Video on Bipolar Disorder

Visit the blog page of my website to learn more about Bipolar Disorder by watching the video:

http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!bio/c1ktj

Then, don't miss your chance to enter the photo contest by clicking on the Book link at the top of the page. It ends today!

Find a Way to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness

There are several ways to support NAMI locally or nationally. First, go to their website and join NAMI.
www.nami.org

At the bottom, you'll see a link about different ways to support NAMI. There are different ways to donate, become an advocate, share your story, join a NAMI walk or a NAMI bike ride in your area. There are different ways to donate as well.

Be sure to see if there is a local chapter in your town or city. Maybe you can get involved as a volunteer. There is a link at the top to find your local NAMI.

We are all in this together. Find a way to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Final Day for the Free Living With Bipolar Disorder Book Contest

Simply logon to the "book" page of my website (link posted below) and upload a picture that you think best captures the essence of living with bipolar disorder. You can see pictures others have already submitted.

http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec

The winning picture will be posted on this blog and on the website on August 1st, and the winner will receive a free Living With Bipolar Disorder book, shipping included if in the United States.

Good Luck!

Overcoming the Challenges for Those With Mood Disorders

Overcoming the Challenges for Those With Mood Disorders

Some common symptoms of those with mood disorders include being easily distracted, forgetting to complete tasks, the inability to focus, racing thoughts, and becoming easily irritable. These all cause problematic concerns when patients must go through the process of trial-and-error medications, managing the costs of mental healthcare treatment, and possibly fighting health insurance battles.

Trial-and-Error Medication Process

With the lack of scientific knowledge behind the true causes of some of these disorders, psychiatrists do not know exactly what part(s) of the brain are involved in each patient. So, it becomes a bit of a shot-gun approach to see which medications work and which ones do not work. This can be aggravating, in and of itself, and that alone can make you want to give up. I have been completely deflated because of it. So, I will describe my medication roller coaster ride as an example.

Once my initial diagnoses were complete, I was prescribed Lamitcal for BPII, and Vyvanse for ADHD. As with all medications, they come with side-effects. At first, I was doing well with both, along with no side-effects, but that changed. One of the side effects of Lamictal is skin rash, which happened to me once I reached a 150mg dosage. The second medication my psychiatrist prescribed was Abilify. One side-effect can be insomnia, which was the case for me. Even with my Ambien on board, it would still keep me up at night, throwing me into hypomania, which defeated the whole purpose of the medication. So, we tried a third medication called Saphris.

After being on Saphris for almost four months now, I have not had one hypomanic episode. So, this medication works and with no side-effects. But, the whole process took six months before finding the right medication.

Before finding Vyvanse for ADHD, I was on a drug called Focalin. This drug did not work for me at all. On the medication, I could not correctly organize my thoughts. My speech pattern was slowed, and sometimes I did not make much sense. That process took less time, but it was still a struggle. It was aggravating, and that alone can make you want to give up. In fact, it left me feeling completely deflated with severe depression. With mood disorder symptoms, your mindset is simply not well-suited for this trial-and-error process.

Managing the Costs of Mental Health Treatment

You cannot put a price on good health, but know that finding and maintaining good quality healthcare does cost money. Your psychiatrist appointments, therapy sessions, and medications all require money. Even if your insurance covers part of it, there are always some out-of-pocket expenses.

In my case, my health insurance plan covers most of my medication expenses and my co-pay for my psychiatric appointments is relatively low. However, my psychotherapy sessions are not covered by my insurance. I have to make sure each month that I set aside enough money to cover all the costs. Before giving into the medications, I drank heavily. While the money I save by not buying alcohol helps tremendously, I still have to be responsible and forward-thinking enough to set aside the right funds for proper mental healthcare.

Fighting Health Insurance Battles

Even if you find the right medications, your insurance company may deny coverage. This happened to me with Saphris. I was so angry and in such a state of confusion, that I experienced a very bad state of depression, one of my all-time lows. I even had suicidal thoughts, just because I did not want to be dealing with any or all of this anymore.

The only thing you can do is file an appeal, which normally starts with your psychiatrist. If that is unsuccessful, then the patient can file an appeal. This means filling out detailed paperwork and getting files from your doctor to finish the appeal. Once that is complete, you have to wait at least a month to hear a response, which can still be a denial.

My psychiatrist called the insurance company to file an appeal, and they denied her claim. As a patient, I filed an appeal as well. So far, my appeal has also been denied until I send in all my medical records, including those from my general practitioner. And then, they have to go over everything again before making a decision, which could still result in a denial.

