The Bipolar Advantage

I cannot tell you how excited I was to happen upon the book THE BIPOLAR ADVANTAGE. The idea that someone had written a book with that title seemed enough, but I figured since Tom Wootton had gone to the trouble to write and publish more than just that phrase, I should give a read to something as dear to my heart as what was implied by his title. I am a 56-year-old, 6' 11" (sic), bipolar, gay male. I was first diagnosed in 1978 at the age of 28 (and committed), and later (1990) jailed for 14 weeks until my parents hired a lawyer who filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus to force the judge to deal with my case. That was it. I resolved to take care of myself, and I have not lapsed once since then. The two bipolar support groups I joined in 1990 were composed almost exclusively of people who jumped on each other to hear the latest rumors of new medications that might "cure" all their ills. They gave nary a thought to how changing their habits of thought might help in the meantime, regardless the degree of effectiveness of their current medication. While my heart went out to them, it was too depressing for me to continue with them. (I'm very glad to read that Tom's experience/work with support groups has been so much better than this.) I also found the published literature to dwell on the down side almost exclusively. This was not good enough for me. I had already studied New Thought: thoughts become things--a new one can change your life--and later the Abraham-Hicks spiritual material, and have based my pragmatic beliefs/approach on their ideas that resonated with me. I have begun work on a memoir about my own experience. Like Tom's, my mind-work rests on a foundation of proper medical care and medication--something I learned the hard way by trying it first without proper care and having my life blow up completely. My adventures include delusions and adventures/misadventures proportional to my height--but reading about Tom's adventures, you might think he is taller than I am. However, have you ever seen a sex-crazed, 7-foot giant in high mania? Four years ago, after 14 years of feeling trapped by my illness, I decided that despite everything, I would have to learn to trust myself and follow my dream--to write. So through a lot of mental work in line with Tom's exercises (which I had not yet come across), eight drafts, and 3.5 years, I taught myself to write and completed a manuscript on a different subject. I now have an agent trying to sell that book to a publisher. I have been so encouraged by discovering THE BIPOLAR ADVANTAGE and the positive, practical emphasis of the book--as well as what I have read on Tom's website about his workshops and lectures. I have begun some of Tom's exercises--they fit perfectly with what I've already proven to myself, and are the perfect step for me to take now. There really is an advantage to bipolar illness, and Tom's book is both a chronicle of his groundbreaking personal turn-around and a practical guide to the be

In this book and in his life, Wootton has made an impressive breakthrough in how bipolar people can begin to view themselves in a new and startlingly life changing way. But, this book is more than a single new observation. It is a step-by-step guide detailing how to move from experiencing bipolar as a dreaded disease to a condition that can be managed in fruitful ways. Wootton's basic premise can be summed up in the age-old adage, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." For the reader not familiar with bipolar condition this book may well seem brash, even offensive. But, for the reader who is familiar with the condition, Wootton's insights become powerful, hopeful and real. and, it is a well focused view into the interior life of bipolar folk. Everyone who is bipolar should read this book as should the family, friends and colleagues of those associated in any way with anyone with a bipolar condition.

This book not only explains what it means to have bipolar disorder, it shows positive ways of dealing with it. Whether you HAVE bipolar disorder, or simply love someone with it, this book is a must read. My family and I read parts of the book outloud so we could share some of the information provided and how to help deal with the symptoms and the disorder itself. Remember, Tom, you are a person who has bipolar disorder. You are not bipolar. You have it. It does not have you. Thank you so much for sharing part of your life with us. You truly understand our plight and are dealing with it well. You book has been a godsend. Linda

Being bipolar is such a negative thing in society; always being called out for treatment and mendication. Tom Wooton tells the story from the inside of his mind. He doesn't sugar coat his feelings or perceptions like so many other books on the topic. He's not there to inform the non-bipolar world but to be a peer voice to those who have the disorder. I am not yet through the book but it has been both a page turner, and a book I find hard to put down. Buy it, read it, share it.

Keeping your head in the sand seems to be how most treat, discuss, understand and live with Bipolar. At least that is what Kelly the previous reviewer is suggesting by not allowing her children to read a book that might help them tremendously, sure it is shocking to some, to a young adult, oh please! Take a look at their video games, filled with violence and gratuitious sex! Not to mention thier talks with friends, movies they watch, or chats online. Unless you have put a "Parental lock" on the rest of their abilities to learn what really is the real world... "At least Tom puts his REAL expierences into a format that IS related by those with bipolar disease, we have all been there and done very much the same in our own way right along side of him. Though mostly in shame or fear of truly opening up to someone we know or trust in, for fear of abandonment, shame and that they just wouldn't understand. Yet it still happened and it still will without help and insight like Tom has provided us. I applaud Tom Wootton for giving me a book to which I can hand to a partner, spouse, friend or family member and say to them "Do you really want to know what it is like to have bipolar?, if so then read this book and come back to me to discuss what Hell I have been going thru in my lifetime too" Hoping it will simply go away or a magic pill can be taken to be a cure all. Well, that simply isn't the case or true! IT takes someone like Tom Wootton to pull your head out of the sand and realize that there is no one that can really help you or your behaviours but you, and it is about time that you get to the work of self improvement to begin healing. Medications have thier place and they do help, but it isn't what will give you relief in your own self loathing and continuation down a path that has often enough lead to suicide and a wasted life. Kelly, the the highest rate of Suicide is the young adult who is bipolar and on medications, they have been to enough treatment centers, psychologists, phychiatrists to bankrupt a health coverage plan and yet end up taking their life in the end. Why do you think that is? Perhaps keeping YOUR head in the sand and not being open to every way of understanding and learning your children MAY benifit from is more of a disservice to them as it is your sensitive feelings on your religion. But then again, perhaps it is YOUR depression from keeping this book from your children.... I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is ready to get their head out of the sand and do the tough work described by Tom Wootton to a path of feeling positive about bipolar when all that has been written thus far accentuates the negative!