Closing the Chasm: Letters from a Bipolar Physician to His Son

by Benjamin Diven

What would it be like to be a physician with a major mental illness? You would have all the challenges of medical practice complicated by moods that swung from high to low and back again. What if you were also struggling to be a husband and a father? In this engaging and at times intimate look into life with bipolar disorder Dr. Diven offers insights into symptoms and problems living with this mental illness. There are discussions of family life and near suicide, medications and therapy, and complications and successes. Sometimes comical and often serious vignettes of common experiences with other bipolar patients are explored or explained. Written in the form of letters to his eldest child the story is warmly personal while adding a professional's insight. Excellent reading for anyone interested in a fascinating biography this book also serves as an open look into manic-depressive illness for persons with similar struggles or the loved ones of a mentally ill person.

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2009

About the author

Benjamin Diven, M.D. is a practicing physician at New Mexico State University and wrote the book after achieving a high level of stability thanks to the benefits of modern psychiatry and psychology. He is married with three adult children.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful for the insight this book gave me.

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it was not well written and could have used some better editing, this book was helpful and insightful with some first hand knowledge from the inside perspective.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific memoir of letters from a father to his adult son on his Bipolar Disorder. He has had an amazing journey and has been able to look back on it with great clarity and understanding of his disorder. I happen to know the author and I can vouch for his sincerity, love for Christ and humility. To be able to share the intimate details of his journey is no small thing. I know he will help countless individuals. This is a must read for all those in the field of Psychology & counseling. I think it can also benefit those who have loved ones with a mental illness, especially bipolar and possibly those who have this disorder.