My Mother S Bipolar So What Am I

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.

For persons with bipolar disorder and their families, here is a comprehensive, practical, compassionate guide to the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. 22 illustrations.

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

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.

For children who grow up in the care of a parent who has bipolar disorder, life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. This story helps us to understand the causes of bipolar disorder and how we can learn to live with someone who has it.

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.

The Bipolar Bear Family is a story about a young cub who struggles to understand his mother's behavior and her subsequent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. The story of The Bipolar Bear Family helps children of bipolar parents address such questions as: Is this my fault? Is it contagious? Can I fix it? According to the National Institute for Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder affects more than 2 million American adults. Further, we know that the dynamics of Mental Illness closely mirror the dynamics of alcoholism and addiction in its impact on the family system. By compassionately educating parents and children, the author hopes to make a life-long difference for these courageous families.

Breaking Into My Life chronicles the impact that growing up with a mentally-ill mother had on author Michelle Dickinson-Moravek. The years of having to stay home from school to care for her mother while coping with her instability and periodic abuse would compromise Michelle's adult life until she finally realized that she had to do more than simply come to terms. She had to reclaim herself along with the life she deserved.