Mad Like Me: Travels in Bipolar Country

by Merryl Hammond

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live with bipolar disorder? Ever agonized about whether your own or a loved one's mood swings are normal or not? This is the book for you! "Mad Like Me: Travels in Bipolar Country" takes you on a wild, no-holds-barred gallop through one health professional's battles with bipolar disorder. In 2008, Hammond was struck with bipolar disorder at age 51. Just imagine: almost overnight, she flipped from being a researcher and public health consultant to a locked-ward patient. She shares everything she learned along the way about how to reclaim your own mental health and maintain stability, and does so in an accessible, readable, often humorous way.

Her fearless honesty in vividly retelling events helps to demystify this much-misunderstood mental illness, and to humanize the people it affects. The book is proof that hope and recovery are possible, and a poignant salute to her family who stood by her through the pain and triumph of their shared saga. This is an essential resourcefor patients working towards recovery, for families who need insight into what it is truly like to have bipolar disorder, and for therapists, nurses, and psychiatrists. Readers and reviewers have raved: mesmerizing, captivating, riveting, compelling, elucidating, enlightening, inspiring, remarkable, deeply personal, stunningly sincere, a must-read, beautifully written, powerfully honest, a bullseye. For videos, photos and media links about the author, her family and the book, please visit www.merrylhammond.com.

If you enjoyed Kay Jamison's classic 1996 memoir, "An Unquiet Mind" or Marya Hornbacher's 2009 triumph, "Madness: A Bipolar Life," you're going to devour this latest bipolar memoir! Hammond says her mission is now to fight the stigma against all forms of mental illness, in all age groups. She hopes that you'll join that undertaking once you've read her book.

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Health, Psychology, Mental Illness, Memoir

294 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2018

Reviews

[Tammy Jata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info and insights into Bipolar

This story was well written, without the medical jargon that often bogs down stories like this. Hammond very graphically describes her ascent into hell and back. The victims of a mental disorder are not just the patient. The family also suffers. This is clearly brought out in this book. Hammond shares the impact and toll her illness took on her family. The book reads easily and keeps the reader involved. We somehow end up feeling as if we have a direct hand in keeping her safe during her episodes. The authors main purpose for telling her story is to spread the word that mental illness can happen to anyone and if it happens to you, it doesn't make you any less of a person - a good book and well worth your time.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me feel sane; the book helped me identify particular triggers and grow to manage my bipolar.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very interested in reading this book because I have a niece with bipolar disorder as well as a close friend whose son is bipolar. I won this book from Goodreads Firstreads. This memoir is one woman's experience after being diagnosed with bipolar disease in midlife. I think that I would have gotten more out of the book if the chapters had alternated between her experience as she saw it and that of family/friends and possibly a medical perspective as well. I think that the most interesting part of the book were the appendices. Appendix 1 was definitions, 2 was a daily self-care chart and journal and 3 was self- care for stability. There is also a references and resources section which I will definitely be going through. Apparently the author has also recently compiled an anthology of other people's stories of their bipolar journeys. As everyone's experience with bipolar disease is different as I can definitely see just from the two people that I know that are going through it, I am absolutely going to seek out this book.

[Jumanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

سيرة ذاتية للمصابة بثنائي القطب، ميرل هامود، أصيبت بالإضطراب عام ٢٠٠٨ دون أدنى علم عن المرض. ثنائي القطب عبارة عن قطبين شديدة التضاد: قطب الاكتئاب و قطب الهوس تصيب المريض بشكل متوالي خلال السنة، الشهور، الأسابيع، أو اليوم على حسب شدة المرض.

يومياتها واقعية وصريحة دون اي تلميع، المرض مثل أي مرض مزمن إما أن تتمكن منه أو يتمكن منك ولكنه لن يذهب عنك بتجاهل والإنكار وبحاجة دائمة للعناية. ميرل هامود أتمكنت من التعايش مع المرض بعد عدة شهور من التنويم في المستشفيات النفسية والخلافات العائلية والتسامح مع الأدوية والإلتزام بها بعد تقبلها للمرض و وصولها إلى الجرعة المناسبة من الأدوية لحالتها وهذا بحد ذاته بحاجة إلى الكثير من الجهود ومتعب جدًا.

