothing about their disorder until they receive their diagnosis. I think my favourite part of this book is how it identifies that someone suffering with bipolar is not defined by their diagnosis, their diagnosis is simply a small part of their life story.

[ANNA ROBERTS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could totally relate to this book and made total sense

I liked the layout of the different sections.
I thought it was simple to take in but still very informative, some books just go on and o can’t take in. I learnt a lot and don’t seem to feel so bad about it all now. Great read thanks. Families should read it .

[Astrid Jakobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

A very simple but comprehensive layman's guide to Bipolar Disorder. It covers everything you need to know about the disorder and is a great starting point or great for just brushing up and reminding yourself about aspects of the disorder. As they mention in the book, being educated on Bipolar Disorder and psychoeducation in general is an important tool to maintaining wellness.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read full of information

Recently diagnosed Bipolar with Depression, this was an was read full of information broken down very specifically to help one understand. I learned a lot I didn't know about My diagnosis.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books on my condition. This has been a really good , concise and informative book. It has plenty of examples and background information about BiPolar , it’s probably great for newly diagnosed but good for someone like me a few years down the line.

[Agustin Brubeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro con muy buenas indicaciones sobre bipolaridad

Es un libro introductorio con muy buenas reseñas acerca de los síntomas, los tratamientos y las estrategias para enfrentar y ganar en la batalla por el control del estado del ánimo.

[Rachel Boe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very concise, easy to use information to help understand bipolar disorder.

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative especially for someone who’s learning about a loved one

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book (I'm not the one who is bipolar). It is firmly rooted in Western medicine, so if you're looking for a New Age cure, this is not the book for you. What I liked was that you can read this book in an hour or two, and really understand how Western medicine is going to diagnose and treat you, in other words, what you can expect at the doctor's office if you go. I also gained an understanding of what it's like to have this disease and its typical symtoms (behaviors), what drugs are used to treat it (and their side effects), and what the prognosis is (good, I think).

I went to the library looking for "An Unquiet Mind" to reread. I found that book and other memoirs of bipolar authors. But as I skimmed them I decided that at this point I really didn't want to spend a lot of time with all their drama. I have enough drama in my own unique situation. In fact, this book is remarkably short of personal stories. That was fine with me. I really just wanted information, and if possible, a little re-assurance. This little book (146 small pages) was just the ticket.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent "starter" book. It's only about 150 pages so I was able to get a complete overview in one sitting. I think that makes it a little less overwhelming. My husband was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and a couple of the other books I've read are good but are a little too comprehensive to start with. This book is for those with the disorder but I think it still works for family and friends. It's not as emotional somehow. It's a little more straightforward although it does cover the emotions involved. Also love the templates that are included!

So I recommend reading this book first and then moving on to more comprehensive books. Perhaps give this to others as a way to introduce them to the idea?

[Trey Nowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressed with this book. As a QMHP, I enjoy reading about a diagnosis to help my clients better. I have read a lot on Bipolar and even have many friends suffering from this. I've read a lot of stuff not inclused in this book before, but that is more history where this is more a self-help book. I would encourage people suffering from Bipolar to read this, especially if you are unfamiliar with your disorder. There are better books for people just wanting to understand the history and what people go through, but they contain a lot more reading than this concise book. If you have a short attention span and want a book to get through rather quickly, I suggest this one to you.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a concise handbook not only for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but also essential reading for family and friends. Its balanced and factual approach makes difficult medical and psychosocial issues much easier to understand. It is up-to-date (published in 2012) and written by a well-qualified team of authors. I've read dozens of books on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but none have been as immediately useful to my family as this one. The pragmatic recommendations for preventing relapse and managing moods are especially insightful.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This handy little guide quickly cut through the mountains of intimidating two-inch thick, clinically written volumes that seemed to beat the subject to a pulp. Written in a layman's terms, Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for the Newly Diagnosed, completely demystifies a tricky topic. I never could have imaged that such a complex disorder would be so easy to understand. For anyone dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting a suffering loved one, or just wanting to learn more, make this book your first pick from the shelf.

[Joshua Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent introduction to Bipolar Disorder, but it's not very helpful in offering practical advice.