The Bipolar Bear

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.

Eli the polar bear learns to deal with his bipolar disorder.

Sometimes Bipolar Bear finds himself at the bright North Pole or the dreary South Pole. Using tools he finds either on his own or with the help of his family, he's able to make his way back to his home. Cut out the sunglasses and the flashlight in the back to get involved, and if you flip through the pages quickly, you just may find a nice surprise!

Fictional story about Brandon, a young boy living with bipolar disorder. Readers learn about his symptoms, fears, and treatment from a child's viewpoint.

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

Nanook the Bipolarbear is a bear in chaos... Riding the icy waves of Bipolar Affective Disorder and barely coping with the stress of everyday life. Nanook isn't here to pretend everything is OK and that this bear is doing any better than anyone else in life, Nanook just wants to show that its OK to not be OK.

Take control of your symptoms--and take charge of your life If you're dealing with bipolar disorder, you already know that it’s more than a cycle of “ups” and “downs.” You may also have difficulty with depression and irritability, as well as problems with weight gain, memory, and fatigue. Dealing with these day-to-day problems can sometimes seem like too much to bear. Drawing on the latest research in bipolar disorder, stress, and health, this step-by-step guide offers a complete selection of livable, workable solutions to manage bipolar disorder and helps you: Identify your symptoms Explore your treatment options Stabilize your moods Sharpen your mind Achieve your goals This isn't a one-size-fits-all guide. It's a uniquely personal approach to your bipolar disorder that covers the full spectrum of the disease and its symptoms. You'll be able to find successful ways to regulate your moods, relieve your stress, improve your thought processes, and break the bipolar cycle--for a happier, healthier life.

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