Facing bipolar

Facing bipolar The young adult's guide to dealing with bipolar disorder

Russ Federman

Book - 2010

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Subjects
Bipolar disorder in adolescence.
Published
Oakland, CA : New Harbinger Publications [2010]
Language
English
Main Author
Russ Federman (-)
Other Authors
J. Anderson Thomson (-)
Physical Description
viii, 160 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages [159]-160).
ISBN
9781572246423
  • acknowledgments
  • introduction
  • Chapter 1. what is bipolar disorder and how can you tell if you have it?
  • Depression and Mania: The Two Poles of Bipolar Disorder
  • Having Bipolar Disorder vs. Being Bipolar
  • Chapter 2. getting help
  • Hesitation Is Normal
  • Where to Turn for Help
  • Your First Appointment
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment Recommendations
  • What's Your Role in This Process?
  • What You Need to Know About Medications for Bipolar Disorder
  • Medications Prescribed for Bipolar Disorder
  • If You're Depressed, Why Can't You Take an Antidepressant?
  • Why You Shouldn't Stop Your Medications
  • Chapter 3. how do you accept all this?
  • The Stigma of Mental Illness
  • Defensiveness in Response to Feedback: A Common Reaction
  • Not Wanting to Accept Your Bipolar Reality
  • Vulnerability: An Unfamiliar Aspect of the Emerging Self
  • Wanting to Fit In
  • The inevitable Tendency Toward Denial
  • The Bipolar Masquerade
  • Anger and Helplessness: The Precursors of Depression
  • Pseudo-Acceptance: A Common Blind Spot
  • Writing Your Own Story
  • Finding Acceptance
  • Chapter 4. what you can do: the four S's of bipolar stability
  • Creating a Structured Life
  • Managing Stress
  • Getting Good Sleep
  • Learning to Self-Monitor
  • Chapter 5. how open can you be about your disorder?
  • Transparency with Others
  • The Notion of a Helping Team
  • The Benefit of Support from Others with Bipolar Disorder
  • Chapter 6. managing your independence
  • Being Involved but Not Overcommitted
  • Alcohol, Drugs, and Partying
  • Continuing Your Psychiatric Treatment Away from Home
  • Academic Parachutes: Course Drops and Full Medical Withdrawals
  • Chapter 7. looking forward
  • Do You Have to Let Go of Your Hopes and Dreams?
  • Taking Stock of Your Strengths
  • Picking Yourself Up After a Fall
  • Will You Ever Get Better?
  • Creating New Hopes and Dreams
  • Appendix A. internet resources
  • Medication-Related Websites
  • Stress Management Websites
  • Mindfulness Websites
  • Appendix B. using the sleep, mood, and energy chart
  • References
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

A bipolar diagnosis is a life-changer, especially challenging for young adults whose lives are already in flux. Federman, Virginia Univ. director of Counseling and Psychological Services, and psychiatrist Thomson present an excellent guide for the young and newly diagnosed, with the blunt but compassionate message to "hang in there. It's realistic to hope for a good life." With comprehensive insight, the duo capture the seductive excitement that accompanies the onset of a manic episode, and the spectrum of symptoms-from depression to full-blown psychosis-that follow if the condition is left untreated. They provide guidelines for choosing a therapist (for counseling) and a psychiatrist (for medication), review the range of drugs prescribed, and discuss the need for complete abstinence from alcohol and other mood-altering substances like marijuana. They also review the significant lifestyle changes required to control the "roller-coaster reality" that the disease engenders: getting a regular eight hours of sleep, implementing structure, restricting travel, etc. Federman and Thomson are realistic about the difficulty and isolation that can come with disease-necessitated restrictions, as well as the setbacks that can occur even when following all the rules; they're also entirely encouraging, demonstrating how bipolar disease can be met with optimism and determination. (Jan.) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Review by Library Journal Review

Young adulthood is a time of transitions and life-altering decisions that can be difficult, especially if one is coping with a mental disability. This book addresses the concerns of those with bipolar disorder, which affects two to four percent of the general U.S. population. Federman and Thompson have worked in the mental health field since the 1970s and have particular experience with university students. Their presentation includes a description of depression and mania, symptoms, medications, and clinical help available. Case studies reveal characteristics of the disorder. Sensible advice for promoting bipolar stability is provided, including the "4 S's" (structure, sleep, stress management, and self-monitoring). Verdict The strength of this book lies in its frank advocacy of accepting one's disability and the development of the psychosocial skills to manage it. Upbeat yet realistic, it may strike just the right tone for improving the lives of bipolar young people.-Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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