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Fighting Goliath: Slaying The Giant of Bipolar Disorder
Fighting Goliath is a raw and powerful true story that pulls back the curtain on life with bipolar 1 disorder-an often misunderstood illness. Through gut-wrenching and deeply personal experiences, this book offers an unfiltered glimpse into the relentless challenges of navigating a severe, chronic condition with no cure.
But this is more than just a memoir. Fighting Goliath is a beacon of hope, offering practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for anyone touched by mental illness-whether you're living with it yourself, supporting a loved one, working in the mental health field, or part of a faith community seeking to understand.
With honesty and heart, the author sheds light on the power of stigma, the impact of language, and the life-changing strength of finding a supportive community. This book reveals why addressing bipolar disorder requires both medical and spiritual perspectives-working together to shift from helplessness to hope.
Do you believe victory is possible in the midst of mental illness? Do you believe your giant can fall?
Brace yourself for a journey through the highest highs and lowest lows-one that ultimately leads to a victory only the Provider can give. Your giant may be big, but it is not bigger than God.
But this is more than just a memoir. Fighting Goliath is a beacon of hope, offering practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for anyone touched by mental illness-whether you're living with it yourself, supporting a loved one, working in the mental health field, or part of a faith community seeking to understand.
With honesty and heart, the author sheds light on the power of stigma, the impact of language, and the life-changing strength of finding a supportive community. This book reveals why addressing bipolar disorder requires both medical and spiritual perspectives-working together to shift from helplessness to hope.
Do you believe victory is possible in the midst of mental illness? Do you believe your giant can fall?
Brace yourself for a journey through the highest highs and lowest lows-one that ultimately leads to a victory only the Provider can give. Your giant may be big, but it is not bigger than God.
210 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 22, 2025
In Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder, the author intricately weaves the story of her faith-filled battle against the giant of bipolar disorder with sound scientific research and medical advice. In doing so, she offers compassion, encouragement, and wisdom to those who are facing the same battle, as well as for their loved ones who support them. Within the book’s pages, lies both pain and promise, as the author, with raw honesty, shares how her faith in God sustained her in her darkest valleys. Fighting Goliath offers spiritual hope and practical tools for those who are battling bipolar disorder.
July 10, 2025
A good read for those who have struggled with Bipolar Disorder and for those who care for those dealing with mental illness. This book shares a personal take with lived experience to teach and educate in effort to diminish stigma surrounding Bipolar Disorder. This book offers a Christ centered approach to finding peace, hope for a bright future, and healing.
July 19, 2025
Raw. Honest. Redemptive.
In Fighting Goliath, Jesslyn opens the door to her deeply personal battle with bipolar disorder—and invites us into a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. With courage and candor, she lays her life bare—not to glorify struggle, but to magnify the God who meets us in it.
One of the quotes that stayed with me is, “God may be silent, but He is never still.” That line alone brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that even when we can’t feel Him, God is working in ways we can’t yet see.
This book is a lifeline—not just for those living with bipolar disorder, but for the loved ones trying to understand. Jesslyn’s vulnerability gives language to the chaos, her insight brings clarity, and her faith anchors every page in truth. She reminds us that we are not defined by our illness, but by the love of a God who never lets go.
Whether you’re searching for understanding, healing, or the reminder that you’re not alone—Fighting Goliath is for you.
In Fighting Goliath, Jesslyn opens the door to her deeply personal battle with bipolar disorder—and invites us into a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. With courage and candor, she lays her life bare—not to glorify struggle, but to magnify the God who meets us in it.
One of the quotes that stayed with me is, “God may be silent, but He is never still.” That line alone brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that even when we can’t feel Him, God is working in ways we can’t yet see.
This book is a lifeline—not just for those living with bipolar disorder, but for the loved ones trying to understand. Jesslyn’s vulnerability gives language to the chaos, her insight brings clarity, and her faith anchors every page in truth. She reminds us that we are not defined by our illness, but by the love of a God who never lets go.
Whether you’re searching for understanding, healing, or the reminder that you’re not alone—Fighting Goliath is for you.
July 23, 2025
Jesslyn’s story should be a movie! She doesn’t hold back the worst parts of her war, marred by multiple battles. More people need to know the struggles that a bipolar episode looks like. The worst of the worst is in this book. And the best of the best is in there too! It’s truly a death to life picture of her mental health journey. I had to pick up and put down this book a few times before I could continue to the end. Her story isn’t for the faint of heart. In the end there is joy. The joy of the Lord is her strength.
