Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder): A Whole-Person Approach

My father saw an ad in a local newspaper that the author, Paul Wider, was speaking at a nearby Borders bookstore. I listened to his presentation and purchased his book. Having listened to him speak and as he lives nearby, I was able to see him regularly.For those that can not see him, the book is an excellent restatement of his thoughts and helpful solutions to the entrenched problem of mild depression. Also, as I read the book, I would time and time again see myself.It is possible that the reader may not be as devoted in his religion as is Mr. Wider. But that should be put aside by the reader as everything else in his work is compelling and worthy of deep thought as to how you might have some of the same issues.The issue of depression is addressed in a very pragmatic, direct and practical manner.If you have any further questions, you can email me at [email protected].

Paul Wider's "Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression: A Whole Person Approach" is a remarkable tool--not only for those who suffer from bipolar disorder and depression, but also for those who do not. This is an extraordinary guide to wise and practical living, regardless of your clinical psychological condition. Mr. Wider emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, and sensible healing activities and strategies as a sage approach to healthful everyday living. For those suffering from bipolar depression, the book provides a long list of ways of coping with and managing the disorder. I strongly recommend this title to all.

As yet another person who was diagnosed as bipolar, and who is now living a normal, sane life WITHOUT medication, I can say that Mr. Wider's book has been of great use to me! The advice and techniques, as well as the personal experiences he tells about, are invaluable to people suffering from mood swings and to those living with them.There is something that is not mentioned in the book---something that should give those taking medication for bipolar depression reason to seriously consider learning to use the things Paul Wider is talking about, rather than to continue medication indefinitely. It is the toxicity of those medications. Lithium can be positively poisonous. Deaths from overdoses can and do occur, EVEN in those who have been faithfully having their dosage monitored for long periods of time. Substitutes for lithium, such as Tegratol and Valproic Acid, are similarly dangerous. Tegratol can, for instance, permanently lower one's blood platelet count, and both Tegratol and Valproic Acid can cause serious harm and even death if an accidental overdose occurs. And again, overdose can occur in those who have been faithfully having dosage monitored. This happens when, for some unknown reason, the body's dosage tolerance goes down. When doctors talk about "medication" to control bipolar depression, they are talking about making very serious and complicated alterations in body and brain chemistry. Some anti-depressants---MAO Inhibitors, for instance---can permanently alter brain processes, causing permanent dependence on MAO Inhibitors.For these reasons, which are not even mentioned in the book, I believe people suffering from bipolar depression, as well as their families, should give Mr. Wider's ideas serious consideration, and should seriously question whoever is prescribing the medication about long term effects and consequences.

I have found "Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression (Bipolar Depression)The Non-Drug Approach" to be filled with wisdom and packed with practical and insightful tools to help one become a whole person. Usually medication alone can not bring one to mood stability and healing any more than pain medication can cure infection. Pain medication may dull the pain, but wouldn't be able to heal the underlying infection that causes the pain. Wider uses many approaches to getting well which when followed really work! I am personally grateful for the morsels of life I have gleaned from this book. Wider helps one get to the root causes, deals with them, and offers real hope and tools for healing. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to get well and stay well. Family and friends would really benefit from this book as well.

Did you think it was impossible to heal without drugs? The author, Wider who lived Depression & Manic Depression has healed! A practical, hopeful, consoling and solution filled book in lay person's language. Highly recommended to anyone, especially those who cannot or will not take meds or those for whom meds don't work. Wider's "tools" can be used by those taking medication as well as those not taking it.