Facing Bipolar: The Young Adult's Guide to Dealing with Bipolar Disorder

by Russ Federman, J. Anderson Thomson, Richard Kadison (Foreword)

When you travel to a new city, it helps to have a map close at hand. On the first day of school, you need to have your schedule of classes. And if you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or suspect you may have it, then it's even more important to have a guidebook within reach. Facing Bipolar will help you navigate the world of medications, therapists, and the up-and-down mood cycles common to the disorder. It clearly explains what bipolar disorder is and provides sound guidance for developing the necessary coping skills to manage its impact on your life. In this book you'll

Genres: Mental Health, Nonfiction, Psychology

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I picked up this book at the library to get more information on a diagnosis I finally got told about a few years back. In an ironic twist that will likely sound like a phase of denial, this book pretty definitively cleared up that I was most likely misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, so props for that. (That'll definitely be a fun note when I start therapy this year, lmao.)

But for the actual book! Honestly, this is a pretty short book, but it puts a lot of information in only 160 pages. It's a really great overview for what the disorder is, coming to terms with bipolar disorder, and how to handle it. It's succinct, but builds on each point each chapter in a way that leads it to be pretty detailed anyways.

It does tend to overly emphasize the "everything has changed" angle, however, even devoting a section to pseudo-acceptance when discussing the initial reaction to the diagnosis. Don't get me wrong, I understand sincerely coming to terms with a diagnosis, but the way this book talked about it, you'd think it's impossible to really come to terms with it, unless you go through the entire grieving process along with a few self-destructive tendencies.

Despite that, it is a pretty solid guide on what bipolar disorder consists of and what to do after being diagnosed.

[Ivy]

Insightful but I feel like not exactly for me (diagnosed 10 years ago). Though i enjoyed the latter half with the tools they provide for keeping your moods in check. Don’t know how to rate self help stuff though so not doing that. Shoutout to my therapist who lent me this

[cloud pup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good info and suggestions. A bit preachy at times. 2.5 stars.

[Stevek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh Perspective

Easy to understand and practical perspective. Refreshing read. Must read for those supporting a young adult experiencing a mood disorder.

[Alisonmsmith07 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for someone experiencing bipolar or for loved ones and friends of someone who has been diagnosed.

[Kayla]

wtf was I doing truly to start this in October 2023 and just now finish LOL just bc I learned doesn’t mean I’ll listen…..

[Sian Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first two chapters to be straightforward and thankfully succinct, swiftly summarizing information and advice, but then I got to Chapter 3, "How Do You Accept All This?" and I had a very, very personal reaction. It seemed to me the authors were giving a pass to this idea of "normalcy" -- you think you're normal and then you get the diagnosis and you're not and now you feel shame for not being normal. I don't know anyone who deals with life through the faulty filter of a human brain really ever thinks they're "normal", especially not *before* a diagnosis. Heck, mental illness aside, are there really teenagers who go around thinking they're normal? If they are, that is a problem in and of itself; to be so profoundly unaware of the complexity and contradictions of human experience. The idea of "normalcy" is destructive in and of itself -- privileging a narrow subset of human behavior and pathologizing anything else. It doesn't acknowledge subjectivity, it doesn't acknowledge that what gives meaning to each human being's life is an idiosyncratic and ever-shifting amalgam. I'm saying we're all weird, none of us "fit in", and to act like being *aware* of that is a symptom of illness is wrong. I'm definitely not advocating for everyone to embrace their weirdness and carry on unimpeded regardless of damage done. I'm saying that we all need to admit we're weird and we all need to get therapy to teach us skills for dealing with ourselves and each other -- and we sure as heck need to take meds for conditions that can be categorized as extreme if that helps us. What I'm saying is that we also have to dismantle this notion of one-size-fits-all, don't-we-all-just-want-the-same-things as the healthy state. I'm saying that this shame around not being "normal" is a separate condition, a social condition, and that needs fixing. And as long as we act as if it's a problem just for people who've got a diagnosis, we won't be changing something that really needs change. And that's why I put the book down. I had a fundamental disagreement with the authors, and I couldn't get past it. Your mileage may vary.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I got from this book is that bipolar is a serious illness. And what it means is that precautions have to be made, like a diabetic in making sure they get their insulin and practicing healthy eating and exercise. Its something that has to be controlled or elce consequences will be soon to face. WIth bipolar comes the fact that with recommended lifestyle changes, even if that means that not following the 'typical' young person route. It is a quick read with good suggestions such as mood charts, working with your doctors, healthy lifestyles choices. A read for those who are in the high school to college age range with bipolar.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I really enjoyed it. It's good for people with and without this disorder because it tells you exactly what these people go through and what to expect. It gives awesome scenarios and it's especially good for anyone with the disorder. I recommend getting the "The Bipolar Workbook for Teens" book by the same two psychologist!!!

[Mina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of has a manual vibe, though with so many case stories that's not quite the right word. Helpful, thorough information clearly presented, all very matter-of-fact and well-paced

[Joanne-in-Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, readable overview of bipolar disorder with emphasis on the questions and feelings of a newly diagnosed young adult.