July 19, 2025
Fighting Goliath is a raw and honest journey through the daily struggles of living with bipolar disorder. With courage and authenticity, Jessyln leads the way to freedom and truth, having walked this path herself. This book unlocks the secrets and shame of those with mental illness and brings healing and hope to those tender places. At the same time, it fosters deeper compassion and understanding for those who do not personally experience mental illness, equipping them to support and love more fully. When you read the last word, you will be reminded that God is working, always working, to bring beauty out of our broken stories.
July 12, 2025
If you or someone you care about experiences Bipolar Disorder, this is a great read. It helps the reader to understand what the person may be experiencing and what responses are helpful. It is intended for Christian readers, but is certainly helpful to all.
August 11, 2025
Raw, Real, and Uplifting - A Must-Read for Anyone Facing Giants
As a trauma survivor and chronic pain warrior, I found Fighting Goliath by Jesslyn R. McCutcheon to be deeply personal, relatable, and profoundly healing. This book is not just a story - it’s a companion for anyone who has faced giants in their life, whether those giants are physical, emotional, or spiritual.
What truly stood out to me was Jesslyn’s powerful integration of psychology, mental health facts, and faith. Her approach doesn’t shy away from the clinical realities of bipolar disorder, yet she offers hope through the lens of spiritual resilience. It’s a rare and much-needed balance. By combining medical understanding with biblical encouragement, she shows how it’s possible to move from a place of helplessness to one of hope and strength.
I also appreciated the creative elements in the book - especially the poetry. Jesslyn's poems added a raw, expressive layer that made the reading experience even more moving. And the inclusion of her mother’s journal entry was incredibly impactful. It gave voice to the silent supporters - the caregivers, family, and loved ones - offering a perspective that is too often overlooked in conversations about mental health.
I believe this book can help many who live with bipolar disorder, as well as those navigating other mental health challenges. It speaks truth with compassion and encourages readers to confront their struggles without shame. Jesslyn reminds us that healing isn’t a straight path, but with faith and proper support - both medical and spiritual - we are never alone in the fight.
I wholeheartedly recommend Fighting Goliath not only to those who live with mental health issues, but also to anyone who supports them. This book is a much-needed bridge between worlds - science and faith, pain and healing, despair and hope.
As a trauma survivor and chronic pain warrior, I found Fighting Goliath by Jesslyn R. McCutcheon to be deeply personal, relatable, and profoundly healing. This book is not just a story - it’s a companion for anyone who has faced giants in their life, whether those giants are physical, emotional, or spiritual.
What truly stood out to me was Jesslyn’s powerful integration of psychology, mental health facts, and faith. Her approach doesn’t shy away from the clinical realities of bipolar disorder, yet she offers hope through the lens of spiritual resilience. It’s a rare and much-needed balance. By combining medical understanding with biblical encouragement, she shows how it’s possible to move from a place of helplessness to one of hope and strength.
I also appreciated the creative elements in the book - especially the poetry. Jesslyn's poems added a raw, expressive layer that made the reading experience even more moving. And the inclusion of her mother’s journal entry was incredibly impactful. It gave voice to the silent supporters - the caregivers, family, and loved ones - offering a perspective that is too often overlooked in conversations about mental health.
I believe this book can help many who live with bipolar disorder, as well as those navigating other mental health challenges. It speaks truth with compassion and encourages readers to confront their struggles without shame. Jesslyn reminds us that healing isn’t a straight path, but with faith and proper support - both medical and spiritual - we are never alone in the fight.
I wholeheartedly recommend Fighting Goliath not only to those who live with mental health issues, but also to anyone who supports them. This book is a much-needed bridge between worlds - science and faith, pain and healing, despair and hope.
July 23, 2025
Brave. Bold. Comforting. Honest. Valiant. Those are the five words I would use to describe not only this author but her storytelling skills in this nonfiction book that gives the readers a personal view through the window of her life story.
Jesslyn, the author, has a remarkable way of sharing her heart in an open and honest way that is so inspiring. She's brave to talk about how having a mental health diagnosis (Bipolar in her case) affected every aspect of her life. She's bold in showing the reader that when you believe in God, He will help you slay your giants and be victorious! Jesslyn's story is one of a woman who has repeatedly been steeped in a dark pit of despair and with God's help, emerged out of that darkness into light on a daily basis.