Once I found the right medications for both disorders, my insurance company denied both. I have since won the battle with Vyvanse, but I am still waiting on their decision for Saphris. This is a maddening process that aggravates symptoms of irritability and depression.

I can go to an external review board in my state if my insurance company ends up denying Saphris. But, If the external review board also denies it, then there is no other alternative. I am hoping to hear from my insurance company soon and trying to prepare myself for another appeal process to the state. This long and detailed process is not well-suited for someone who suffers from the symptoms of mood disorders.

Advice for Managing it All

Find a good psychiatrist and therapist, and do not just take the first ones you find if you feel they are not strong advocates for all your concerns. As I mentioned before, my insurance does not cover my therapy sessions. However, I would never seek out another therapist. She provides many things to me that I would not try to change or even attempt to find in another therapist.

There may be things you need to give up in exchange for good mental healthcare and medications you are receiving. For example, I quit drinking, which was a huge expense every month when you add up the costs of all the drinks at home and out to dinner. It might be helpful for you to consider some things you can give up in exchange for better healthcare. Chances are, if you are suffering from a mood disorder, you are also engaging in some kind of substance abuse. Giving up the cost of that substance just might cover the cost of good, high-quality mental healthcare.

Realize that there is only so much your psychiatrist and therapist can do for you. Many of the struggles of lie in your own hands, including fighting the insurance battles. You have to be prepared to stand up for yourself even during times you feel completely deflated.

While the science to date has lagged in comparison to other psychological disorders, realize that progress is being made in the field to better understand and treat those of us with bipolar disorder. There is also the chance that other medications will become available in the near future for mood disorders as the result of current and future research. So, try to think that some hope may be on the horizon for better medications and possibly a cure.

http://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/the-adhd-and-bipolar-disorder-connection/#.Ue7H55G9KK0

http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar

Real Strength Has Nothing to Do With Biceps

This weekend I witnessed someone win the Strongest Woman in North Texas, who just 16 months ago was practically on her death bed from alcoholism. With 16 months of sobrierty and a ton of hard training, she showed more inner strength than her amazing outter strength by fighting through every event and winning the title. She is now shooting for Nationals in Oct. Ashely K. Smith, you are inspirational, phenomenal, and amazing! My tribute is to you today!!!

Shyness, Introversion, and Social anxiety

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Confusion-Surrounding-Introversion,-Shyness,-and-Social-Anxiety-Disorder&id=7881940

Bipolar Picture Contest

The bipolar picture contest is in full swing, with some really great entries. Get your entry in before August 1st for a chance to win a free Living With Bipolar Disorder book with free shipping in the United States.

Enter here:
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec

Free Book Contest Update

We have some great entries into out photo contest to capture the essence of Living With Bipolar Disorder. To enter, go to this link :
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec

Upload your photo by August st. Winner's picture will be posted on this blog and my website and receive a free book. Good luck!

The Connection of Mental and Emotional Stress to Cardiovascular Diseases

Mental stress can include constant worry, difficulty making decisions, forgetfulness, the inability to concentrate, lack of creativity, loss of sense of humor, and poor memory. Emotional stress may include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness, depression, and irritability.

Causes of Mental and Emotional Stress

Some common causes of mental and emotional stress are personal illnesses, both mental and physical, relationship problems, financial problems, family issues, work overload, legal problems, death of a loved one, or a major life change such as a recent relocation, along with personality factors such as being a perfectionist or having a high need for achievement. Any one or a combination of these factors can increase your stress levels and have a negative impact on your health

Link to full article is here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Connection-of-Mental-and-Emotional-Stress-to-Cardiovascular-Diseases&id=7888264

Living With Bipolar Disorder:
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar

Collection of Mental Health Artticles Primarily Devoted to Mood Disorder

The link is here in case you missed an article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=E_Fiske-Jorgensen

Book Site:
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar

How Much Do You Know About Mental Healthcare & Addiction

http://parityispersonal.org/

For more information look under the Advocacy link the National Alliance on Mental Health:
http://www.nami.org/

The Roles of Spirituality and Meditation for Mental Health

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Roles-of-Spirituality-and-Meditation-for-Mental-Health&id=7879972

Don't Miss Out on Bipolar Photo Contest Free Book Giveaway

http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec


Recently submitted photos:

http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec

Best Bipolar Songs

This is my list of some of the best songs that capture the feelings do being Bipolar. I'm sure you all have your list of songs too.

