The Bipolar Workbook

Most people have heard of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that is marked by manic episodes and periods of intense depression. Bipolar II disorder differs from bipolar I in that sufferers may never experience a full manic episode, although they may experience periods of high energy and impulsiveness (hypomania), as well as depression and anxiety. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar II, or even if you think that you may have this disorder, you may be frightened by the highs and lows of your intense emotions. Fortunately, there are proven-effective treatments that can help you find a sense of calm and peace of mind. Written by an extremely accomplished team of bipolar experts, The Bipolar II Disorder Workbook is designed to help you manage the recurring depression, hypomania, and anxiety that can arise as a result of your condition. The convenient workbook format combines evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and other mindfulness-based exercises to help you manage your emotions, track your progress, and ultimately live a happy and more productive life. This is the first self-help workbook available specifically for individuals diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.

"Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, but it doesn' have to rule a person's life. Many tens of thousands of readers have used the science-based tools in this book to recognize the early warning signs of mood swings, prevent symptoms from coming back, and get more out of treatment. Leading cognitive-behavioral therapy expert Monica Ramirez Basco presents five clear steps for withstanding the seductive pull of manic episodes and escaping the paralysis of depression, complete with vivid stories and practical tools. Significantly revised, the second edition features a new structure, more succinct chapters, and streamlined exercises. Anyone with bipolar illness or less severe mood swings will find essential problem-solving tips and coping strategies"--

A doctor may understand the symptoms of bipolar disorder and your close friends and relatives may know your manic and depressive phases inside and out, but only you have experienced your bipolar disorder firsthand. This workbook will help you learn how to recognize your mania and depression triggers, develop coping skills for managing symptoms, form more productive partnerships with your healthcare providers, and keep your life in balance as you work toward your goals. The authors' Life Goals Program has already helped hundreds of people with bipolar disorder understand how bipolar works and take charge of their lives. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder makes Life Goals Program techniques available to the public for the first time, giving you the tools you need to create an action plan for symptom management designed specifically for you. You'll also discover how simple changes to your eating, exercise, and sleeping habits can improve your mood and keep symptoms at bay. Overcoming Bipolar Disorder is about more than just medication. New research shows that learning specific skills to manage bipolar disorder can significantly reduce symptoms and help to maintain long-term balance…. It should be an important resource for people living with bipolar disorder and for concerned family members.-Gregory Simon, MD, MPH, psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, WA

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong challenge, but it doesn't have to rule your life. Join the many tens of thousands of readers who have used the science-based tools in this book to achieve greater balance and get the most out of treatment. Leading expert Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco helps you understand the nature of bipolar illness and recognize the early warning signs of mood swings. Step-by-step exercises (you can download and print additional copies of the forms as needed) give you greater insight into your own triggers, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Dr. Basco guides you to build the particular skills you need to withstand the seductive pull of manic episodes and escape the paralysis of depression. You'll also learn key strategies for managing stress, making healthy decisions, and solving problems. Vivid stories and examples illustrate how to put the techniques into action. Significantly revised, the second edition features a new structure, more succinct chapters, and streamlined exercises.

Written for therapists and clients alike, learn how to recognize unique symptoms of depression and bipolar and match them with the latest advances in CBT, light and dark therapy, diet and sleep techniques, and strategies to fix out-of-sync biological clocks.

Even if you've just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it's likely that you've been living with it for a long time. You've probably already developed your own ways of coping with recurring depression, the consequences of manic episodes, and the constant, uncomfortable feeling that you're at the mercy of your emotions. Some of these methods may work; others might do more harm than good. The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder will help you integrate your coping skills with a new and effective dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) plan for living well with bipolar disorder. The four DBT skills you'll learn in this workbook-mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness-will help you manage your emotional ups and downs and minimize the frequency and intensity of depressive and manic episodes. By using this book in conjunction with medication and professional care, you'll soon experience relief from your bipolar symptoms and come to enjoy the calm and confident feeling of being in control. •Learn mindfulness and acceptance skills•Cope with depressive and manic episodes in healthy ways•Manage difficult emotions and impulsive urges•Maintain relationships with friends and family members

The Bipolar Book covers not only clinical and pathophysiological matters, but also technical aspects of the evidence accumulation for treatment of bipolar disorder.

Build real-world skills for managing the day-to-day symptoms of bipolar II and cyclothymia through the practical strategies and exercises in The Bipolar Disorder Workbook. Finding stability and fulfillment while living with bipolar disorder or cyclothymia can be challenging. But with the right tools it’s possible to overcome the symptoms associated with these diagnoses. In The Bipolar Disorder Workbook, clinical psychiatrist Dr. Peter Forster and clinical social worker Gina Gregory help you explore how symptoms like hypomania and depression show up in your daily life, and guide you to develop real-world skills for facing these everyday challenges. The Bipolar Disorder Workbook presents therapeutic ideas, tools, and techniques that draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Divided into 3 easy-to-follow parts, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook will help you identify the patterns of your symptoms, increase the stability of your mood, and successfully manage your bipolar disorder or cyclothymia. Based on the most up-to-date research on bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, The Bipolar Disorder Workbook offers: Compassionate, knowledgeable guidance for understanding bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, including the mood states that define them and an overview of different approaches to treatment. Practical checklists, self-assessments, writing exercises and other workbook features for managing the highs and lows, recognizing the warning signs of a mood shift, and minimizing the negative impact of bipolar disorder and cyclothymia on your life. Thoughtful suggestions for talking with friends and family and creating a support system through a variety of channels such as a treatment team, community resources, and loved ones. “Whole-Health Strategies” for enhancing the connection between your physical health and mood stability. Though it can take time, deciding to transform one’s life is a brave and courageous thing to do. Here, in The Bipolar Disorder Workbook, you’ll find the supportive, straightforward guidance you need to find relief from the symptoms of bipolar disorder or cyclothymia, and begin creating the kind of life you want and deserve.