Jesslyn was not shy in sharing her heart and mentioning the deepest pain, struggles, highs and lows as she endures the daily battle of being Bipolar. As a woman of faith in God, Jesslyn shows the world through this book that every battle can be overcome when you let God help slay your giants. She also shows us how Jesus Christ (God's Son) is always by our side and is with us in our darkest moments, giving us comfort. She shows us how Christ never leaves our side and sends the right resources and people to help us survive.
If I were to summarize this book with a one-sentence long quote, I'd mention this one said by Brene Brown: “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else's survival guide.”
Jesslyn, the author, has a remarkable way of sharing her heart in an open and honest way that is so inspiring. She's brave to talk about how having a mental health diagnosis (Bipolar in her case) affected every aspect of her life. She's bold in showing the reader that when you believe in God, He will help you slay your giants and be victorious! Jesslyn's story is one of a woman who has repeatedly been steeped in a dark pit of despair and with God's help, emerged out of that darkness into light on a daily basis.
Jesslyn was not shy in sharing her heart and mentioning the deepest pain, struggles, highs and lows as she endures the daily battle of being Bipolar. As a woman of faith in God, Jesslyn shows the world through this book that every battle can be overcome when you let God help slay your giants. She also shows us how Jesus Christ (God's Son) is always by our side and is with us in our darkest moments, giving us comfort. She shows us how Christ never leaves our side and sends the right resources and people to help us survive.
If I were to summarize this book with a one-sentence long quote, I'd mention this one said by Brene Brown: “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else's survival guide.”
August 8, 2025
Author @JesslynMcCutcheon is brave, beautiful, and bold in her storytelling. Her words offer readers a profound glimpse into her heart as she battled the intense lows of bipolar disorder. This is not a research-based narrative—though she includes key scientific insights—nor is Fighting Goliath your typical self-help book. It’s McCutcheon’s richly detailed account of living, surviving, and ultimately thriving despite bipolar disorder. Every page of her book is packed with grit, courage, and an imperfect faith that simply refused to quit.
Reading her vulnerable accounts of defeat and hopeless are heart-wrenching. McCutcheon takes readers into the heart of her battle with honest accounts of what goes through the mind of someone fighting this disease. Her Goliath nearly won, but her trust and belief in a living, healing God is what helped her claim the victory.
The stories of her journey are raw, McCutcheon’s journal entries drip with honesty, and her poetic lyrics are eloquently vivid. She tackles the social stigmas, labeling, discrimination, misinformation, and fears that those who live with such a disorder experience. But, she bravely clawed her way to recovery.
One of my favorite excerpts is, “When I am without God, I shake. When I am with God, nothing can shake me.”
Friends, if you’re looking for a read that will challenge you, move you, and leave you brimming with hope, this is it. Fighting Goliath is more than a book—it’s an invitation to believe in a big God who makes all things possible, including recovery!
Reading her vulnerable accounts of defeat and hopeless are heart-wrenching. McCutcheon takes readers into the heart of her battle with honest accounts of what goes through the mind of someone fighting this disease. Her Goliath nearly won, but her trust and belief in a living, healing God is what helped her claim the victory.
The stories of her journey are raw, McCutcheon’s journal entries drip with honesty, and her poetic lyrics are eloquently vivid. She tackles the social stigmas, labeling, discrimination, misinformation, and fears that those who live with such a disorder experience. But, she bravely clawed her way to recovery.
One of my favorite excerpts is, “When I am without God, I shake. When I am with God, nothing can shake me.”
Friends, if you’re looking for a read that will challenge you, move you, and leave you brimming with hope, this is it. Fighting Goliath is more than a book—it’s an invitation to believe in a big God who makes all things possible, including recovery!
July 18, 2025
In her debut book, Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder, author Jesslyn McCutcheon candidly shares her lived experience with Bipolar 1 disorder. Despite episodes of mania and depression, Jesslyn has been able to pierce the darkness with her strong faith in Jesus, a healthy support system, and consistent self-care. Woven throughout the book are powerful lyrics she wrote during times of intense struggle—a testimony of the Lord’s constant presence.