Lithium, Nirvana

Manic-Depression, Jimi Hendrix

Breaking the Habit, Linkin Park

How to Save a Life, The Fray

Hurt, Johnny Cash

My Own Worst Enemy, George Stanford

Crazy Train, Ozzie Osborne

Hot and Cold, Katy Perry

The Cave, Mumford and Sons

Fix You, Cold Play

Long Day, Matchbox 20

The Truth, Jason Andean 

Outside, Staind

Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Paloma Faith

Free Book Giveaway Contest

Free Living With Bipolar Disorder book contest link:
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar#!books/cnec

The Positive and Negative Sides to Hypomania

Link to article is here:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Positive-and-Negative-Sides-to-Hypomania&id=7878616

Book Site is Now Live

Living With Bipolar Disorder:
http://fiskejorgensen.wix.com/livingwithbipolar

Vitamin B for Bipolar Disorder

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamin-B-for-Bipolar-Disorder&id=7860982

Bipolar Recovery: Five Years, Five Themes

Thought this was a great blog:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/bipolar-life/2013/07/five-years-five-themes/

Thee Difficulty in Treating Bipolar Disorder

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Difficulty-in-Treating-Bipolar-Disorder&id=7874204

Using Life Charts for Bipolar Disorder

Summary

A life chart is a systematic and centralized way to track your moods over the course of time, typically each day of a particular month. It provides a snapshot of data on the course of the illness for the patient and/or clinician by using a standardized form.

Body 

The basic nature of life charting shows mood states over the course of each day with moods labeled on the left-hand side of the chart, and each day of the month labeled across the top or bottom of the chart. This creates a graphical picture of how moods have fluctuated over the course of time. This can even be done over the course of a week, which is especially helpful to share with a therapist during weekly sessions.

History
Life charting was first used at the beginning of the twentieth century by Dr. Emil Kraepelin to help him distinguish between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health then developed one called the NIMH-LCM based on Dr. Kraepelin's principles to help psychiatrists and therapists treat their patients and help determine the effectiveness of medication, as it can be of great value for current and future treatment strategies.

Use of Life Charting
The patient or the clinician can use the life chart method. Several studies have shown that patients are capable of completing it without assistance to help in their treatment program.
It can be difficult for a patient to remember what mood state they were in on a particular day, or even how much their moods fluctuated over the course of a specific timeframe. Instead of trying to remember and relay the information to the psychiatrist or therapist, a life chart is a useful tool to look at for both the patient and clinician to discuss. It provides a quick and easy way to visually look at the mood fluctuations and determine if the current treatment options are working for the patient.
It can also give the patient something to discuss during a session. For example, if there is a significant fluctuation in depression during a specific day or over the course of a few days, the clinician can ask the patient what caused the depression. This can help determine whether it was caused by the onset of an environmental event, or if the patient's current medications are not working to help control depression.l

The Life Chart
A life chart has two separate sections, one for mania and one for depression. In each section, the symptoms range from mild, to moderate, to severe, which gives the patient six categories to check-off for a particular day. For mixed states, a patient can even experience both depression and mania during the same day.
The mild category means that the depression or mania is present, but that it caused little or no functional impairment. The moderate category means that the patient experienced either or both mania and depression that caused difficulty in a goal-oriented activity, such as being productive at work. The severe category means that the patient felt essentially incapacitated because of the mood state, which can even mean hospitalization if this is shown over the course of several days (NIMH Life Chart Manual).

How to Start Life Charting
Life charting is a very useful tool. Bipolar Network News provides some easy- to-use and understand forms and manuals. They have a link called Life Charts under their headline where you can find the information.
At the bottom of the article a patient prospective form and manual is provided to help guide the patient. They also provide a sample mood chart, so the patient can see what it is supposed to look like over the course of time.

Summary
Life charting can be an easy and useful tool for patients and their psychiatrists or therapists to utilize. Many patients may not see their psychiatrist but one time each month, and it can be quite difficult to remember how their moods fluctuated over the course of that month without some sort of tracking tool. Life charting has been clinically shown to help. It can also be useful for the patient as they manage their daily lives and try to understand their bipolar disorder and treatment plan.

