Product Description

The first book to tackle one of the leading concerns of women with manic depression and related disorders

Customer Reviews (11)

Just what I needed!
I am a newlywed and K. Finn's book is just what I needed to calm my fears and educate me on being pregnant with bipolar. My husband and I do not plan to have children for another year or two but I got this book in hopes to be prepared for the steps before conception and to develop the right habits before the pressures and excitement of motherhood. Since my being diagnosed ten years ago, I've always had difficulty reading books cover to cover like I used to. As soon as I laid hands on this book my husband found me enthralled with the personal stories and scientific backup.I read the entire book in a day or two, with no skipping around or skimming! In fact, as soon as I finished, I started reading it all over again! This book is very helpful!

Must have for bipolar women
This is the only book I've found that completely focuses on issues regarding pregnancy for bipolar women.Even if this genre held many books, this book would still be a must have.It starts out from the beginning addressing med changes necessary for healthy conception and follows the author's experiences (she has 2 children) through postpartum depression.It includes what bipolar women must know about weaning off different medicine, journal entries from the author during her experiences, and activities that readers can do to help themselves stay mentally healthy.The book has been added to and edited by a qualified psychiatrist.My psychologist and psychiatrist are impressed with the book and I have found it an excellent addition to my treatment.

Hopeful
I found this book to be insightful and offer hope for women who are bipolar and are wrestling with the issue of having a baby.Kristin Finn's honesty and candor regarding her own experiences are encouraging.She stresses responsibility to one's self, as a bipolar pregnant woman, and to the unborn child.I believer other bipolar clients would find this book helpful.

A step in the right direction
I recommend this book to any woman (like me) who has a decent grasp on her mental illness and is ready to take on the next challenge: Motherhood!!!

This book was a push in just the right direction for me.It's very reassuring to know it can be done, and done well. I took the suggestions from this book and used them to help plan discussions with my therapist and psychiatrist about me starting a family (both went very smoothly).

I feel as if at least one other woman out there understands what I'm going through, as if she could have written this book just for me.Am I going to follow her path step for step?It's not possible.For starters, my psychiatrist is weaning me off one medication but keeping me on another.Kristin's book helped me feel comfortable having the discussion and understanding the risks and benefits of my medications.

All of the suggestions in this book can be adapted to the reader's life and the people in her life that make up her support network.There are no perfect answers, but this books helped me get on my way to finding my answers.

If nothing else, it reminded me my illness needs constant monitoring and care, whether I'm pregnant or not.

Thanks,
Jillian

Proof positive
People don't give a damn what they inflict on children.
Push comes to shove, it is all about what the so-called adult wants no matter the consequences to the child.
I really cannot rate the book: I have not read it and have no intention of reading it as it will annoy me too much.

Don't bother flaming me, all you will do is prove my point.

two cents ¢¢ ... Read more

Product Description
After many years spent exhibiting strange and erratic behavior, including two attempts to take his own life, twenty-seven-year-old Hunter Kraven is delivered to a psychiatric ward at a local hospital against his will. During the span of his three-week hospitalization, Kraven comes to understand that his bizarre ways of behaving are definitely beyond the realm of normalcy and that there is indeed an explanation for his madness.

Customer Reviews (5)

A Good Read But Not a Guide to Bipolar Disorder
I enjoyed this book even though it follows the main character through a period of hospitalization for a suicide attempt due to bipolar disorder. Understanding the forward and intent of the author in writing it made me much more forgiving of the few portions that were difficult to read and figure out which point in time those events had occurred since the book does not flow congruently beginning to end, and the grammar and punctuation mistakes that made it through final editing. Character development is a bit lacking throughout, even for the main character in my opinion. There is enough to make the read enjoyable however.
There is strong language throughout which I felt was an honest portrayal but some may find offensive. These is no real intent I felt on the part of the author to convey information about bipolar disorder so I would hope any readers of this novel are already well informed about the disorder, otherwise they may come away with a skewed view that all bipolar sufferers are similar to the main character and supporting characters of the novel and have no true understanding of the complexities of the illness.

Voices Beyond the Stream
Well I just finished the book and I have to say I'm relieved and slightly uncomfortable. It is true bipolar disorder is an unfortunate misdiagnosed mental illness. This novel is written very well,of course I would not have expected anything less from Chris. Next it looks as though I will be reading The River Manic.

A Real Stunner
This one stunned me with its very frank look at manic depression, a.k.a. bipolar disorder. The protagonist's struggles to overcome his mental illness are admirable, to say the least. Here we have the story of a manic-depressive man who is thrust onto a psychiatric ward where he must come to terms with his illness. I recommend this novel for anyone who wants a better understanding of manic depression in a fictional format.

