The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings

by Monica Ramirez Basco

Living with bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge. Those who struggle with the illness have to learn effective ways to control their mood swings, avoid relapse, and get the most from medication-based treatments. This workbook delivers a hands-on resource that gives sufferers the edge they need. Based on proven cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, the book offers a variety of tools that enable readers to recognize the early warning signs of an oncoming episode, develop plans for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes, and escape the paralysis of depression. Specific chapters address key challenges at various stages, from overcoming denial of the initial diagnosis to fine-tuning treatments and maintaining gains.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Mental Illness, Counselling, Reference

252 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2005

About the author

Monica Ramirez Basco is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy, a clinical psychologist, and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She is on the Psychology faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington, with a secondary appointment in Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Her books include the bestsellers Never Good Enough and The Bipolar Workbook.

Reviews

[Lilly Ann Wolvesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly suggest biting the bullet and purchasing this book in print. It is a workbook and is meant to be written and scribbled in. Take it chapter by chapter, maybe one a week. I found the exercises to be very helpful and therapeutic. I found the section that delineates different levels of mania and depression particularly helpful along with the table where you enter your own triggers and symptoms. I’ve been able to make copies of some of the worksheet pages and use them to foster conversation with my mental health providers. My husband helped me complete some of the exercises (as we are often blind to our own triggers and symptoms). I suggest having a friend or loved one help you, even if it’s just to back up what you already know.

[Bridgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in understanding bipolar and how I can work to improve my lifestyle and have less episodes. I'm glad issues of anxiety and anger were covered, too, because I have problems with both.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done book that gives advice and support to a person with bipolar disorder. Something to reflect on in future times, future moods, and getting better in the long term.

[Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5, ondanks de typfouten her en der en soms zwakke vertaling.

Dit boek gaat verder waar alle symptomenlijstjes op internet ophouden. Het eerste deel is uitleg over hoe bipolaire stoornis zich uit (want hoe het biochemisch werkt, dat is nog altijd onbekend, dus het blijft beschrijvend). Het tweede deel besteedt aandacht aan wat je zelf allemaal kunt doen om de symptomen van de stoornis zoveel mogelijk te reduceren: hoe blijf je ondanks tegenzin dagelijks je medicatie nemen en wat kun je daarnaast in je leefstijl allemaal aanpassen. Het laatste deel bevat standaard cognitieve gedragstherapie technieken om met name negatieve en suïcidale gedachten om te buigen.

Het boek bevat veel werkbladen die bij de uitgever gratis te downloaden zijn. Er worden steeds voorbeelden gegeven van hoe 4 verschillende personen deze werkbladen invullen en hoe zij grip krijgen of houden op de bipolaire stoornis, erg leerzaam.

Al met al is dit werkboek een aanrader voor iedereen die net gediagnosticeerd is met BPS (type 1 of 2), alsmede voor hen die het al langer hebben maar nog moeite hebben om grip te krijgen op de symptomen (de manieën of depressies). Dit boek zou elke psychiater standaard moeten uitreiken bij aanvang van de behandeling, naast een recept voor lithium.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the beginning more helpful than the end. Helpful book. Probably more helpful if I actually did write all the exercises they suggested. Anyway, good refresher

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

didnt fix me

[Joshua Gage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book I've read so far on dealing with bipolar disorder on a day to day basis. There are lots of specific, direct worksheets with examples. Furthermore, Basco doesn't generalize various scenarios under a larger heading and try to solve them all with the same approach. Each individual distortion or issue is treated separately with it's own approach and worksheet. This is an extremely valuable book, and very helpful.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this one as a work resource, and it's become my go-to for all BP patient tools. Well organized, with good exercises, especially for trigger identification. Maybe the best patient resource in the category.

[Royale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very useful resource for those with Bi-polar and their families. Well-written, logical layout, easy to understand with very helpful exercises and strategies. Mine is marked up and highlighted already and it has sparked great conversations between my husband and myself regarding this disorder.

[W.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, clearly written, well thought out, and very useful. I don't know if I will ever be truly finished with this book but for now I am

[Jon De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this to be actually usedul and helpful. Will keep for my future clients.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful workbook full of practical advice. Even though I didn't complete all the tasks I still gained great benefit. Highly recommended.

[liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful!!! will be referring back to it when my symptoms grow worse again