The other day I was channel surfing, and came across a movie I hadn’t seen in years. ”A Beautiful Mind” was released in 2001 and won an Academy Award for Best Picture. I doubt there are many who haven’t seen this movie. But this time I watched it through an entirely different lens. I’ve learned so much, and changed so much since it originally came out. It’s a show about a brilliant mathematician with schizophrenia, and how he suffers, and eventually overcomes, his condition. My wife thinks it’s depressing, but I disagree. I see it as positive, even validating. You can buy this movie used for about $6.00 on Amazon. Watch it again – you’ll be glad you did.
Want a positive book on bipolar disorder? Tired of tragic stories where the lead character suicides? Or reference books full of statistics and medical information? Not that there’s anything wrong with either, I have many of those books, and treasure several of them. But sometimes you just need some hopeful and uplifting material. That’s where I recommend Tom Wootton’s ”The Bipolar Advantage”. This book is an excellent motivator, and it gets us to see sides of this illness, and therefore ourselves, we hadn’t seen. A review they have on Amazon says it better than I ever could:
Ultimately, The Bipolar Advantage will stand as a guide book for those who don't want to accept a diminished view of their lives after a diagnosis of bipolar. It s a road map to wellness and strength that will stand the test of time and the changing winds of popular bipolar treatment modalities.
You won’t agree with everything the author writes, but that’s OK. Do yourselves a favor and buy the book. Less than eleven bucks new, and half of that if it’s used. But don’t lend this book but to your mother-in-law, she’ll think you’re a superhero. And no, I have no interest in this, other than to advance a mindset of happiness and success.
This just scratches the surface of the bipolar disorder themed books and other media the wife and I have experienced over the last year. If there’s interest, I’ll post more. How about others out there? Have any gift suggestions you can share? Good or bad reviews? Leave a comment and let us know!
Hi G.J.,
It was nice to read your article. A meaningful Christmas message of family tradition to all. And thanks for the gift suggestions.
It reminds me of a book (practically the only book) available on bipolar of any credibility when my diagnosis was made. It is "Moodswing" by Ronald Fieve, and has since been revised (I think in 2002), a book well worth reading reviews on.
Have a happy Christmas, and enjoy your "special" gift this year.
Judy
Thanks Judy for reading and taking the time to leave a comment.
That book is one I have haven't read. I see they have it for $.01 on Amazon.com - you can't go wrong there. They also have one by the same Author that looks interesting: "Bipolar II: Enhance Your Highs, Boost Your Creativity, and Escape the Cycles of Recurrent Depression--The Essential Guide to Recognize and Treat the Mood Swings of This Increasingly Common Disorder"
Also in the bipolar self help or recovery books I'd check out John McManamy's book "Living Well With Depression and Bipolar Disorder". He packs a ton of information in that book.
Thanks for your post, I will be checking out the book and author you mentioned.