Voices Beyond the Stream
Capturing the sheer essence of how powerful the mind is and the extraordinary challenges one has to overcome when diagnosed with bipolar or manic depression; Christopher Palmer opens the doors to a new world less traveled.Although researched and studied...really understanding why some people are more affected and impacted then others by certain traumas and experiences is still not fully understood.Palmer's book captures the reader in a way that you feel you are having a personal conversation at times with the main character.The characters reflect various aspects of this mysterious disease and how true commitment and love for oneself can pull you through to the other side.I highly recommend this book, especially for those suffering who may not see the light through the tunnel or hear the "Voices Beyond the Stream".There is hope and there is help.Please reach out!

Voices Beyond the Stream: A Review
Voices Beyond the Stream is an eye-opener to the plight that many suffering from manic depression face in their daily lives. The author, Chris Palmer, candidly moves the reader through the mind of a man suffering from the illness, giving the reader an extraordinarily honest view of the illness infringing on his main character's (Hunter Kraven) very existence.
Although this is a work of fiction, the characters are keenly real, and urgent issues are cleverly placed into a story that is not only intellectually engaging, it also delivers vital information about coping with manic depression. Palmer's well-crafted words push the envelope, taking the reader to the edge and ultimately bringing forth a real-life solution. He delivers detailed information about modern treatment and depicts the effects of this treatment in a way that only someone with manic depression would know. This rare look is invaluable to moving forward with the courses of action necessary for those who live with the illness and for those with loved-ones who suffer from it.
Voices Beyond the Stream is definitely a must-read for anyone thirsty for understanding manic depression. It won't disappoint!
... Read more

Product Description
Lithium is the best established of all the medications to treat manic depression (bipolar disorder). Drs. Bohn and Jefferson give a thorough, up-to-date description of how lithium is used and answer the questions patients and their families often ask. They are practicing clinicians whoare familiar with the latest research findings, as well as with how lithium has affected their patients and what those patients most wanted to know. This booklet, first published in 1982, has been revised ten times, most recently in 1996. Over 425,000 copies have been distributed. ... Read more

Product Description
Manic depression (bipolar disorder) is a mental and emotional condition characterized by wide and often disabling mood swings. It is estimated that at least 13 out of every 1,000 people will have some form of manic-depressive illness in their lifetimes. Divalproex, a drug commonly prescribed for specific forms of epilepsy, has become a well-established treatment for acute mania. In this booklet, Drs. Jefferson and Greist describe the benefits and limitations of using divalproex. (Previously published as Valproate and Manic Depression: A Guide.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good introduction
I was given a copy this book when I was hospitalized for Bipolar-II disorder and given Depakote as a mood supressor in May 1999. This book is really very good, easy to read, and mostly appears to be complete. I havethe personal feeling that it seems to be a little incomplete (maybe I haveparanoia also!), but it is an excellent starting point. ... Read more

Product Description
In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing.This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. ... Read more

Product Description
Millions of people in the United States suffer from the devastating, stigmatizing mental illness called manic depression. Much of the care they receive from their doctors is ineffective. Much of the information they receive about their medications is misleading. Furthermore, their loved ones are not allowed information even though they are critical in assisting the patient cope with the disease. Handling Mr. Hyde is intended to help patients and their loved ones understand these issues and a myriad of other ones that are associated with this disease that extend well beyond medicine to virtually every aspect of life. It is most helpful if read initially upon diagnosis, or even suspicion of the illness, by the patient, the family, or friends. Half of the chapters are written in a question and answer format that allows readers to directly find guidance regarding their most significant concerns as if the authors were discussing it with them. The other chapters are essays on topics that are treated in greater depth than the question and answer format permits. The book is unique in that it is written from three perspectives: the patient, who also has the point of view and expertise of a physician, and a member of his family. SAK is a physician who has had residency training in internal medicine, neurology and psychiatry. In addition, both authors have doctorate degrees (SAK in physiology and IMK in mechanical engineering) providing advanced scientific training. The philosophy of the answers are based on the common sense and stoicism gained by experience, backed by the scientific, economic, and social insight gained by learning.