هذه السير ملهمة للأمانة بالذات ان الأمراض النفسية صعبة جدًا وتحيطها التكتم مما يوحي المصاب بالوحدة في معاناته، إضافةً إلى شعورهم بالعجز عن ممارسة حياة طبيعية ولكن نماذج مثل ميرل وغيرها ممن تمكنوا من المرض مصدر إلهام دائم أتمنى ترجمتها إلى اللغة العربية .. مجتمعاتنا العربية في أمس الحاجة إلى التوعية الواقعية.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down once I started. I found the author's insight into her own condition quite fascinating. Reading all about the unfolding of all the steps she passed through to finally reaching acceptance and understanding how to live her life as someone with bipolar condition helped me to understand what others may be going through. The book helped me to understand how one feels during the different phases of the condition and how we can support them. Merryl Hammond and her family have been through a heroic experience and I'm so pleased that she is able to share her knowledge and experience in a very concise and practical fashion. This book is a must for all those who suffer from Bipolarism, those who work with others with the same diagnosis and those who have family members going through diagnosis, denial, acceptance and lifestyle changes. Bravo! Excellent book.

[Amber]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I am a mental health counselor and found this book really helpful in better understand the workings of Bipolar Disorder. This book follows the trials and journey of Merryl after she started having mental health challenges that ended up being diagnosed as Bipolar disorder. Merryl's courage in sharing her story will be an encouragement to many who also deal with similar challenges and also will be enlightening to many who are trying to understand what it is like to work through the challenges that come with this disorder. While the journey is different for everyone who experiences mental health issues, it can be helpful and inspiring to hear the story of others and how they were able to find hope-- This story is one that is worth hearing and sharing. It is well written and easy to follow.

[Vicki Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Account of Illness and Healing with Bipolar

Meryl Hammond has given us a bold and brave gift. Her story from illness and diagnosis with bipolar to management and healing is a work of generosity, humor, sadness, and acceptance. The writing is engaging, the story powerful, and the desire to help others with a similar illness is relatable and heartfelt. I wish I’d read her book with its many detailed descriptions of the journey she was on when my sister struggled for most of her life with the same illness. The episodes and challenges are familiar and palpable, the effects on loved ones are rendered with honesty. I recommend this book to anyone remotely close to someone on the same journey. And to anyone at any stage of a bipolar or mental health journey. Hammond overflows with nuggets of wisdom as she shares her journey. It’s a must read.

[Roan Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

You hear of many more people suffering from this terrible illness. I have friends who suffer from its affliction but had no idea how terrible it is! What Merryl Hammond does is enlighten us to how disparate and desperate its victims are. A high that feels like you are Kryptonite who has been sent to earth, and a low that feels like you are E.T. desperate and longing for home. Although the stigma of mental illness is still very alive. It is this book, her work and efforts, as well as the efforts of many others that are helping to starve it of oxygen. Hopefully sooner than later, once and for all….

[John Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether one or a loved one had to deal with mental illness or not, this book is an eye opener and, as such, a must read. And it happens to be an easy and captivating book to read too - it combines factual and useful information about the bi-polar condition, humour, sad, at times heartbreaking, glimpses into the ramifications of mental illness on the patient (the author), her family, her self-esteem, her career, etc.
The author was very generous, sharing private and personal details about the challenges, failures, successes of her struggle. The book is also inspirational as it shows what resiliance and family support can overcome.

[Pj Mazenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word: Wow! What an incredible journey to read about, and what an incredible resource about bipolar disorder. A must-read for everyone: patients, healthcare workers, family members, friends, colleagues, employers. It was fascinating to get such an honest and raw inside look into the mind of a bipolar sufferer and to understand how they may be feeling during the manic and depressive episodes. The appendices are especially helpful: I learned many tips to pass along to my bipolar friend to help her stay stable.

[AL Urfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bipolar disorder tracked, tamed and reported by a skilled survivor!

‘Mad Like Me’ is the wonderful story of a loving family coping with bipolar disorder, for only loads of love could have kept the Hammond-Collins clan of 7 bonded through so much turmoil. Hammond openly shares their ups and downs, giving a clear understanding of how her disorder affected everyone around her. Colorfully detailed, it shows the importance of caring family and friends while riding this roller coaster. A must read and easy reference guide to brain well-being.

[Lydia Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first time in two years since discovering I have been diagnosed as bipolar type two for 9 years, I have found a book that makes me feel seen. I have been struggling to understand my mental disorder and this book has put into words what I’ve been trying to say. The honesty this book gives provides me with hope and support. I am so thankful this book was written. Because for the first time in years, the puzzle pieces are fitting together. I’m understanding who I am and how to continue life with this disorder

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tough read, but so important. I can't help feeling thankful it wasn't me, but the whole point is that mental disorders affect anyone. This is an important reminder that humans deserve to be treated kindly, even if they are "going crazy" or acting strange. It was also incredibly fascinating to follow along with Merryl's notes from both the depression and (hypo)mania sides of bipolar.