What kind of love is this
To come every time
With open arms for me
To bind these wounds of mine
What kind of love is this
One would lay down His own life
What kind of love is this
What kind of love is this
So much more than a memoir, Fighting Goliath is also a valuable educational tool that helps break the stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to see mental illness through the lens of grace, truth, and resilience.
What kind of love is this
To come every time
With open arms for me
To bind these wounds of mine
What kind of love is this
One would lay down His own life
What kind of love is this
What kind of love is this
So much more than a memoir, Fighting Goliath is also a valuable educational tool that helps break the stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to see mental illness through the lens of grace, truth, and resilience.
July 9, 2025
Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder” is a powerful and honest book. Jessyln shares her real-life battle with Bipolar I Disorder in a way that is raw, emotional, and full of hope. As you read, you feel like you’re walking right beside her—through the highs, the lows, and the long road to healing.
This book shines a much-needed light on mental illness, helping readers understand what it’s really like to live with bipolar disorder. What stands out most is Jessyln’s deep faith in Jesus. Even when things were dark, she knew God hadn’t left her. Her story shows how faith carried her through some of the hardest times in her life.
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health—or if you just want to be inspired by someone who didn’t give up—I highly recommend this book. It’s honest, hopeful, and full of heart.
This book shines a much-needed light on mental illness, helping readers understand what it’s really like to live with bipolar disorder. What stands out most is Jessyln’s deep faith in Jesus. Even when things were dark, she knew God hadn’t left her. Her story shows how faith carried her through some of the hardest times in her life.
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health—or if you just want to be inspired by someone who didn’t give up—I highly recommend this book. It’s honest, hopeful, and full of heart.
December 7, 2025
This book caught my attention head on and made a positive impact on my life.
Jesslyn tells her personal story with such transparency that I marveled at the courage and purpose required to even put the words on paper. I read the book 2-3 pages per day because I wanted to fully absorb every word of her journey and the scripture that empowered her to fight the fight. Every morning, I opened the book with anticipation of mind opening truth that taught and encouraged me as, in God's perfect timing, I was traveling through a personal valley of my own.
No, I am not challenged with bipolar disorder and perhaps you are not as well. But Jesslyn's story will either help you through or prepare you for the inevitable valleys ahead. It did such for me and Jesslyn's book now resides safely away among my precious belongings. When I need it again, I'll know where it is.
Jesslyn tells her personal story with such transparency that I marveled at the courage and purpose required to even put the words on paper. I read the book 2-3 pages per day because I wanted to fully absorb every word of her journey and the scripture that empowered her to fight the fight. Every morning, I opened the book with anticipation of mind opening truth that taught and encouraged me as, in God's perfect timing, I was traveling through a personal valley of my own.
No, I am not challenged with bipolar disorder and perhaps you are not as well. But Jesslyn's story will either help you through or prepare you for the inevitable valleys ahead. It did such for me and Jesslyn's book now resides safely away among my precious belongings. When I need it again, I'll know where it is.
July 23, 2025
A Powerful Testament of Faith and Mental Health Awareness
As a woman battling anxiety and depression, I found "Fighting Goliath" by Jesslyn McCutcheon to be an incredible resource. This book taught me so much about understanding the importance of mental health and gave me valuable insight into what people with bipolar disorder experience daily.
What I loved most was how McCutcheon seamlessly brought faith in God as the soul component to give us hope and courage during our darkest moments.
Her book stands as an incredible testimony of perseverance, strength, and courage that will resonate with anyone facing mental health challenges.
This is more than just a book—it's a beacon of hope for those who need to know they're not alone in their struggles.
As a woman battling anxiety and depression, I found "Fighting Goliath" by Jesslyn McCutcheon to be an incredible resource. This book taught me so much about understanding the importance of mental health and gave me valuable insight into what people with bipolar disorder experience daily.
What I loved most was how McCutcheon seamlessly brought faith in God as the soul component to give us hope and courage during our darkest moments.
Her book stands as an incredible testimony of perseverance, strength, and courage that will resonate with anyone facing mental health challenges.
This is more than just a book—it's a beacon of hope for those who need to know they're not alone in their struggles.