Customer Reviews (1)

Revealing and Amazing
Four Stars!!!!
A must read, this is quite a chronicle of Dr Katz.
The effect of, and on, the family as well as the revelation of the manifestation of the condition is a labor of Love. Ira Katz himself is also most interesting, (to say the least!).
Highly Reccomened ! ... Read more

Product Description
Carla Hartl? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Frightening
Hartl's story of her "crazy" father is as frightening as it is original. I agree with the previous comment that the book could use a good editing, but also must say that this story should be read by manic-depressives everywhere. --chris palmer, author of VOICES BEYOND THE STREAM

Intriguing but difficult read
The story is compelling enough. Grammar problems and repetition make for a bit of a problem at times. The editor must have been on vacation. The author also makes a generalizing mistake in the end, yes, her father is mentally ill and violent, but not all mentally ill are violent...There definitly is a problem when someone like her father gets released time and again with no help, but that doesn't mean we should throw away the key with all mentally ill people. ... Read more

Product Description
I’ve studied more or less every course on writing in the nearly twenty years that I’ve been educated, so I’d like to think I’ve learnt a bit on the subject. I’ve a passion for culture and hope to one day work as a professional language translator. What inspired me to finally pursue publication of Cinderella in the Attic was to not only give myself a voice but also to advocate for everyone who suffers from an eating disorder, depression, or anything that’s not letting his or her life be the most rewarding it can be. I suffered with bulimia and depression for most of my life completely in silence; it is with this book that I hope to encourage everyone out there who’s enduring a secret war alone to get the help they need. This book to me is not only about the illness I’ve faced but also in a way demonstrates just how inattentive we can be toward those around us when we get too caught up in the daily grind. In fact, it’s only now that what I’ve been going through all this time has come to light. It’s so important to love one another every day and pay attention to even the most minuscule details. It may save someone’s life. —P.H., 2006 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chaotic and disordered waste of time
Anyone looking for a good read would no doubt find this book a disappointment. It's more of a jumble of assorted self indulgent ramblings with no "meat", and no point but to purge the author's mind of her claustrophic and downright uncomfortable thoughts. If you are reading this as a person suffering from an ED and hoping for some clarity or important insights, this is not the book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
Description

A sincere and moving autobiography about a mother of two whose life is turned upside down by post natal depression and bi-polar. Anne suffered severe side effects from taking prozac but fought back through CBT, studying, poetry and writing about her condition. Anne's personal transformation from sufferer to empowered and confident woman gives new hope to fellow sufferers. Anne's bravery is an example to us all, this book is an inspiration to sufferers, carers and professionals alike.

About the Author

Anne Brocklesby was born in 1951 in Epsom, Surrey. She was educated in Wimbledon and Scotland before studying social sciences at Edinburgh University. She has now returned to live in Wimbledon where she has worked for many years in the voluntary sector. She is involved in the Make Poverty History campaign and takes an active interest in mental health issues, trying to promote a more positive image and challenging discrimination and stigma.
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Product Description
The book is useful for family members, friends, and significant others, and persons concerned with the mentally ill. It provides practical approaches and specific techniques, which can be used in the everyday management of depression and bipolar (manic-depressive) illness.The key topics addressed include common medications used in treating depression and bipolar illness, crisis management, illness symptoms, journal strategies, relaxation techniques, helpful approaches to daily life structure, list of support agencies, and useful information for those concerned about the mentally illness. A sense of hope in the care and treatment of the mentally ill is provided throughout the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

disappointing
This book is not only badly written but in some cases, grossly incorrect.It is by no means comprehensive, nor does it even sufficiently cover what it purports to cover.I was very disappointed by it, and I hope those whoare serious about learning about Bipolar Disorder look elsewhere.It isalmost scary to know that this book is available.There are a number ofmuch better books out there that are more accurate and useful.

Not trustworthy
This book is so full of errors that I absolutely do not trust it.Mistakes include grammatical errors, index not matching text, and inaccurate substantive context.Nor does it add anything new.Most of theinformation could be more accurately obtained from more trustworthysources. Much better books on the topic are available. ... Read more

Product Description
Studies the most common of mental syndromes and how it can cause tension or problems at school, work, and home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not for children diagnosed with bipolar disorder
I agree with the other reviewer that this is not a helpful book.I was hoping to find an informative book for children that have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.This book is definitely not it!I believe it would scare youngsters into thinking that they might end up in an asylum, receiving electro-shock therapy.The book states that not everyone ends up like that, but it seems to dwell on the topic.It also has some disturbing information about the history of mental illness and they way patients were treated long ago.

Not good -- validates stereotypes!
This book is very limited in scope and focuses on the negative aspects of manic depression.As the wife of a manic depressive, I found it to be a book to steer clear of as the author seems to think that all manicdepressives are doomed to be inmates and have no function in society. ... Read more

Product Description
In trying to make sense of his twenty-year experience with manic depression, the author tells a powerful story of pain, loss, determination, healing and family love.

For the more than 17,000,000 individuals in the U.S. who suffer from depression—and the loved ones who support them—this book offers insights, truth and a patient's hard-won wisdom about how to survive and thrive, even when the adversary attacks from within.

Bruce also pulls together a valuable appendix of resources that may be helpful to other individuals and families struggling with the very real challenges of bipolar disorder.

The Pill Box is a memorable story about overcoming adversity with hefty doses of love, family support and personal courage. ... Read more