Ruth C. White

I originally read this back in 2014 when I was still in early times of what getting a bipolar diagnosis meant to my life. At that time I gave it 3 stars. If you look at my rating history that is super low but being polite. I checked this out again from the library before seeing if I'd read it...and I am editing my stars to 2 now.

This book acts like if you do a, b, c, and d, you will be able to control things in your brain. It doesn't really discuss how trauma, stress and being poor can make doing these very specific things difficult. It also doesn't mention that medication doesn't work for a lot of people but really pounds it home that you should never, ever be unmedicated because acting mentally ill is way worse than dying (hint: it's not). This is downright dangerous. Folks with mental illness are generally not believed by doctors and have greatly diminished life expectancy. Read Hidden Valley Road for more info on this and to read an actual engaging book on mental illness.

Another great book on coping with mental illness is The Body Keeps The Score. I found it quite helpful and use many of the tools it talked about to manage my brain.

Also? I read the reviews for this on GR and most are by folks who don't have bipolar disorder but have a family member that does and is desperate for an easy 1, 2, 3 and want to "help". There is no such easy solution and people really need to understand that this is a lifelong chronic brain illness. It's pretty hard to avoid cycling even when super managed. Life is inherently stressful which can cause a cycle.… (més)

Preventing bipolar relapse
Ruth White
★☆★

I got this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review


I liked this book. I don't have biplor disorder but I have family members who do. I am definitely going to get this book for a family member.

This book isnt about "curing" bi polar disorder just preventing it. White explains that if you look for triggers it can help you as well as her SNAP program
(Sleep nutrition activity people) I didnt figure these small changes could help a person so much. I am glad I picked this book up and will def be recommending… (més)