Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder A 4-Step Plan for You and Your Loved Ones to Manage the Illness and Create Lasting Stability

by Fast, Julie A.; Preston, John

• ISBN13: 9780446697613
• ISBN10: 0446697613
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-26
• Publisher: Balance

Summary

MANAGE YOUR MOODS. IDENTIFY YOUR TRIGGERS. RECLAIM YOUR LIFE.Many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder are sent home with the name ofa doctor and prescription drugs. But few are able to manage their oftenout-of-control emotions with medication alone. Written by Julie A. Fast,who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age thirty-one, and bipolardisorder specialist John Preston, PsyD, TAKE CHARGE OF BIPOLAR DISORDERoffers a unique, personalized approach that teaches people with bipolardisorder and their loved ones to manage the illness and achieve dailystability. Fast and Preston's groundbreaking program combines medicationand supplements, lifestyle changes, behavior modifications, and otherindispensable management tools. Readers will learn how to: Understand thebehaviors caused by bipolar disorder Work with their doctors to find theright medications Develop a bipolar-friendly diet and exercise programRecognize the triggers and signs of major bipolar disorder symptoms to stopthe mood swings before they go too far.

Author Biography

Julie A. Fast is a world leading mental health expert on the topics of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and psychosis.  She is the bestselling author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder and Getting it Done When You’re Depressed. Julie is a critically acclaimed international speaker, health care professional trainer and sought after media source on the topic of mental health treatment and management. Julie lives with bipolar disorder and a psychotic disorder, also called schizoaffective disorder.  Julie’s work offers a balanced, well researched perspective on serious mental health disorders and their impact on the person with the diagnosis as well as family members and partners. Julie’s goal is to prevent bipolar disorder in the next generation.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
A Note from Julie Fast	p. xvii
A Note to Family Members and Friends	p. xix
Introduction: What Is Bipolar Disorder?	p. 1
Medications and Supplements
Medications and Supplements	p. 33
Lifestyle Changes
Sleep, Diet, Exercise, and Light	p. 65
Work and Money	p. 88
Behavioral Changes
Knowing Your Bipolar Disorder Triggers	p. 111
The Bipolar Conversation	p. 128
Asking for Help
Choosing a Supportive Health Care Team	p. 147
Teaching Family and Friends How to Help You Stay Stable	p. 166
Hospitals	p. 185
Insurance and Paperwork	p. 201
Putting It All Together: Using the 4-Step Treatment Plan in Daily Life
Specific Plans for Specific Problems	p. 213
Planning for the Future	p. 254
Appendixes
Resources	p. 263
Suggested Reading	p. 265
Charts and Journal Pages	p. 267
Endnotes	p. 281
Index	p. 283
About the Authors	p. 291
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.