My Adventures As A Bipolar Mother

Follow the many humourous true adventures of a bipolar mother of ten children. See how the energy of the manic and hypo manic phases of bipolar can lead to the humorous side of life. Not all bipolar people are artists, musicians, etc., but some of us show our creativity by playing practical jokes and seeing the fun in things. An autobiography that is engaging from start to finish. Guaranteed to keep you laughing.

From the Author: To my friends who fight the good fight of managing bipolar disorder: I applaud you. I know it is not all lollipops and toe socks-believe me! But I find that even today, with my “cub” grown, it is the simple, basic things that will keep you afloat. In addition to “stockpiling” the fruits of your “best you,” your family needs to see you putting in the time and effort every day to live a healthy lifestyle. I have been counseled that it is the essentials such as water, water, water, sunshine, exercise, healthy food, impeccable sleep hygiene, and of course a close relationship with a doctor you trust and follow. I am here to tell you that life with Bipolar disorder can be fun and fulfilling. The embarrassing moments you invariably encounter can be lived down by loveable you, who has probably received many gifts that outweigh the challenges. (If you weren’t a bipolar bear, you wouldn’t be you, right?) This book is for young and old-mother bears, father bears, cubs and anyone in the community who could benefit from being encouraged to tolerate well, and above all, have a bear-sized heart for those that are different. All the Best, Nancy Smith Earley

When the author's mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the response was shock and confusion. What did it mean to be bipolar? How would it affect her mother and the members of her family? Grett became frustrated with her mother because she didn't understand the disease or her mother's behavior and believed that she could be normal if she just tried harder. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder weighs heavily on those millions of Americans who suffer the illness. But what about their families? More specifically, what about the children whose parents are diagnosed. My Mother's Bipolar, So What Am I? reveals the emotional, physical and mental toll this complicated disease takes on the children. Author Angela Grett sheds light on their common experiences, as well as coping mechanisms, to help adult children begin to heal through understanding and perhaps find a reason to be hopeful.

In "Letters of A Bipolar Mother, Alyssa Reyans tells the story she's never been able to tell her children: how she lost them in a battle with her own mental illness. She shares with them - and the world - what the mind of a woman suffering bipolar depression looks like, how the darkness she battled on a daily basis almost won, and how, years later, she found the courage to claw her way out of the abyss. Covering a span of five years, Alyssa Reyans shares both her pain and strength in a struggle against an incurable illness which millions of other women also face.

This book chronicles bipolar illness through the eyes of a 7-year-old "cub" of a bipolar mother. He takes us through the heartache, frustration and embarrassment he experiences, but poignantly shares his compassion for his mother. When the cub finds the courage to communicate his basic needs, mama bear finds some surprising and creative ways to help her child cope. The cheerful drawings and heartwarming ending will delight all ages and give parents, children and the caregiving community helpful ideas and a bear-sized heart. Many thanks to Northern Essex Community College and Children's Literature Professor Janet Clark

Mothering Through Bipolar is authored by a bipolar Mom of seven children. She wants her readers to know they are not alone in their struggles. Rebecca offers her reads hope, encouragement and comfort. She wants her readers to know that despite the fact that they've been diagnosed with bipolar they still can be awesome, effective moms!

Charlotte Pierce-Baker did everything right when raising her son, providing not only emotional support but the best education possible. At age twenty-five, he was pursuing a postgraduate degree and seemingly in control of his life. She never imagined her high-achieving son would wind up handcuffed, dirty, and in jail. The moving story of an African American family facing the challenge of bipolar disorder, This Fragile Life provides insight into mental disorders as well as family dynamics. Pierce-Baker traces the evolution of her son's illness and, in looking back, realizes she mistook warning signs for typical child and teen behavior. Hospitalizations, calls in the night, alcohol and drug relapses, pleas for money, and continuous disputes, her son's journey was long, arduous, and almost fatal. This Fragile Life weaves a fascinating story of mental illness, race, family, the drive of African Americans to succeed, and a mother's love for her son.

"A moving read of tragedy, trying to prevent it, and coping with life after." - Midwest Book Review "Moving, intimate and very inspiring." - Mark Shelmerdine, CEO, Jeffers Press "Poetically visceral, emotionally honest. I will be a better, more empathic psychiatrist, and a better person and friend after reading this extraordinary memoir." - Irvin D. Godofsky, M.D. Leaving the Hall Light On charts the near-destruction of one middle-class family whose son committed suicide after a seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder. Madeline Sharples, author, poet and web journalist, goes deep into her own well of grief to describe her anger, frustration and guilt. She describes many attempts - some successful, some not - to have her son committed to hospital and to keep him on his medication. The book also charts her and her family's redemption, how she considered suicide herself, and ultimately, her decision to live and take care of herself as a woman, wife, mother and writer. A note from the author: I encourage you to read my book if you have been touched by bipolar disorder or suicide. And even if you have not, my book will inspire you to survive your own tragedies. As author Jessica Bell says: Leaving the Hall Light On is "a remarkable book and it SHOULD be read." - Madeline Sharples