Beautifully Bipolar: An Inspiring Look Into Mental Illness Paperback – June 1, 2013

A perfect first non-clinical book for family members, loved ones, or even sufferers themselves, who are just adjusting to the unsettling diagnosis of Bi-Polar disorder. The language, events, and circumstances are true to life, and I can attest.As one recently married to a cherished friend from many years ago, whom I've now discovered is bipolar, I found this book to be a "window" into our home. My new wife didn't tell me her complete diagnosis, just "depression, and PTSD", and I spent anxious months going from counselor to counselor trying to figure out, what was wrong with my soulmate. This book is like a diary of our last 7 months, and written as if through my wife's eyes.The language, the blunt profanity, followed by religiosity that Erin describes may shock you, but I assure you, they are the "real deal". This book is a must if you are trying to understand how your loved one feels, and what's going on inside even when the words and actions on the outside are so angry they drive you away. The graphic nature of it's stories will resonate with those of you who are living with someone who's Bi-polar condition is not managed. . It will also strengthen your resolve, not to reject the bi-polar afflicted person in your life when they're acting out the chemistry inside, that torments them, and rages at you. And this book will encourage you to persist, reach out and get mental health, and / or police assistance, when needed to help your loved one into a better place. The legal and mental health system is ugly, complicated, and is filled with apparent roadblocks to getting help, and doesn't come with a user's manual. The process is painful for both the family member and the loved one suffering with the Bi-Polar disorder. But Erin proves its worth the struggle.Erin, thank you for giving more than a textbook description of this too common, too little understood medical condition. You've put a face on it, given it a name, and demonstrated that there can be positive outcomes with consistent effort. I gave a huge sigh of relief at the end of her book, when I realized that what we're experiencing, is not unique, we're not alone going through, this experience. Others have navigated this, and even the bad things that you are going through now can have a positive outcome.I've shared this book with friends (Kindle edition) who are trying to understand what's going on in our house, and it helps! it helps! I strongly recommend it.

The fact that Erin wrote this book after all she has been through is amazing enough, the fact that it is a beautifully written and inspiring book affects us all. Erin writes truthfully and honestly about her entire experience from the day it began, and yet she has written this book to help others as well. This does not escape us since she has made it her life's mission to help others, I was extremely moved by the way she poured herself into this book to help not only herself but to help others too!A lovely, joyful and happy person, we now see how difficult her entire journey has been these last few years. This book can help many people with various mental health issues and it can help others with a depth of insight into the people around them. Great job Erin, I loved this book and you too!

This book had me enthralled from the first sentence. I read it front to back in one sitting. A story of a courageous, young, beautiful girl who had her world turned upside down, and the path she has taken to get where she is today. It gives a detailed account of her journey in a VERY honest and open way! I recommend this to anyone who is dealing with a bipolar disorder or knows someone who is dealing with it. You will laugh and cry right along with her in this compelling, heart-felt book. And at the end you will CHEER! She has taken her "disorder" and is now taking powerful and positive strides towards making this world a better place!

If you want to learn more about mental health and advocacy read this book. Whether you are living with mental health issues, know someone living with mental health issues, or are just interested in the subject this is the perfect book. Erin, the author, gives real life perspective by sharing her story of realization of a Bipolar diagnosis, in depth explanation of what living with Bipolar diagnosis physically and mentally feels like, and how to advocate for yourself or a family member with any mental health diagnosis. This book gave me a real perspective into the triumphs, struggles, heartache, guilt, and perseverance people living with mental health issues can experience. The author is real, raw, brave, hopeful, and encouraging!

I enjoyed her honesty in telling her story of daily coping with being bipolar, everything she's had to endure and how she learned the coping skills to live a productive life. She gives hope to those suffering from bipolar and helps those without it to better understand the illness.Recommended read for those who have someone close to them with this illness.

Thank you Erin for writing this book! I've been going through a mental health diagnosis journey with my teenaged daughter. Someone from a support group highly recommended this book to me. I found it so helpful, a little scary and ultimately empowering. I find it so useful to be aware of your experiences and what worked for you. Reading your book advanced my outlook and knowledge. I would recommend this book to patients, friends, parents, and I'd really like some middle school, high school teachers and college professors to read it.

I have read 16 books on this subject in the past 3 months. I chose this one to be my last. I'm glad I did because as I've since come to terms with my own illness, this, for me, was like reflecting back over the years. This woman can really write. She's descriptive in ways that keep you wanting to read more. It's only 78 pages so you can read it in one sitting if you like. Because of her writing style, I was compelled to do just that. I loved this book.