Genetic Testing to Help Treat Mental Disorders

Recently I wrote an article about the use of grnetic testing, which I have had done, and it has helped tremendously in my treatment program. Here is the link to the article|:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Genetic-Testing-to-Help-Treat-Mental-Disorders&id=7863920

National Minority Mental Awareness Month

HistoryIn May 2008, the United States House of Representatives proclaimed July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, providing agencies with the opportunity to raise awareness about severe mental illness in diverse communities, while highlighting avenues for wellness and recovery.
BackgroundMental illness affects one in four adults and one in ten children in America. The U.S. Surgeon General reports that minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability of mental health services and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care. Furthermore, mental illness is a leading cause of disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. are even less likely to get help, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness .
During National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, help raise awareness in your organization or community. Encourage your family, friends, loved ones and clients to learn more about improving mental health and illness.
This month, Take Action  to raise awareness about mental health!
July 16, 2 pm: Register for a webinar on integrated care, hosted by the Office of Minority Health and SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions.
July 18, 2 pm: Join us for a Twitter chat with SAMHSA, National Office of Drug Control Policy and NAMI. Tweet with us using the hashtag #MMHchat. More information to come soon.

Be Informed Mental Health 101 Myths and Facts  Mental Health Data & Statistics More about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (NAMI) Mentalhealth.gov  Research & Data Tools Mental Health Data & Statistics Cultural Competency  Report:Eliminating Behavioral Health Disparities through Integrated Health Care [PDF | 96KB] , Hogg Foundation for Mental Health & Office of Minority Health (January 2013)Cultural Competency Report:Eliminating Disparities through the Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care Services for Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations, Including Individuals with Limited English Proficiency [PDF | 361KB] , Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and HHS (September 2012) Report:Enhancing the Delivery of Health Care: Eliminating Health Disparities through a Culturally & Linguistically Centered Integrated Health Care Approach [PDF | 318KB] , Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and HHS Office of Minority Health (June 2012) News:Community-based Treatments Offset Depression Disparities , (NIH)

Screening What's Your M3?  (New screening tool with apps for iPhone and Android) SBRIT  Treatment Treatment Locator  Outreach Tools Community Conversations about Mental Health Toolkit  NAMI Activity Planning and Resource Guide  Posters and logos  Social Media Storify  Follow us on Twitter  | En Español  Follow our blog Campaigns and Web sites AMEC Connectional Health Commission  National Baptist Convention H.O.P.E.  Tackling Disparities in Mental Health  (NIH) Mental Health America – African American & Mental Health  Mental Health America – Latinos & Mental Health

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Bringing Bipolar into Focus: DSM-5

An article not to miss:
http://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/1079/bringing-bipolar-into-focus

Press Release - New Book on Living With Bipolar Disorder

Living With Bipolar Disorder -  a memoir
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10861400.htm


Book can be purchased at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Bipolar-Disorder-Hitting-Despair/dp/1489544658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374016016&sr=1-1&keywords=fiske-jorgensen

Or at Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

The Big-Six Action Steps For Those Suffering From a Mental Disorder

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Big-Six-Action-Steps-For-Those-Suffering-From-a-Mental-Disorder&id=7859053

Living with Bipolar Disorder: What Are You Sacrificing for Good Mental Healthcar...

Living with Bipolar Disorder: What Are You Sacrificing for Good Mental Healthcar...: Link to article: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-You-Sacrificing-for-Good-Quality-Mental-Healthcare?&id=7843205 Living with Bi...

What Are You Sacrificing for Good Mental Healthcare?

Link to article:
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-You-Sacrificing-for-Good-Quality-Mental-Healthcare?&id=7843205

Living with Bipolar Disorder: My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game to Hitting the Bottom of Despair

Now available at Barnes & Noble
link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

 Amazon:

http://www.amazon.fr/Living-Bipolar-Disorder-Hitting-Despair/dp/1489544658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373902439&sr=8-1&keywords=fiske-jorgensen

Having a Bad Day? Just Remember, There's Always A Tomorrow

Be Weird. Be Random. It's Okay!

The Roles of Your Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist

Link to article:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Roles-of-Your-Psychiatrist-and-Psychotherapist-With-Bipolar-Disorder&id=7843439

Living with Bipolar Disorder: My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game to Hitting the Bottom of Despair

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Roles-of-Your-Psychiatrist-and-Psychotherapist-With-Bipolar-Disorder&id=7843439Now available at Barnes & Noble
link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

It is also available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489544658/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

New Bipolar Book Press Release

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10861400.htm

Winners Announced!

The WINNERS  of the book giveaway are announced below. The contest was to:

Submit your favorite quote, saying, or advice for those of us living with bipolar disorder and win a free book, Living with Bipolar Disorder, by E Fiske Jorgensen.

