Welcome to the Jungle: Everything You Wanted to Know about Bipolar But Were Too Freaked Out to Ask (For Fans of All These Flowers or Readers of The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide) Paperback – Download: Adobe Reader, May 1, 2010

I picked this book up, because I'm a huge fan of Hilary Smith's writing. She's such an awesome writer that I decided to buy the book without even realizing what it was about. Then, I realized what I had bought, a book about bipolar disorder, and it sat on my shelf for a few months. I don't even know anybody with bipolar disorder, except for one person who was misdiagnosed years ago, so that doesn't count.When I finally opened the book, I found it so engaging, entertaining, interesting, and educational, that I finished it very quickly. I've read books about a bunch of different disorders, and this is by far the most accessible book on any disorder that I've ever read. What makes this book different? It's written in a conversational style, so it's easy to digest. It's written using a hip, cool writing style that takes someone really skilled to pull off. And, it's written to regular people. This book walks you through all of the scary parts of bipolar, including insurance, hospitalization, stabilizing your meds, telling people about it, work, school, and therapy. It gives real, useful information that you can actually use to help yourself.Even though I don't have bipolar, I was able to use a lot of the stuff in the book. My sleep has always been messed up for as long as I can remember. This book covers some great strategies for stabilizing your sleep, that I was able to implement. I also really like what she said about all of the different kinds of therapists, and what you get from each of the 5+ different kinds of therapies. Who knew that all shrinks weren't the same?I'm definitely reading the next book that Hilary publishes as soon as it comes out, without having it sit on my shelf for a couple months.Something I wanted to clear up: Q: Does this book encourage you to use drugs? A: No, it actually strongly discourages it. I'm much less likely to use drugs after reading this book. But, it does it in a way you'd actually want someone to discourage you. The book goes something like this: "Well, if you're going to use drugs, then you should think about this and this and this. I recommend against using drugs, for this reason and this reason, but I'm still going to be your friend no matter what you choose."Pros:+Conversational style, very easy to read+Hilary has an excellent vocabulary (I had to look up some words)+Isn't clinical or condescending to people with bipolar. In my experience, there are almost no books on disorders where you still feel like a real person after you read it.+Gives tons of practical examples of what you can do, and helps you to build your skills+If I find anyone who has bipolar, or a family member of someone with bipolar, then I'm going to buy them this book+If you don't have bipolar, this is a great introduction to itCons:-This book is only available for bipolar disorder. I really wish that Hilary would start a series of these books, and write them on tons of other disorders.-If you're stuffy, and you think that people should yell at people with disorders, then you won't like this book

After being misdiagnosed with ADD & OCD, Cyclothymia, Intermittent Explosive disorder, and switching psychiatrists about three times, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I honestly had no idea what that meant. I had erroneously assumed it was a `fake diagnosis' since having emotional ups and downs is quite normal. Once I looked into it on the DSM-IV, I simply found myself even more in the dark about where I `fit in' on the bipolar spectrum. Obviously bipolar I didn't fit me, yet the time frame for episodes of bipolar II seemed too lengthy. Guides to coping with the disorder seemed to be written by people who had a rather limited or outside view of bipolar issues, or painted a skewed picture of bipolar individuals being `misunderstood artists' melodramatically flouncing around, rather than suffering from serious problems that impede normal responsibilities in life.Hilary Smith's guide to bipolar disorder isn't clinical, boring, or ill informed in the slightest and shed some light on my specific psychological profile (bipolar II with rapid cycling) before my psychiatrist arrived at the same conclusion, himself. The information contained within this book is introduced in a fresh, no nonsense, and humorous tone of voice, though if you are easily offended by mild swearing, I'd recommend searching for a different book.Identifying with certain behaviors and warning signs I myself was prone to (like thinking I could go off my medication and be perfectly fine) made coping and readjusting to my daily routines much easier in the long run. Reading this book and even keeping little notes about certain information that pertains to you might even help you prevent certain mistakes from happening, as you simply become more aware about the nature and resulting challenges of your disorder.My mother and close friends also took to certain excerpts from the book very well, getting a better idea of what was making me not willing to get out of bed for 72 hours or stay up for five days thinking I could tackle an insane amount of projects and class work, then maybe punch out God in my spare time since I was clearly so amazing. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who has doubts or feels confused about bipolar disorder, since the witty approach to the subject allows you to step back and assess how you will handle it, whilst hysterically laughing at yourself.

This is a great book. Especially if you have just been diagnosed with Bipolar. This book takes you through Bipolar Disorder starting with what to do with your diagnosis, and even how your Doctor came up with your diagnosis.I've had my diagnosis for awhile now, and I just went back to reread parts of this book that I needed now, and still found it helpful. In fact, I highlighted MORE this time around. But I found this book to be the most helpful, and reassuring of anything I ever read right after my diagnosis. I needed to hear that the things I was thinking and feeling were absolutely normal. And it is nice to be able to go back now and get a reminder when I need one.The only thing in this book that I have never agreed with, and I have been taking meds for Bipolar Disorder for well over a year now, is that you should intentionally go off your meds to see how you do without them. That is risky, and just asking for a trip to the hospital. I may not be a Doctor, but I highly disagree with that part of the book, and recommend taking your meds as directed.That aside, I think this is one of the most helpful and reassuring books you're going to find. It isn't clinical. It is personal and interesting, and written by someone who knows exactly what it is like to experience these things. A great book!

When you get diagnosed start with this book.I've tried others. Just get this one.

Brilliant light-hearted and fun! Came on time! Thank you!

I loved reading this book. My daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 when she was 16, and this book put my mind to rest about the impossible life I was imagining for her. Hilary's observations, experiences and advice are entertaining, personal, understandable and hopeful. I recommend it to anyone who has a recent diagnosis in their life.

Here's a book that's relatable and easy to understand. Hilary puts everything you would want/need to know about bipolar disorder into a real life context. Insightful, funny, and is my go-to book! Worth buying and keeping on hand for those times where you feel unsure or overwhelmed with your disorder.