Mommy I'm Still in Here: Raising Children with Bipolar Disorder (Paperback)

~ Kate McLaughlin (Author)
Key Phrases: onset bipolar disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Kay Redfield Jamison, Jamie Conklin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With insight and intimacy, Kate L. McLaughlin candidly shares the realities of parenting children with Bipolar Disorder. No other book so eloquently and honestly conveys the physical realities and battered emotions of a family caught in the swirling storm of a child s hallucinations and psychosis. Nothing else accurately depicts the frenzy of mania, or suicide attempts and their bittersweet aftermaths. No other writer so aptly illustrates the personal changes in parents of disabled children, nor connects them to the emotional and spiritual growth borne of their occurrence. This book supports, educates, and informs the reader, offering hope and encouragement to anyone living with chronic illness or raising teens.

About the Author

Kate L. McLaughlin utilized her public speaking talents and teaching experience to train and motivate fellow public school teachers and instructional aides as a Special Programs Coordinator for the Upland School District in California. She frequently spoke to women s and youth groups on the topics of communication, education, and family issues. McLaughlin is a member of the Depression and Bipolar Alliance, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation, and participates in NAMI s Family to Family program.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Behler Publications (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933016493
• ISBN-13: 978-1933016498
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #157,009 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting, honest and hopeful, February 5, 2008

By	KTN (USA) - See all my reviews

In "Mommy I'm Still in Here" author Kate McLaughlin clearly communicates what it's like to raise kids diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Honesty is the primary focus here, and McLaughlin does not sugar-coat the hard realities of living with Bipolar Disorder. She not only shows what symptoms look like and how emotions feel, but also sheds light on the inadequacies and successes of modern psychiatric treatment, the strain on family dynamics, and the personal growth necessary to navigate very difficult circumstances. Many scenes are frightening, even horrifying, and deeply sad, but the reader feels encouraged and hopeful, perhaps even empowered, in the end. In addition to her personal perspective, McLaughlin has thoroughly researched her topic and shares facts and resources that will help anyone seeking information or support. Going a long way toward creating understanding and acceptance of the millions diagnosed with a serious mental illness, "Mommy I'm Still in Here" is informative for all and a must-read for anyone who struggles with mental illness or loves someone who does.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be Required Reading, February 7, 2008

By	A. Cavett (Tucson, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This "no holds barred" account of a mother, daughter, son and family grappling with the ravages of bipolar disorder should be required reading for therapists, psychiatrists, nursing staff, parents, extended family, friends, and educators. McLaughlin's writing is grippingly beautiful even as she takes you by the hand and leads you into the horrors that Bipolar Disorder inflicts. Most important, is the honesty with which she writes. As a result, the reader is able to find hope in the beauty and richness that McLaughlin demonstrates can be found even in the face of, and the aftermath of chaos. It is clear that this book was written from the soul, guts and heart of this mother. It is no wonder that her children are so remarkable. Thank you Kate (and Chloe and Michael) for helping break the silence and denounce the shame of mental illness.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She tells the story for many of our families who don't have a voice of our own., February 6, 2008

By	Deborah Colleen Rose "www.deborahrose.com" (Garland, TX United States) - See all my reviews

As a mother of two children with mental illness, Kate McLaughlin has not only written about my family, but about hundreds of other families as well. We want them to have quality of life, opportunities for a successful life and choices that allow them to exhibit and explore the special qualities they have. We love them. We want you to accept them.

Deborah Rose NAMI TX Director of Educational Development