Approximately 40 million people globally are affected by bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from deep depression to exhilarating mania. Renowned psychologist and author Kay Redfield Jamison is one of those individuals. In addition to her personal experiences with bipolar disorder, she is a professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and has written extensively on the subject, encompassing both medical textbooks and personal memoirs.
Jamison is perhaps best known for her groundbreaking memoir, An Unquiet Mind, which was one of the first accounts written by a medical professional living with bipolar disorder. In her work, she candidly shares her struggles and triumphs, providing valuable insights into the complexities of mental health. Her experiences have not only contributed to the understanding of bipolar disorder but have also inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges.
In a recent episode of Short Wave, Jamison discusses the critical aspects of the diagnosis process, along with effective strategies for treating and managing bipolar disorder. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment, as it allows individuals to receive the support and care they need to navigate the disorder's challenges. Jamison emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
In addition to Jamison's memoir, several other books can provide further understanding and strategies for managing bipolar disorder:
The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David J. Miklowitz The Bipolar Workbook by Monica Ramirez Basco The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder by Sheri Van Dijk An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison Healing by Dr. Thomas InselIf you have questions about mental health or bipolar disorder, feel free to reach out at shortwave@npr.org. You can also listen to Short Wave on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For uninterrupted access to every episode, consider supporting our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
This insightful episode was produced by Rachel Carlson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, fact-checked by Tyler Jones, and featured audio engineering by Kwesi Lee.
