A Great Book on What Bipolar Depression is Really Like
There are many good books out there about bipolar disorder. Several have been written by people with this condition. They're good writers, entertaining. But here's one that I think really warrants attention -- and you can get a lovely sample of it by reading the author's blog before you buy.
John McManamy is one of the most respected writers about bipolar disorder. He's been a member of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders for years and is well known to many of the researchers in the field through his work there. But his greatest asset, and thus his book's greatest value, is in his ability to put into words the experience of bipolar depression.
So if for any reason you would find useful a thoughtful, well-crafted description of what life is like for people who know despair like most of us don't -- but one which also captures the funny, creative, brilliant side of the experience: this is a great one.
His information on treatment is most useful for those who need an introductory overview. This is not the strength of the book; and in not too long, as is the fate of any such book, this section will be out of date. But the most valuable part of this book -- the first half, describing the experience-- will remain valuable for years. Indeed as doctors are pressured to spend less and less time with patients, Mr. McManamy's book will become even more important for them. I can't think of a better book for third-year medical students rotating in Psychiatry, for example. It ought to be required reading there, worthy of replacing nearly any textbook currently recommended.
After all, what is the most important thing for anyone (medical student or otherwise) who is just beginning to try to understand a new subject? You don't need the physiology first, nor the molecular explanations. You need to get a good feel for the thing you're studying, as though you could experience it yourself. Mercifully, Mr. McManamy has supplied this for you, saving you this hard learning. Indeed, perhaps if you understand it like he does, you'll be less likely to find yourself there. At minimum you won't be there without a map, as has so long been the case (as it remains, even now for some, in the realm of bipolar depression when the hypomanic or manic side is minimal or absent).
If you've already "been there" yourself, I think you'll find great comfort in seeing your experience so artfully described. I can imagine people who've struggled with depression buying this book so that they could hand it to a loved one and say "here, read this: it will help you understand me better than I can explain myself". Although first you'll want to go through it yourself, several times I'll bet, gleaning all the gems of self-care the author has collected from his website readers, and his own experience.
You'll see: have a taste of his writing. And order his book right from there. Bon appetit.
JP
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John McManamy is one of the most respected writers about bipolar disorder. He's been a member of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders for years and is well known to many of the researchers in the field through his work there. But his greatest asset, and thus his book's greatest value, is in his ability to put into words the experience of bipolar depression.
So if for any reason you would find useful a thoughtful, well-crafted description of what life is like for people who know despair like most of us don't -- but one which also captures the funny, creative, brilliant side of the experience: this is a great one.
His information on treatment is most useful for those who need an introductory overview. This is not the strength of the book; and in not too long, as is the fate of any such book, this section will be out of date. But the most valuable part of this book -- the first half, describing the experience-- will remain valuable for years. Indeed as doctors are pressured to spend less and less time with patients, Mr. McManamy's book will become even more important for them. I can't think of a better book for third-year medical students rotating in Psychiatry, for example. It ought to be required reading there, worthy of replacing nearly any textbook currently recommended.
After all, what is the most important thing for anyone (medical student or otherwise) who is just beginning to try to understand a new subject? You don't need the physiology first, nor the molecular explanations. You need to get a good feel for the thing you're studying, as though you could experience it yourself. Mercifully, Mr. McManamy has supplied this for you, saving you this hard learning. Indeed, perhaps if you understand it like he does, you'll be less likely to find yourself there. At minimum you won't be there without a map, as has so long been the case (as it remains, even now for some, in the realm of bipolar depression when the hypomanic or manic side is minimal or absent).
If you've already "been there" yourself, I think you'll find great comfort in seeing your experience so artfully described. I can imagine people who've struggled with depression buying this book so that they could hand it to a loved one and say "here, read this: it will help you understand me better than I can explain myself". Although first you'll want to go through it yourself, several times I'll bet, gleaning all the gems of self-care the author has collected from his website readers, and his own experience.
You'll see: have a taste of his writing. And order his book right from there. Bon appetit.
JP
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