Understanding bipolar disorder: the best books on the subject
Bipolar disorder, or more accurately, bipolar disorder, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. This includes emotional highs, also known as mania or hypomania, and lows, also known as depression. During the former, the person typically feels euphoric or irritable, while during the latter, they tend to lose pleasure or desire to perform tasks.
Bipolar disorder is considered a disabling condition, as it can disrupt sleep patterns., daily activities, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly. The periods of crisis and stability depend on each individual case. If you'd like to learn more, check out our list of the best books on bipolar disorder.
But first: a little context
Clarifications of the term
Bipolar disorder was formerly known as manic-depressive psychosis (PMD), This term is a remnant of the terms melancholia and madness to refer to periods of mania and depression. It first appeared in 1958, although psychiatrists and psychologists now refer to this series of symptoms as "bipolar disorder," some preferring the former name.
This is because, according to their criteria, "Manic-depressive illness" provides a broader description of a multidimensional disorder that is constantly changing. As for the origin of the disorder, it is believed to be organic, but not all the specific biological factors that cause it have yet been identified. However, it is believed to be due to the poor use of brain neurotransmitters.
Best books on bipolarity
Bipolar: A Restless Mind (2022), by Kay R. Jamison
Through the pages of her book, psychologist Kay R. Jamison puts herself on the landing page and recounts her experiences as a patient with bipolar disorder. As she recounts, her journey It started when she was a child. At that time, she often displayed behaviors consistent with the disorder, and from then on, it was all uphill for Kay R. Jamison and her family.
After graduating from psychology school, the symptoms of the disorder worsened, becoming visible and disrupting other areas of her life over the past thirty years. This book is a log of their courage, effort and resilience, showing, with great delicacy, respect, and good humor, what it's like to live with bipolar disorder: the good days, the bad days, and the worst days.
Quotes by Kay R. Jamison
- Others imply they know what it's like to be depressed because they've been divorced, lost their job, or broken up with someone. But these experiences come with feelings. Depression, on the other hand, is flat, empty, and unbearable. It's also exhausting. People can't stand to be around you when you're depressed. They may think they should, and they may even try, but you and they know you're incredibly tiresome: irritable, paranoid, humorless, lifeless, critical, and demanding, and no words of comfort are enough.
- "I compare myself to my past self, not to others. In fact, I tend to compare my current self to my best self, which is when I was mildly manic. When I'm my current "normal" self, I'm a far cry from when I was at my most vibrant, productive, intense, outgoing, and effervescent."
Bipolar disorder: An approach from cognitive therapy (2005), by Aaron T. Beck
This particular volume is geared towards professionals in the mental health, and offers a practical and comprehensive introduction to cognitive psychotherapy applied to the treatment of bipolar disorder, a devastating condition that, until not so long ago, was treated through somatic means. The volume also evaluates the collaboration between cognitive psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
This, in turn, provides readers with explicit guidelines for addressing patients' concerns about medication. At the same time, the authors offer a wide range of techniques for treating hypomanic and manic states. Similarly, They address traditional methods of cognitive psychotherapy to combat the threat of suicide, a constant factor in this disorder.
Quotes by Aaron T. Beck
- "The strongest person isn't the one making the most noise; they're the one who can silently direct the conversation toward defining and resolving problems."
- "If our thinking becomes bogged down by distorted symbolic meanings, illogical reasoning, and erroneous interpretations, we become, in fact, blind and deaf."
- "Cognitive therapy seeks to relieve psychological tension by correcting misconceptions and self-talk. By correcting erroneous beliefs, we can eliminate overreactions."
Bipolar and much honor (2022), by Javier Martín
This is an intimate book designed to break the stigma surrounding mental health. In it, Javier Martín He talks about his most personal experiences, how he became a writer and popularizer, and how he's dealt with his condition over the years. In this regard, he believes that bipolar disorder has provided him with moments of anguish, but also great lessons.
The author claims that, at one point, he wanted to take his own life due to bipolar disorder and everything it entails, but he found a way to survive. Now, he's endeavored to educate as many people as he can, turning his title into a fun conversation starter, a point of support, and a tool for those in need of inspiration. In the end, we all need a foothold, and Martin knows how to provide it.
Quotes by Javier Martín
- "—The two times I was admitted, it was because I was high, in a manic phase. In these phases, you're ecstatic, everything feels good, you enjoy yourself, and you're not as aware of reality. I mean, I was aware I was in a psychiatric hospital, but I didn't care. I didn't care at all." (Interview at lavozdegalicia.es)
- "It's a very uncomfortable situation because you lose autonomy, but that's also a stage in the process. Once your family understands that you've accepted the medication, that you take it every day, that you go to the psychiatrist and psychologist without any problems, they start letting you off the leash, but for a while they keep you on a tight leash, because they've also been through a very difficult time." (Interview at lavozdegalicia.es)
Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Families and Patients (2004), by David J. Miklowitz
Today, people suffering from bipolar disorder can achieve a better quality of life. Modern medicine has provided benefits that help overcome all environments, But these people still face many challenges. For example, how do we know the difference between a normal mood swing and the onset of a crisis or a manic or depressive period?
Other questions that often arise are: what drugs are on the market and what are their side effects? What should be done when a manic period or depression begins?How can you get help from family and friends? How can you disclose your condition to your coworkers without jeopardizing your job? All of these questions are answered in Bipolar disorder.
Quotes by David J. Miklowitz
- "For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) relies heavily on homework assignments, such as recording your moods, thoughts, or self-statements; questioning your assumptions and replacing them with alternative ways of thinking; or keeping charts of behavior, sleep, and mood."
- "Furthermore, people with bipolar disorder can't always detect when their cognitive functioning is out of balance. As a result, their family members may become frustrated and blame them for not trying hard enough."
From Bipolar to Bipolar (2014), by Alejandro Hernández Dorta
This is a psychoeducational guide where the author, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, It offers a personal and close perspective on the disease, aimed at both those affected and their families and friends.The book addresses the fundamental aspects of bipolar disorder, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and strategies to improve quality of life.
In addition, Hernández Dorta shares his personal experience, providing practical tools and helpful tips for dealing with the daily challenges associated with this condition. A notable feature of the work is its empathetic and direct approach., which seeks to demystify the disease and offer support to those who suffer from it and those around them.
Quotes by Alejandro Hernández Dorta
- "On a personal level, I've read a lot about this illness and how to deal with it. Furthermore, in the mutual support group that the Bipolar Association of the Canary Islands supports, I've encountered dozens, even hundreds of cases with all their medical and personal characteristics."
- "My goal with this book is to provide a simple tool that will help the affected person and their loved ones develop strategies and ideas that will help them cope with this serious illness."
Other books on bipolar disorder
- I Have Bipolar Disorder: Demystifications and Anecdotes, by Sergio Saldaña;
- Diary of a young bipolar woman, by Milza Lopez;
- Living with Bipolar Disorder, by Eduard Vieta and Francesc Colom;
- put yourself in my place, from the participants of the UMASAM contest;
- How to Overcome Bipolar Disorder: 21 Good Habits, by Alberto Caselles Ríos;
- This War Within My Mind, by John Poehler.