I decided to giveaway one book for advice and one for a quote or saying. 

Best Quote (Amy J Q):

...It's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst...and then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life. - American Beauty

Best Advice (Diego Winter):

My advice is to always be under the care of a good psychiatrist and always take your prescriptions, as prescribed.

Available at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Bipolar-Disorder-Hitting-Despair/dp/1489544658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372812134&sr=1-1&keywords=fiske-Jorgensen

Available on Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

FINAL DAY-Livinng With Bipolar Disorder Book Giveaway Contest

Living with Bipolar Disorder:
My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game and Hitting the Bottom of Despair 

The Contest on Facebook: Simply search for E Fiske-Jorgensen https://www.facebook.com/efiske.jorgensen

Ends at midnight CST!

Submit your favorite quote, saying, or advice for those of us living with bipolar disorder and win a free book, Living with Bipolar Disorder. Only one entry per person. The first entry received is the one that will be considered for the prize. The contest starts July 3rd and ends July 10th at midnight, CST. The author will choose the best entry and it will be posted on Facebook, along with the winner's name, on July 11th. It will be posted on this blog on July 11th as well.

You must provide a valid e-mail address to be contacted for shipping information. Shipping is included with the book prize, but only in the United States. The winner can expect to receive the book, via standard shipping, approximately one week after the contest concludes.

The winning entry is final on July 10th based on the author's review of all entries within the specified contest timeframe. A valid e-mail address must be provided to obtain shipping information.

Available at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Bipolar-Disorder-Hitting-Despair/dp/1489544658/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372812134&sr=1-1&keywords=fiske-Jorgensen

Available on Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

BPI vs. BPII

So many discussions and articles talk about bipolar I and bipolar II as if they are completely separate disorders, when in fact, they are not. They are both the same illness, bipolar disorder, just at different points on one spectrum. What's the difference between being 6 months pregnant or 8 months pregnant? You're still pregnant.

Research shows that you can progress up the bipolar spectrum in time and if it is not treated properly. So, moving from BPII to BPI is a constant and legitimate concern for those currently pinpointed at BPII on the spectrum. Bipolar is a progressive disorder, according to the Natinal Institute of Mental Health. Hypo (used to describe mania in BPII) simply means shortened or less than. So,with age or if you are not being treated with the right medications or by a reputable psychiatrist, there is a great risk  in progressing upward on the bipolar spectrum.

BPI and BPII do have different symptoms and struggles, but I think it is imperative that we don't think of them as two separate disorders. We are all figthting the same battle, and hoping they advance  the science behind the disorder to find better treatment options and possibly a cure someday.

 

Spirituality to Overcome Bipolar Symptoms

Do you use spirituality to help control your Bipolar symptoms? If not, have you considered it, whether through Christianity, Buddhism, or other forms of enlightenment. One final point to ponder:

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. ~ Pierre Teihard de Chardin

Living with Bipolar Disorder: My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game to Hitting the Bottom of Despair

Barnes & Noble link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489544658/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

Living With Bipolar Diorder Now At Barnes & Noble

Living with Bipolar Disorder: My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game to Hitting the Bottom of Despair

Now available at Barnes & Noble
link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/living-with-bipolar-disorder-e-fiske-jorgensen/1115775228?ean=9781489544650

It is also available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1489544658/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

My Story about Rising to the Top of My Game and Hitting the Bottom of Despair This book describes my own personal triumphs and struggles with Bipolar Disorder, coupled with ADHD. I have found some good books and articles about the disorder; but unfortunately, there is still a great deal left unknown about it, even among the most educated in the field. So it is quite an undertaking to find anything to help further your understanding of it or how to cope with it. Along those same lines, very few people are willing to tell their story, mainly because of the stigmas attached to it. The primary reason I wrote this book is to help others struggling with Bipolar Disorder. Perhaps, if you have been diagnosed with it, you can find a gold nugget along the way that is helpful, or perhaps you can relate to my entire story. The other reason for writing my story is to help me find some clarity and a better comprehension of what I now have to manage for the rest of my life. If you are reading this to help someone you love with Bipolar Disorder, I hope that this book will help you to grasp it a little better, but be cautious in knowing that each person has his or her own struggles and stories to tell. This book is just my story. I purposefully omitted all names from the book for confidentiality purposes and to respect others’ privacy. Nothing detracts from the stories, but once you read them, you will understand my reasons for this decision. Throughout the book, I also share some valuable resources that I have found along the way that have helped me better understand and cope with the disorder. I hope they help you too.