An Unquiet Mind
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| Thu, 08-04-2005 - 2:02pm |
Hi All,
Anyone read this book by Kay R. Jamison? I just finished it and found it wonderfully insightful. She really takes you on the bipolar journey. My Dad was BPI and now I know more about what he was going through...
I love that she has not let the disease defeat her and that she keeps striving towards her goals despite set-backs. Sometimes, I find myself dwelling and dwelling on my dx, and I wonder if I give it too much power in my life. Do I 'blame' things on my BP that are really normal? Do I use it as an excuse or a crutch for my behavior/feelings?
The book made me realize how fortunate I am, though I am BP, my symptoms are so much milder than hers (and my Dad's) that I should fall to my knees and thank the powers that be.
Ok, I am rambling, but just wanted to pop in with something interesting (I hope...LOL)
Catherine

No haven't read it...strangly enough I haven't thought about getting any books on bp...have like 5 on add/hd.
God could not be everywhere, so
Yes I have the book and loved it too. While I have never been hospitalized (aside from staying in the ER) I have had a few serious bouts with bp. I also know that it could be much worse. What I realized though is that there is no way that I'm not bp and why can't anyone see how serious it is? My current pdoc doesn't think so. I just went down my epival (depakote) and immediately my mood has risen from depression to stable. Just one of many of the signs that this is real. I just don't feel heard. Am I that good of an actor that I can appear much more normal to some people? I guess I too am way too focused on my illness and letting it take over my life. As far as those questions go for you, that's only something you can answer.
Just thought I'd add my 2 cents!
Amanda
Catherine,
It IS a wonderful book and all the more heartening because of her career.
Marci,
The book with the artistic/madness connection (her words, not mine) by Kay Jamison is called "Touched with Fire"... I am reading that right now and you are right, it is a little harder to get through (more technical I think, with lots of examples) but interesting nonetheless.
Catherine
I am reading it now. Will let you know what I think when I finish. Glad to know it seems to be worth the time though. Thanks for the post.
Missy
Catherine,
I read the book when I first found out I was BP.
Amanda,
I'm glad you're feeling better.