Up and down Life : The Truth about Bipolar Disorder - The Good, the Bad, and the Funny

by Jones, Paul E. (Author); Thompson, Andrea (Author)

• ISBN13: 9780399534225
• ISBN10: 0399534229
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-05-06
• Publisher: Perigee Trade

Summary

Through his popular workshops, appearances, and website BipolarBoy.com, stand-up comedian Paul Jones reaches thousands of people with bipolar disorder-people just like him. With humor, honesty, and hard-won practical advice, he lifts the veil of stigma from all mental illness and sheds light on the challenges of living with this often-misunderstood condition.

Author Biography

Paul E. Jones is a popular stand-up comedian and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003. His mission and passion in life is to educate people who suffer from bipolar disorder, as well as those who treat and love them. Andrea Thompson is a New York based freelance writer who has co-written many popular books in the areas of health, psychology, relationships, and parenting.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Introduction	p. xi
"You Move from the Dark into the Light": Getting on the Path to Getting Better	p. 1
"Like a Seesaw Being Pushed by Some Giant, Crazy Hand": What It Feels Like to Have Bipolar Disorder	p. 11
"Is This What Was Wrong with My Uncle?": Family Connections, Predispositions, and Other Vulnerabilities	p. 33
"Finally, It All Made Sense": Reaching a Diagnosis	p. 47
"I Have to Say, the Meds Saved Me": Prescription Medications and Their Benefits, and Staying Medicated	p. 75
"Nobody but You Can Keep You Well": Staying Motivated, and Taking Your Bipolar Pulse	p. 107
"We're in This Together": Living with Someone Who's Living with Bipolar Disorder	p. 143
"You Have to Educate": What Family, Friends, Bosses, and Coworkers Need to Know (or Not)	p. 175
"I Burned a Lot of Bridges": Making Peace with Your Past and Repairing Damage	p. 205
Afterword: "A Blessing in a Really Big Disguise!"	p. 225
Resources	p. 229
Suggested Reading	p. 235
Acknowledgments	p. 238
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