Definitely worth it; it is a valuable read, whether or not you know of anybody dealing with bipolar disorder.

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into the world of bipolar and mental health challenges. Although an avid reader, I found this book challenging to read - entirely constructed of personal anecdotes that dragged on a bit. Would have loved to hear more thoughts from author as someone who has been a nurse, in addition to ins and outs of every day. Really personal and so very vulnerable which I appreciated which is why I hesitate to say it took me so long to get through this. Definitely helpful to love on people in your life with mental health difficulties though, and for that I am grateful.

[Kunal Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had every mental illness in the book. Starting from Schizophrenia to BPD to IBS to somatoform disorders. But I’ve never had Bipolar.

I’ve always wondered what it’s like to wildly fluctuate between good and bad moods. This account provides a solid introduction to the subject. I hope the author is in a better place today. Bipolar seems like hell. There’s no other way to describe it.

Raw, honest, relatable, unputdownable. 5 star work.

[stephen toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncensored look at Bipolar

I related to most of the things in this book. I was diagnosed at age 45 but can look back over my life and know I suffered for most of my adult life. I am on several medications and often feel “boring “ now. The alternative is so much worse. I am going to try eating healthy, bedtimes, and exercise. Hopefully that will help with the severe depression I go through. Thank you for sharing your story

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tough one to rate because it is someone's actual experience and far be it from me to tell someone what their experience should be. Though the writing lacks in some sections, and there were references and descriptions that were triggering for me, I found this to be an intimate and honest history of Hammond's experience with bipolar disorder. She holds nothing back and it was a reminder of why compassion is the most important thing in this world.

[Megan Goodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not alone, not crazy

Dr. Hammond thank you for writing this book. Thank you for baring your soul so that those of us that also suffer don't feel so alone and crazy. I've lived with bipolar my whole life but only recently have I come to recognize the symptoms and take action. Your book helped me talk to my Dr. and for the first time in many years I feel stable on meds. Thank you for sharing your voice and helping end the stigma that holds so many of us back.

[Miranda Reilly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This writing was unbelievably bad. I’ve been searching for a good memoir on bipolar since I’m working on one myself and have yet to find anything relatable. As someone who was diagnosed in my early 20s it is hard to relate to middle aged people who suddenly realize they have it even though they’ve been fine all their lives. The only part I connected to in the book was her love of her “ipoddy”. I’m the same with my AirPods

[Ula Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

Going into reading this book I had a basic understanding of bipolar disorder. After finishing it I have a much better understanding of the disorder. Merryl’s first hand account is really good and she illustrates her story well through photos. I would recommend it to anyone who who like a better understanding of this disorder.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an important insight into BiPolar Disorder from inside the illness, rather than as an outsider looking in.

This is an honest, raw and brutal look into life with a bipolar diagnosis. This could be helpful reading for anyone diagnosed with BPD, their carers and loved ones, and also those treating BPD patients.

[Susan Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brave and honest and so full of stories that help the reader understand how our brain processes information through the ups and downs of depression and mania. I hope this book flows into the hands of people who need to read this material.

[Gal Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insider’s account

As a therapist to the more seriously mentally ill, Ms Hammond’s telling helped me understand what my clients may experience but not be able to explain so eloquently.

This will help my treatments if them.

[Synnora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful representation of a disorder not talked about enough. The author is straight forward and is very easy to empathize with. I appreciate the detail given for readers who have bipolar and those who just want to understand it better.

[Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal victory

I praise the author on unwavering determination to be healthy and in control of her life. My daughter and my family will glean from this book courage and wisdom you showed that we need to steer away from the bipolar teritory. Thanks.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Very real and honest. This book would be helpful for anyone struggling to find their way through all the uncertainties of a new diagnosis of bipolar as well as family members.

[Anne Vrana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merryl Hammond has written a compelling account of the discovery of and journey with Bipolar Disorder. This book which is infused with humour yet filled with serious research permits the reader to enter into the incredible labyrinth of the human brain. This is a must read for anyone interested in the machinations of the bipolar mind.

[Geoffrey J Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

The best book on bipolar that I've read. She really takes one into the experience of what it's like to be bipolar.

[Kate Drapela Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! To hear about bipolar from the actual voice of someone going through it is amazing and so helpful for those who have to care with loved ones with bipolar.

[Sylvie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a reasonable overview of standard issues in bipolar diagnosis and treatment.