The Up And Down Life: The Truth About Bipolar Disorder--the Good, the Bad, and the Funny (Lynn Sonberg Books) (Paperback)

by Paul E. Jones (Author), Andrea Thompson (Author) "I am a designer..." (more)
Key Phrases: bipolar friend, bipolar life, bipolar person, Some Giant, Seesaw Being Pushed, Crazy Hand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A fresh, honest, and practical guide to living with bipolar disorder.

Paul Jones, a stand-up comedian and workshop leader who suffers from bipolar disorder, uses humor, honesty, and hard-won practical advice to dispel the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and shed light on the challenges of living with bipolar disorder.

Offering an intimate view of life with bipolar disorder—including the most common mistakes bipolar individuals make and how to avoid them— and covering every aspect from diagnosis, social life, home life, and career, this is an accessible and engaging guide from someone who’s been there and can help readers cope and thrive.

About the Author
Paul E. Jones is a popular stand-up comedian and motivational speaker who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003. His mission and passion in life is to educate people who suffer from bipolar disorder, as well as those who treat and love them. Andrea Thompson is a New York based freelance writer who has co-written many popular books in the areas of health, psychology, relationships, and parenting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1 edition (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399534229
• ISBN-13: 978-0399534225
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #40 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Manic Depression
  #76 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Aging > Depression
  #100 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Mood Disorders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book! SO Helpful, December 7, 2008

By	R. Hansen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is outstanding. It was the most helpful book on the topic of bipolar I have ever read. My husband has suffered for 18 years with the BP, and finally, a book that makes sense to us! This author really tells it like it is, and offers tons of hope, and ideas that make sense. The humor is awesome, we loved the book. Very, very helpful. A must read for anyone dealing with BP-whether patient or caregiver. My husband read the book and kept smiling and saying, this book sounds exactly like me, and that helped him know he is not alone, which is a feeling he deals with all the time with BP. Truly, the best book I have ever read on bipolar disorder.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an amazing book, May 21, 2008

By	RN from Ohio - See all my reviews

as a register nurse, i found this book to be very informative and not too "medically speaking" overwhelming. As a young women who has had to fight her own demons, it was truly heartfelt and eye opening. mr jones does an amazing job helping outsiders see the true depth of depression and the soaring highs of mania. he is truly a stright shooter, not making excuse or placing blame on past actions, he has been through the battle of his life and emerged on the other side a true hero of this disorder. He offers many different tools and ideas to help those who are just discovering there illness to those who have been dealing with it for years. it is also a wonderful tool for family member, Paul takes family and friends by the hand and teaches them the best way to treat your love one dealing with this disease. if you think that anyone you care about is struggling with this disorder, this is the book to buy.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tremendous Book, October 9, 2008

By	Jeff B. Bowlin "Hook'em" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As someone who was diagnosed with Bipolar II, in July '08, I became scared because I had no idea what to expect. All the mood swings I had been experiencing, I thought were just a part of me. However, once I found out they weren't, I started looking for answers and what "normal" meant.
Paul's book is the MOST "down to earth" book on Bipolar Disorder I have read (I have read at least 10 since my diagnosisous(sp?)). He speaks to the reader on a level you can relate to. There is no "over the head" unecessary information. I understand basic brain function and did not need an education on that. I wanted to find out what someone else experiences w/ Bipolar and Paul let me in on that knowledge. It gets frustrating in dealing w/ the meds, finding the right combination, etc. Plus Paul gave me an idea of what "normal" actually may be and for that I am extremely grateful.
I strongly recommend this book for people who have recently been diagnosed w/Bipolar, as it gives a person insight on what to expect and he shows you, that yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel, you just may not get there as quick as you want to, I know.