Photo by Leigh Cohen.
A Quality Paperback Book Club Selection
Reviews
"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 ...
Frederick K Goodwin MD, Professor of Psychiatry George Washington
University, Author (with KR Jamison) Manic Depressive Illness, Former
Director National Institute of Mental Health
S Nassir Ghaemi MD,
Director, Bipolar Disorder Research Program,
Emory University
... 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."
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."
A
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, Publisher of the web site, Bipolar World.