Sara Schley - BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum

Early Praise for

BRAIN
STORM

BrainStorm is a masterful autobiography about Sara Schleys lived experiences with bipolar disorder II, poignantly capturing the danger of years of misdiagnosis, the perils of antidepressant monotherapy, and the lack of understanding about bipolar spectrum disorders in the psychiatric community. This is an essential and hugely helpful first-person narrative account of what it is like to live with BD II that will increase awareness and decrease stigma and inspire others who struggle with BD II. I fervently hope that the book is read by a wide audience.

D R. H OLLY S WARTZ , Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh

I vividly remember reading BrainStorm for the first time, reaching page three, and breaking into tears. Here was someone describing exactly how I felt, as if they were inside of my brain, at a time when I didnt even understand what I was feeling. It wouldnt be an overstatement to say this book changed, if not saved, my life, for which I am forever grateful.

J AMES H ARRISON , University of California Berkeley Sophomore

I read BrainStorm straight through while standing in the kitchen. This is a very compelling, very important memoir about the other bipolar disorderthe one hardly anyone knows about.

D R. J AMES P HELPS , Psychiatrist, Author of A Spectrum Approach to Mood Disorders

BrainStorm is an extraordinary, captivating, and unflinchingly honest depiction of bipolar II depression across a womans life span from the inside out. In order to educate the public and professionals and reach across the deep chasm of stigma associated with bipolar disorder, we must all read this book. It will save someones life.

A NNETTE C YCON , LICSW, CEO, Group Peer Support

Sara Schley brings to life what doctors find hard to define. bipolar II is more than depression, yet not the same as bipolar I. This book tells the story thats in between those extremes, with all its grit and glory.

D R. C HRIS A IKEN , Director, Mood Treatment Center

Sara Schleys message is beautiful and brave. It underscores the importance of championing all those who struggle with the brain demons of bipolar II.

D R. J OHN G OTTLIEB , Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

In her beautifully written, informative memoir, Sara Schley brings hope, comfort, and healing to those suffering from bipolar II. Drawing upon her own experiences, she writes with great vulnerability and honesty. Saras important memoir helps the reader to identify and understand the unique symptoms of bipolar II and also provides an informative focus on pathways to recovery.

J EFF W ESTON , High School Teacher

I havent been able to stop reading BrainStorm. The writing is riveting, captivating, and breathtakingly painful and courageous. Wow. Thank you!

J AI K ELLER , Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Captivated, I read BrainStorm in two sittings last weekend. I couldnt put it down. While I have not experienced bipolar first-hand, I am a caregiver of someone who is paranoid schizophrenic. Sara Schleys book showed me a whole new way of thinking about her and what she is living through. While not bipolar II, she is fighting her own demons. Youve opened a whole new place for her in my heart and for that I am profoundly thankful.

L E A NNE G RILLO , Business Consultant

BrainStorm is a riveting, insightful, gut-wrenching, and ultimately hope-filled book. I literally could not put it down. Sara Schley has so much to teach us in her life story. She is an inspiration!

D ARCY W INSLOW , Former head of Nike Womens Worldwide

Sara Schley courageously uses the power of her raw experience with depression to point a way toward hope. After years of misdiagnoses by medical professionals, she finds a psychiatrist who recognizes bipolar II. BrainStorm is a testament to living well with bipolar II and is a wake-up call for doctors and all who struggle with depression that may be misdiagnosed.

M ARA B RIGHT , Teacher and Librarian

BrainStorm is a vividly told personal journey of emotional devastation, dogged perseverance, healing, and growth. Sara Schley unabashedly relied on a web of support and guidance from family, friends, and professionals. Her journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and reaching for connection.

P AUL D OUD , Marriage and Family Therapist

I wish I had read BrainStorm before, before my dear nephew gave in to bipolar II despair. If I had read it, if my family had read it then, he would be alive now, sharing his loving genius with the world. This well-researched personal story is a life-changer for anyone stricken with bipolar II disorder and those who love them enough to help.

K ITTY A XELSON- B ERRY , Publisher and Personal Historian

Sara Schley has written an absorbing and disturbing memoir that shines a harsh light on the incredible challenges of getting appropriate treatment for mental health challenges, given our fragmented mental health-care system, as well as the appalling ignorance of some professionals. All mental health professionals should read this book, as it proves how important it is that we stay informed about current knowledge in our field so that we can do no harm to our clients. But perhaps, more important, it presents a poignant illustration of the vital importance of listening to and taking good care of our clients who come to us in their time of most desperate need.

N ANCY R OOSA , PsyD, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

Copyrighted Material

BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum

Copyright 2022 by Bear Mountain Press. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwisewithout prior written permission from the publisher, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

For information about this title or to order other books and/or electronic media, contact the publisher:

Bear Mountain Press

www.saraschley.com

ISBNs:

979-8-9851828-2-8 (hardcover)

979-8-9851828-0-4 (softcover)

979-8-9851828-1-1 (eBook)

Cover and Interior design: 1106 Design

For my grandfather Lewis Wald and my mother, Harriet Wald Schley, who wrestled with their own BrainStorms. Your lives were a blessing; the healing here is in your name.
And for millions unknown, caught in the terror of a BrainStorm: May you find peace and healing.

DISCLAIMER

I am choosing to tell my bipolar spectrum story now to help end the stigma, reduce suffering, and save lives. Here are two important disclaimers:

First, my story is that of a middle-class white woman with significant privilege. Not everyone who reads this book will have access to the resources that my race and economic status have afforded me. If you are a member of a traditionally marginalized community and on the bipolar spectrum, I hope that my story will help you feel less alone becausedespite our differencesyou and I share a similar brain pattern. I hope the resources here will serve you.

Second, I am not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or any other mental health professional. The opinions here are based on my own experiences and should not in any way be considered as medical advice. Please use this book in conjunction with a professional you trust.