Living Well With Depression and Bipolar
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What your doctor doesn't tell you that you need to know.
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I'll Let Others Do the Talking
"While among the ever expanding array of popular books on mood disorders there are many to recommend, here is one that truly stands out. Like other authors of this genre, McManamy draws upon his deep well of experiences as a bipolar patient. But he brings so much more, a vast trove of knowledge and insight accumulated in the process of producing the most influential newsletter in the field. And, like his newsletter, this book will become a source of information that will prove indispensable not only to patients and families, but also to clinicians and scientists."
Frederick K Goodwin MD, Professor of Psychiatry George Washington University, Author (with KR Jamison) Manic Depressive Illness, Former Director National Institute of Mental Health
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"I doubt there is a person in the world who knows these conditions better, inside and out, than John McManamy, a wonderful writer and psychiatric autodidact in the best sense of the word. Since he began his website in 1999, he has been a major force in helping persons with mood disorders to understand what they are experiencing, and in teaching those of us who treat these conditions to better comprehend what it means to live, and not just have, these illnesses. Now he gives us a distillation of his own wisdom and the deeply personal experience of many persons with mood disorders. He weaves together the science and the inner experiences of depression and bipolar disorder in a way that is quite rare. This book is full of studies and personal insights, in about equal measure, leavened with the practical conclusions of its even-handed and often humorous author. It breaks new ground."
S Nassir Ghaemi MD, Director, Bipolar Disorder Research Program, Emory University
"As he does in his brilliantly written and researched newsletter, John McManamy brings together his outstanding reportorial skills, his great gift for language and his remarkable insights about his own disorder to create an invaluable resource for anyone living with bipolar disorder as well as for anyone living with someone who lives with bipolar disorder."
Ellen Frank PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
"John McManamy’s book will be very helpful for those affected by bipolar disorder and their families. The quotations from his website are exceptional. I recommend the book enthusiastically."
E Fuller Torrey, MD, co-author of Surviving Manic Depression
"Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder is the perfect book for those of us living with mood disorders. It contains the most helpful information written from the perspective of someone living with these illnesses. Packed with up to date, practical and helpful information, it also offers stories of real people who share the same struggles and offer real hope, help and support from the perspective of someone who has 'been there.'
Susan Bergeson, President, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
"We read an early draft of this book and knew immediately that it was important, and that it had to find its way to people who suffer with bipolar disorder, as well as to their families, physicians, and friends."
"John McManamy is a writer’s writer, and he manages to weave together the personal experience of the illness with the many treatment options and a great deal of emerging and exciting science. The reader takes a journey with a wise and compassionate guide who offers extremely clear information and - equally important - hope. Real hope. We congratulate John McManamy on this outstanding achievement."
Demitri F Papolos MD and Janice Papolos, Authors of The Bipolar Child
"Mental health advocates have a new Bible! Journalist John McManamy's book offers readers sound advice about managing severe mental illnesses and offers personal insights that could only come from an author who has struggled to control his own disorder. Blended into this already powerful mix are poignant comments from consumers and their loved ones who turn daily to John's website for guidance. I'm joining them!"
Pete Earley, author of CRAZY: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness
"Ever since John McManamy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999, he’s been saying, “knowledge in necessity.” LIVING WELL WITH DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER is a necessary read for those of us who have suffered. This book belongs in the hands of every person who has suffered from depression or bipolar disorder, and every mental health professional who treats them. John McManamy has written the most comprehensive and readable guide I’ve ever read to the many forms of depression and bipolar disorder and their treatment. What I love about this book is that John questions everything from diagnostic criteria to treatment, and in the process, he provides some inspiring and well-informed answers."
Amy Weintraub, Author of Yoga for Depression
"If you read only one book about bipolar disorder, make it this one. Beautifully written, with profound insight and quirky humor, McManamy integrates cutting edge science with subjective experience - an instant classic."
John Gartner PhD, Author of The Hypomanic Edge
"Every single page yields a nugget of information or piece of insider news or a riveting anecdote. I hope this book gets the attention and acclaim it deserves. In a crowded field, it stands out for its clarity, accuracy, liveliness, and overall readability."
Anne Sheffield, Author of Depression Fallout: The Impact on Couples and What You Can Do to Preserve the Bond
"Never in my life have I read a book quite like John McManamy’s. His approach is fantastic and unique … something akin to an old-time country town hall meeting where all factions can have their say, and conclusions can be drawn after hearing from everyone. There is John’s fascinating personal story; his denial for years that there is anything wrong with him, then his final acceptance at the age of 49 that he does indeed have Bipolar Disorder. Correct treatment did its part, but recovery came through the return of his self-worth.
"Woven skillfully throughout the pages we are introduced to people suffering with these illnesses and we are privy to their thoughts and feelings about it. Who truly knows best about an illness than those who suffer from it? We also hear from their family members who are forced to cope with a wide range of worries and concerns. The meeting hall fills up with the addition of treating professionals from many disciplines, and after the “meet and greet” is over the participants discuss the many subjects of interest to them all, always annotated, always with respect, and often with touches of “mcman humor”
John is the guide … he’s the speaker at the town hall meeting who makes sure all factions are heard from and that all are granted the importance that they deserve. He pulls it all together into a read of fantastic proportions. Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with a mood disorder, depression or bipolar disorder, really needs to read this book. And those of you who haven’t been diagnosed but who confess to “wondering” at times – this is the book for you too.
Colleen Sullivan, Founder of the web site, Bipolar World
Sample Amazon Reviews From Readers I Don't Know
John McManamy has an outstanding ability to describe his and other's experience of having bipolar disorder in all its complexity. He never tries to take the place of the patiet's psychiatrist. He refers his readers to other sources of excellent more detailed clinical information. He tells the human side of the story. He teaches patients how to be better informed consumer's of psychiatric care. He encourages patients to be active participants in their recovery. - Raymond
This is one of the best books I've read on the subject of Bipolar Disorder or Depression. Filled with real world examples, and crammed with information this book will empower you to take charge of your illness. - EileenBeing part of a family with multiple members with diagnoses of mood disorders, I have devoured information on the topic for over 30 years. So when I find a book that is this comprehensive and up to date, I recommend it highly. I learned a LOT of new things, and I consider myself well-informed. I am also a fan of the myriad of brief personal experiences provided in the book. Since they come from so many people, there is not just one point of view represented, but many. Very readable, very research-based, very user friendly. - Unconquered
Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder is exactly what you would expect from John McManamy, a fellow traveler whose online newsletter and website pulls together the latest research into plain language. McManamy's access to the top researchers and practitioners makes this book invaluable. His writing style makes the topics accessible to the ordinary person.
Bipolar entered my life nine months ago as a mysterious and frightening disorder. Far more than any doctor, McManamy's website helped me understand what was happening, especially with regard to the different medications, their risks/benefits, and the wide range of non-medical treatments like managing sleep patterns and exercise. Now McManay has brought together the best of his website into a info-packed paperback.
I appreciated reading throughout the book the experiences of people from all walks of life. It is heartening to know you are not alone. I now have another tool to live well despite the challenges of these disorders.
My pdoc, who stays on top of the medical literature, was impressed with the breadth and depth of McManamy's research. I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with these disorders, health care practitioners, and friends and family.- Sabres
Consumer advocacy is critical in this day of Big Pharma and Pharma-Driven Academics, and the author is clearly a great advocate for us. I've read several dry, theory-ridden books on these subjects, but it's amazing how much more useful this book is to me. It's the difference between being treated as a patient or a person. Very readable, filled with illustrative anecdotes from chats on the author's web sites and cutting-edge science in plain, readable (but not dumbed-down!) language. Highly recommended! - Lynn
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