An Unquiet Mind

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
An Unquiet Mind
7
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

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2003
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 2:07pm

No haven't read it...strangly enough I haven't thought about getting any books on bp...have like 5 on add/hd.

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Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 2:09pm

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

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 2:24pm

Catherine,


It IS a wonderful book and all the more heartening because of her career.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 2:56pm

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

Avatar for missyflanders
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 8:18pm

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

 
 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 8:37pm

Catherine,


I read the book when I first found out I was BP.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Thu, 08-04-2005 - 8:49pm

Amanda,


I'm glad you're feeling better.