July 11, 2025
God puts us where we are meant to be, and like myself if you are with a person dealing with a mental illness then this is more than a book for you.Jesslyn has pulled back the curtains and weaves her brutally honest testimony that will tell the story of someone who was dragged to rock bottom by an unforgiving illness and brought back up through prayer, fight, support, and a Saviour who doesn't let go of you. Wether you're fighting your Goliath or in the corner or someone who is. Jesslyn has opened up while challenging us all to do the same and break the stigma, stand up and fight!
July 11, 2025
This book is passionate, informative, vulnerable, and so needed! The author shares true life examples of living with bipolar disorder written with honesty in captivating prose. The reader is immediately drawn in by her heart and her candor. Bringing her faith into the forefront of her battle changes everything as the author reminds us that God fights for us! The subject is a much needed topic of discussion and the author’s delivery is both relatable and authentic! I highly recommend this book!
July 10, 2025
This book is a beautiful portrayal of the resurrection from the pit of despair to the arms of Christ.
No battle is too big for our Lord. With truth and grace Jesslyn has shared through her book that even
the mind, all though it can be a battlefield is still controlled by our creator. It is a fast read because
you will not be able to put the book down once you start. Grab a snack and a box of tissue and enjoy
every word of inspiring scripture and a life lived by the author.
No battle is too big for our Lord. With truth and grace Jesslyn has shared through her book that even
the mind, all though it can be a battlefield is still controlled by our creator. It is a fast read because
you will not be able to put the book down once you start. Grab a snack and a box of tissue and enjoy
every word of inspiring scripture and a life lived by the author.
September 5, 2025
What a beautiful, personal picture into the mind of a Christian struggling with Bipolar disorder. Her struggles were depicted in such a raw and real manner. It breaks my heart to thing this young women and her family had to deal with such heartache. BUT, GOD.....can create good out of the evil of mental illness.....and show us all that HE is victorious !! Praying that the author will write many more books to come....I will be waiting!! Carolyn Preston
January 1, 2026
This is a fantastic and courageous account by Jesslyn McCutcheon which dives deep into the spectre of depression that accompanies bipolar disorder and provides an excellent perspective as a person of faith. Strongly recommended for anyone touched by bipolar and would extend that to those experiencing depression, PTSD, anxiety or mental illness in general. The same goes for loved ones seeking a better understanding. I’m glad I read this and thank you Jesslyn for writing it!
July 10, 2025
This book puts a mirror in the face of Bipolar Disorder and shows you its true reflection. If there was a true biography written by the disease itself, it would be this book. Although it’s a tough lifelong battle that is fought daily - this book offers a true raw experience of what it’s like to take a walk in the shoes of mental health. It’s no walk - but a climb, with super high altitudes to the lowest of lowes. Most importantly, this book shows how God will never leave you in the trenches. His grace, truth, and healing power can bring you through the deepest darkest valleys…”BUT GOD”
July 8, 2025
Fighting Goliath is a powerful and faith-filled testimony for anyone supporting a loved one through mental illness. With honesty and spiritual depth, Jesslyn shares her journey of surrender and resilience. This book offers hope, practical tools, and the reminder that no battle is too big when fought with God’s strength.
October 14, 2025
This book is a must-read for anyone living with mental illness or caring for someone who is. Jesslyn McCutcheon vulnerably shares her personal journey with bipolar disorder, pulling back the curtain on what this illness truly feels and looks like. Through her powerful story, scientific insights, and Biblical truth, she offers hope, help, and a path to healing. I highly recommend this book!
July 13, 2025
This is an exceptional book that offers insight and encouragement for anyone who has suffered with mental illness or has a friend or family member that has suffered
with it. I am very thankful to Jesslyn for her many hours of hard work and her genuine heartfelt desire to spread the message of hope to others through this amazing book.
with it. I am very thankful to Jesslyn for her many hours of hard work and her genuine heartfelt desire to spread the message of hope to others through this amazing book.
December 11, 2025
Jesslyn's book is a powerful testament to the power of God and the strength of a young woman who believes in Him. Faith is the underlying theme to this amazingly composed synopsis of Jesslyn's journey. We can all learn from her and make a difference, just as she has with her book and her ministry. I recommend this book to all who are seeking answers, seeking help and/or seeking education regarding the bipolar disorder. Indeed, Jesslyn has slayed Goliath...with God by her side!
July 12, 2025
great book! very inspiring, will be a great help to anyone who lives with bipolar disorder!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews