Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder
by John D. Preston Psy D ABPP, Julie A. Fast
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Book Summary Information
Author: John D. Preston Psy D ABPP, Julie A. FastEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-02-01
ISBN: 1572243422
Number of pages: 238
Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9781572243422
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder
Book Review: Excellent tool for both spouse and patient
Summary: 4 Stars
I think some people are missing the point that this book is trying to make. If you are bipolar and take the book to mean you are not to be held accountable for your actions; you are looking for an excuse to act out anyway. This book is meant to be utilized when the patient is well, so that they can learn to avoid those triggers (which are different for everyone) that cause the BP to de-stabilize. It is also meant to help the spouse understand that some of our behaviors are not character flaws but are actually symptoms of the illness (such as attention problems).
I bought this book for my wonderful, patient husband, who was my caretaker after a post-partem bipolar psychosis that lasted for 7 years and has left me disabled. He has not read the book yet; but I did; and the book opened my own eyes as to how my illness affects him on an everyday basis.
We have had nearly every problem the book talks about, even though I am a model patient. I do what I am told in therapy, take the meds, have a strict routine that includes daily exercise and healthy diet. I am very aware of several of my triggers and do my best to avoid them. Yet I still have daily issues with Bipolar Disorder that are severe enough for me to be considered disabled. I am happy for those who have long periods of remission. But it is offensive to read a review that assumes if you aren't stable then you are not taking care of yourself and you should "try harder". (I question the people who go on meds after one depression or mania and never have another episode, I do not believe they have true bipolar disorder.) Bipolar Disorder is a spectrum disorder; there are varying degrees and symptoms. It is also only treatable, not curable, which means that if you are like me, you may have breakthrough episodes even though you take the meds and do everything the doctor says to do (or not do). The "Bipolar Conversation" was very interesting and enlightening for me, and I intend to work hard on awareness of the things I say and do and how they affect others, especially my husband and children.
The only criticism I have is that there needed to be more discussion about medication. Many of us are severely overmedicated (polypharmacy is a big problem), psychiatrists are sometimes less than understanding about medication issues; and when we are medicated to the hilt we must rely on our loved ones to speak for us. Side effects of meds can sometimes be more disabling than the illness itself. Our spouses need to know that it is unacceptable for us to be so medicated we gain 80 pounds, sleep 16 hours a day, or become so restless we can't do anything but pace and mumble. Short-term, yes, but NOT long term. Our spouses need to know it's okay to argue on our behalf to have dosages lowered or discontinued if they are causing these problems after stabilization.
All in all a very informative book.
Summary of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder
Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder is a first of its kind book?written specifically for the partner of a person with bipolar disorder. If you have a loved one with bipolar, you know how disruptive and straining this disorder can be to your relationship. You may experience feelings of fear, loss, and anxiety as well as a constant uncertainly about your loved one?s ever-changing moods.
This book is designed to help you overcome the unique challenges of loving someone with bipolar disorder. With the supportive and helpful information, strategies, and real-life examples contained here, you?ll have all the tools you need to create a loving, healthy, and close relationship.
Find out how to:
- Identify which coping approaches work and which do not
- Recognize and transform a ?bipolar conversation?
- Use new strategies to help manage episodic crises
- Survive the financial turbulence manic spending may cause
- Deal with problematic sexual issues Increase closeness and stability in your relationship
Julie Fast and John Preston have written a ground breaking book for couples who want to prevent manic depressive disorder from hijacking their relationship. Fast, a health writer diagnosed with bipolar illness and clinical psychologist Preston are ideal companions. Their innovative ideas will be welcomed by exhausted partners of "bipolar individuals"--whose illness can cause them to alternate between manic and depressed behavior. Once medication has been prescribed, the key is studying the specific ways your partner is effected. This allows couples to develop pro-active strategies for treating and stabilizing mood swings and symptoms, before they develop into full-blown crises. The techniques emphasize prevention, rather than putting out fires. These include understanding the difference between the person and the disease (know when "the bipolar disorder is talking") listing your partner's specific symptoms, identifying the triggers that lead to these symptoms and transforming the "bipolar conversation" The goal of all the tools is to pinpoint early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode and be prepared with a holistic treatment plan. Other segments of the book deal with the work (checkered resumes) and financial problems (spending sprees) created by this illness. The author's ideas are engaging, compassionate and realistic--an oasis of relief and hope. --Barbara Mackoff
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