Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder
by Julie A. Fast and John Preston, PsyD
Published by Warner Wellness
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Reviewed by Jill Stovall
Before you think I'm different than you are, you should know that I was alternatively depressed, hypomanic, paranoid, obsessive, and anxious off and on while I wrote this book. I just kept it under control.
Author Julie Fast was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. After many unsuccessful treatment plans and twenty-three different drug trials, she realized that she had to make some choices. Suicide was not going to be an option. Although depressed 90 percent of the time and hypomanic for the other 10 percent, Julie courageously developed a lifestyle that enabled her to improve her quality of life by keeping bipolar disorder "under control."
This book guides the person with the illness, as well as family, friends, and loved ones, through a comprehensive approach to living with bipolar disorder and remaining happy and stable. Monitoring this illness daily and learning specific techniques for management versus crisis control can be accomplished using the tools in this book. Medical terms are explained and a four-step treatment plan is outlined for medication and supplements, lifestyle changes, behavioral changes, and asking for help. Additional guides for insurance paperwork and choosing a healthcare team add a necessary dimension to implementing the program.
By reading this book we come to understand that current medical treatment minimizes the significance of diet, exercise, supplements and lifestyle changes. Julie acknowledges that dealing with this illness is not easy. "It can take all of your energy and often make you feel as though it has taken your soul as well,..." It might help to think of yourself as an athlete in training with the goal of a stable and happy life. You must watch what you eat, what you do, whom you see, when you sleep, how much bright light you receive, and where you go.
Armchair Interviews says: Julie serves as an inspirational example of what can be accomplished by using the tools in this book.