Living with Bipolar Disorder Strategies for Balance and Resilience

by Hodges, Lynn

• ISBN13: 9781844095865
• ISBN10: 184409586X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-07-01
• Publisher: Findhorn Press

Summary

From the initial diagnosis through recovery and transformation, this handbook offers positive, real-life solutions and support from one who not only suffers from bipolar disorder herself but has experienced it with her mother and her daughter. Employing a practical, candid tone, the guide offers firsthand advice on how to lead a fulfilling life despite having this debilitating mental-health condition, with a special focus on addressing the personal questions that arise following diagnosis. Among the topics considered are the basics of functioning, living, and dealing with people on an everyday basis, how to negotiate treatment, handle family and friends, maintain a positive image, and make a living.

Author Biography

Lynn Hodges has bipolar disorder as well as a family history of the condition. She conducts recovery classes for her local county council and counsels workers and patients of mental-health on how best to navigate the day-to-day realities associated with the disorder and receive assistance through government programs.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 5
Introduction	p. 11
What is Bipolar Disorder?	p. 13
Mania	p. 13
Hypomania	p. 14
Depression	p. 15
Accepting the Diagnosis	p. 17
Learning You Are Not Alone	p. 22
Depression: The Black Cloud	p. 29
Challenging Negative Thoughts	p. 32
Managing Depression	p. 34
A Personal Journey into a Psychiatric Ward	p. 37
Life on a Psychiatric Ward	p. 43
Family and Friends	p. 47
Inclusion - Meet the Health Professionals	p. 49
Family and Friends' Reactions to Bipolar Disorder	p. 54
Positive Images	p. 59
Tips on Finding Positive Role Models	p. 62
Exercises to Increase Your Confidence and Positive Image	p. 64
The Recovery Process	p. 71
Tips to Increase Mental Health and Physical Health	p. 78
Is Alternative Medicine an Option?	p. 82
Disabling Aspects of Bipolar Disorder - Case Studies	p. 93
How to Handle the Constant Roller Coaster of Mood Swings	p. 98
How to Turn Negative Feedback in the Workplace into Positive	p. 102
Enabling Aspects of Bipolar Disorder	p. 105
Tapping into Your Creative Resources	p. 109
Confidence to Make Things Happen	p. 111
Networking with Health Professionals	p. 115
Best Way to Handle Doctors	p. 117
Keeping Your Family and Friends in the Loop	p. 117
Transformation	p. 119
Case Studies of Patients Who Live Successfully with Bipolar	p. 121
Finding the Strength to Continue to Grow After Each Manic Episode	p. 125
Recommended Reading	p. 126
Useful Websites	p. 127
Organizations Working With Mental Health	p. 128
About the Author	p. 142
About the Paintings	p. 143
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