Bipolar In Order

Looking At Depression, Mania, Hallucination, And Delusion From The Other Side

Practical yet profound, simple yet deep, in-the-moment yet timeless, Bipolar in Order provides a view of this condition that does not shy away from its devastating consequences but that does promote acceptance, insight, responsibility, and-ultimately-mastery. Although Wootton does romanticize serious mental illness, he and his collaborators provide the essential message that symptom reduction or elimination is far from the main goal of adaptation and intervention. Sure to challenge traditional thinking, this important book is integrative and wise.

Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, UC Berkeley

Bipolar In Order defines success in a way that no one ever has. It challenges everything we believe about bipolar from how we define it to how we treat it, and details a clear path to a better life.

By shattering the notions about the end goals of treatment, Bipolar In Order goes beyond the hope and encouragement found in his previous books, The Bipolar Advantage and The Depression Advantage. It helps people with mental conditions shift their thinking and behavior so that they can lead extraordinary lives.

With chapters by doctors, therapists, and other professionals in complementary disciplines, this book challenges us all to reevaluate our preconceptions, practices, and definitions of successful outcomes when treating mental conditions. It asks every professional working in mental health to see the limits they place on themselves and their patients by not considering what more might be possible. In addition to detailing Results Worth Striving For and the beliefs that are in the way of them, Wootton presents an integrated approach for education, assessment, life planning, and treatment.

The mental health field is plagued with the bigotry of low expectations. Far too many people are talking about "changing the stigma," while creating the worst stigma of all-the idea that we are not capable of achieving greatness.

Tom Wootton
Author

With increasing frequency mental health professionals are acknowledging the positive benefits of mildly manic states, such as energy, drive and creativity, but Wootton takes that trend further than few shrinks would dare, declaring bipolar is not a disorder at all, in essence proclaiming for himself and his fellow bipolars: we are here and we are not a mistake. He offers a comprehensive program for bipolars to find their own type of balance--to be themselves and in control at the same time.

John D. Gartner, Ph.D
Author of The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (a Little) Craziness and (a Lot) of Success in America

Tom Wootton knows that people with bipolar disorder can turn what they perceive as "negatives" into strengths and lead meaningful, productive lives. His philosophy focuses on success, rather than anticipation of failure. He has lived it in his personal and professional life, and he cares deeply about those who hear his message. This is an inspiring book that offers practical tools for living life to its fullest.

Liz T. Smith, Director
NAMI Center for Leadership Development