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HAY HOUSE TITLES OF RELATED INTEREST
YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE, the movie, starring Louise L. Hay & Friends
(available as a 1-DVD program and an expanded 2-DVD set)
Watch the trailer at: www.LouiseHayMovie.com
THE SHIFT, the movie, starring Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
(available as a 1-DVD program and an expanded 2-DVD set)
Watch the trailer at: www.DyerMovie.com
ANXIETY FREE: Unravel Your Fears Before They Unravel You
and
BEAT THE BLUES BEFORE THEY BEAT YOU: How to Overcome Depression, by Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D.
DEFENDERS OF THE HEART: Managing the Habits and
Attitudes That Block You from a Richer, More Satisfying Life,
by Marilyn Kagan, LCSW, and Neil Einbund Ph.D.
THE EYES OF FAITH: How to Not Go Crazy: Thoughts to Bear in Mind to Get Through Even the Worst Days, by Ben Stein
JOINING FORCES: Empowering Male Survivors to Thrive, by Dr. Howard Fradkin
NO STORM LASTS FOREVER: Transforming Suffering Into Insight, by Dr. Terry A. Gordon
10 STEPS TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL LIFE: Overcoming Anxiety, Distress, and Depression Through Whole-Person Healing, by Eve A. Wood, M.D.
All of the above are available at your local bookstore, or may be ordered by visiting:
Hay House USA: www.hayhouse.com
Hay House Australia: www.hayhouse.com.au
Hay House UK: www.hayhouse.co.uk
Hay House South Africa: www.hayhouse.co.za
Hay House India: www.hayhouse.co.in
Copyright 2012 by Blake LeVine
Published and distributed in the United States by: Hay House, Inc.: www.hay house.com Published and distributed in Australia by: Hay House Australia Pty. Ltd.: www.hayhouse.com.au Published and distributed in the United Kingdom by: Hay House UK, Ltd.: www.hayhouse.co.uk Published and distributed in the Republic of South Africa by: Hay House SA (Pty), Ltd.: www.hayhouse.co.za Distributed in Canada by: Raincoast: www.raincoast.com Published in India by: Hay House Publishers India: www.hayhouse.co.in
Cover design: Jason Harvey Interior design: Jenny Richards
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private useother than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviewswithout prior written permission of the publisher.
The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
LeVine, Blake.
Beating bipolar : how one therapist tackled his illness and how what he learned could help you! / Blake LeVine. 1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-1-4019-3951-9 (tradepaper : alk. paper)
1. Manic-depressive illnessTreatmentPopular works. 2. Mental illnessPsychological aspects. 3. Self-care, HealthPopular works. I. Title.
RC516.L48 2012
616.895dc23
2012019228
Tradepaper ISBN: 978-1-4019-3951-9
Digital ISBN: 978-1-4019-3952-6
15 14 13 12 4 3 2 1
1st edition, November 2012
Printed in the United States of America
I dedicate Beating Bipolar to the two lights of my life: my wife, Jennifer, and our daughter, Tyler. They demonstrate to me every day why I want to stay in recovery. I also dedicate this book to the many other people who have contributed to my wellness and sanity, particularly my parents, brother and sisters, friends, and mental health partners. Youve not only guided and cheered me in my continued growth, but have also been great examples of how to live a healthy and joyous life. To my clients, thank you for showing me true grit. Your determination has been a never-ending source of inspiration. Be proud of your progress!
IF YOURE READING these words, youre likely affected in some way by bipolar disorder. You or someone close to you has experienced the hyper-frenzied highs, paralyzing lows, and periods of normalcy that mark the condition once referred to commonly as manic depression. You understand or have some awareness of the devastation that these episodes can wreak in terms of failed relationships, financial disasters, and other ruinous behaviors in your life.
Not that you need a reminder, but when mania takes hold, it can prompt the most indiscriminate and uncharacteristic sexualand even criminalbehavior and substance abuse imaginable. Self-criticism, self-control, and the ability to self-judge go out the window. Youre left with a volatile combination of excessive self-confidence and self-esteem, fueled by unbridled energy, a lack of inhibition, and too little sleep. During manic episodes, you sense that you can take on the world.
Conversely, when depressive episodes take charge, they can drag your life into slow motion, robbing you of your energy; initiative; and ability to think, move, and process memory or ideas. This can erode your self-confidence and weigh you down with such guilt and despair that you cant take on the trivial stuff, let alone big obstacles. Its too difficult to make and keep friends. Sleep is a preferred companion. And at your lowest of low moments, you may even contemplate or attempt suicide, the tragic choice of last resort.
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