Contents

DEDICATION

PREFACE

A NOTE FROM JULIE FAST

A NOTE TO FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

INTRODUCTIONWHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?

STEP I: MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS

CHAPTER 1: MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS

STEP II: LIFESTYLE CHANGES

CHAPTER 2: SLEEP, DIET, EXERCISE, AND LIGHT

CHAPTER 3: WORK AND MONEY

STEP III: BEHAVIORAL CHANGES

CHAPTER 4: KNOWING YOUR BIPOLAR DISORDER TRIGGERS

CHAPTER 5: THE BIPOLAR CONVERSATION

STEP IV: ASKING FOR HELP

CHAPTER 6: CHOOSING A SUPPORTIVE HEALTH CARE TEAM

CHAPTER 7: TEACHING FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW TO HELP YOU STAY STABLE

CHAPTER 8: HOSPITALS

CHAPTER 9: INSURANCE AND PAPERWORK

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

CHAPTER 10: SPECIFIC PLANS FOR SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

CHAPTER 11: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C

ENDNOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHORS