I know this is a sensitive topic to discuss, but it shouldn’t be! Did you know that 43.6 million adults in the US suffer from mental illness, 1 in 3 women are diagnosed with mental illness, and 20% of youth ages 3-18 also have a mental health condition? Combined, a whopping 70 million people are prescribed drugs to deal with their mental illness.
I feel like anyone could be walking around with mental health issues and you wouldn’t even know it. Something has to help. This is why I wanted to share this book with you.
Diagnosed with bipolar as a teenager and put on a regimen of drugs for sixteen years, today Lauren Polly lives medication free. That seems pretty amazing right? Her personal journey to “move beyond the diagnosis” and lead a fuller life will inspire the many people, family and friends stigmatized by mental illness. The Other Side of Bipolar introduces a radical new concept—that the ‘disorder’ is really an indicator of inner capacities and creative potential that, when discovered and cultivated, allows people to create productive, satisfying lives.
Here are some of the key take-away’s from The Other Side of Bipolar:
- Moving past mental illness is possible. There is hope. You don’t have to settle for maintenance, stability and living a lesser life.
- Shows how to use self-help, therapy and energy tools throughout the story and gives readers firsthand examples of how to apply them to different areas of their life (relationships, jobs, self-esteem).
- Call to action to explore how to use their uniqueness to contribute to the world.
I think it’s great that we can finally open up and talk about mental illness. I think it needs to happen more. Don’t be afraid to talk about it because I am sure there is someone you know that could be suffering from the same thing. Reach out if you need to. Don’t be ashamed!
Karen Glatt
September 3, 2016 at 11:49 amI understand that Lauren lives medication free, but that is not possible for the millions of people with Bipolar disorder. My nephew has it and he takes pills and suffers every day with this illness. Mental illness is debilitating and can really ruin a persons life and aspirations!
Jaime
September 4, 2016 at 4:08 pmIt is a terrible disease that I wish people didn’t suffer from. I’m so sorry for your nephew.
Lauren Polly
September 9, 2016 at 7:06 pmHi Karen,
Thank you for sharing about your nephew, I know his struggle all too well. My book “The Other Side of Bipolar” is about moving beyond the label of the diagnosis and having that be the only filter you see yourself through. It is not a question of medication or no medication but entering a life-affirming view point of yourself through the use of holistic tools. I was lucky enough to be weaned off meds by my doctor after years of holistic practices – not everyone will choose this and that’s okay. But, in my perspective, the hope to see yourself as more then your diagnosis is in reach for all. Good luck to you and your nephew!
Lauren Polly, Author of The Other Side of Bipolar
Maryann D.
September 3, 2016 at 7:23 amI had no idea that 70 million people are prescribed drugs to deal with their mental illness. This is definitely a serious topic and this book definitely looks like an interesting book to read and learn about this.
Jaime
September 4, 2016 at 4:09 pmYes, It’s to many people having to deal with it. Just sharing to many help even just one person! =) Thanks for commenting!