Customer Reviews

Bipolar Disorder: Rebuilding Your Life

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"Bipolar Disorder" is not a book of technical diagnosis and treatment techniques for the disorder. Quite different from similar books on the subject it is the personal story of the life and experiences of the author. Rev. James T. Stout opens up his heart and his life to public scrutiny in order to provide a thorough picture of the thinking patterns and problems of people with bipolar disorder. And yet, as he goes through his various experiences, interlaid within the story itself is the story of how rebuilt his life, the strategies that worked, the techniques that benefited his life, and how he has become more in control of his moods. It is a story of hope and practical guidance for those dealing with bipolar disorder or those who know someone with the disorder. The author masterfully leads the reader through learning to rebuild their life without resorting to jargon or a cold, sterile treatise on the disorder. Intensely personal, highly educational, it is a highly recommended read for anyone wanting to know more about bipolar disorder for whatever their reason.

Stout provides a very rare take on bipolar disorder. It is from the perspective of one who has been there (is there) and has more than survived. As a psychiatrist, I have rarely encountered a 'personal experience' volume with such bredth and balance. Yes, he includes religion... he's a minister! But he identifies scores of important aspects to 'rebuilding your life' with bipolar disorder. He doesn't shun medicine as some organized evil attempt at behavioral control. He doesn't say God will heal you without any work on your part. Basically he details all the areas of your life, which if taken for granted (like sleep) can lead to symptomatic relapse.

The title of Chapter 14, "Life in a Psychiatric Unit: Sometimes Awful, Sometimes Fun" fairly well says it all. (And it describes working in a psych unit too!)

Stout has maintained a sense of humor, balance and optimism which would be well adopted by anyone facing a mental health challenge. He has no hidden agendas and never preaches. He tells it like he has experienced it, and as it has worked for him. And he tells it well.

Heartily recommended to all.

Precise, Great Advise. A true Bipolar Recovery book. I have never seen a self help book I couldn't put down. A great book for all those who suffer from Bipolar. Especially those who were victims of abuse. Speaks to those in commons language. Doesn't preach. Speaks of the importance of medication. A must own.

This is a very good memoir about the author's struggle with and recovery from bipolar disorder. It reminded me a little of "Manic by Midnight" in that an important message of the story is how to rebuild your life in the wake of the disorder, particularly in the wake of mania. The quality of writing is pretty good, as the author writes well enough to bring the story vividly to life. Not being too religious myself, I nonetheless didn't mind the juxtaposition of religion with the story, and if anything this contributed to the story. Overall, an interesting read. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".

A very close relative of mine has bipolar disorder, so I've read everything I've been able to find on this subject.
However, this book is as comprehensive an analysis as I've found. Although the author goes into a bit more detail of his day-to-day life than I wanted, DO NOT skip a single chapter. Every chapter has tools and techniques that are invaluable to understanding and coping with the disorder.
The book is especially trailblazing in putting this "chemical" condition in the context of a dysfunctional upbringing. And in presenting skills for dealing with those, related, problems.
The appendices are especially helpful, and succinct.

This is an excellent book about a man who has suffered with bipolar disorder (manic-depression) and has begun to rebuild his life. The author does an excellent job of explaining his story and more importantly, provides tips and strategies to others who have been affected by this terrible condition.

Bipolar is a big part of my life and my families life. Understanding the people who deal with it must be as hard as having it. Reverend Dr. James Stout gives us a "diary" if you will, of his life and dealing with his abusive family. Not a technical book but a book that will teach you practical techniques for managing moods without losing your mind. Unlike the other books out there on this subject, Rebuilding your life, makes you feel like you are not alone. Someone else has been through this and knows how you feel and is trying to help you.
I commend Reverend Dr. James Stout for the courage I know it took to write this book.

After hearing Dr. Stout speak at a NAMI meeting, I rushed right out and purchased the book. Not only does it do an excellent job of explaining the emotions of someone living with this illness, it is riveting. I didn't want to put it down. Several friends have asked to borrow it.

One of the things that is difficult to understand for many of us family members of someone living with mental illness, is the utter despair and hopelessness they experience when they are symptomatic. Dr. Stout is able to convey this well.

There is a lot of good information for family members as well as ill people themselves. My ill family member and I have both used many ideas from his book.

I highly recommend it for a good read and for useful information.