What happens when "in sickness and in health" meets the turbulent challenges of bipolar disorder? In this wise, candid, and compassionate book written expressly for the spouse or partner, Dr. Cynthia Last shares her heartfelt insights as a highly regarded therapist/researcher and a bipolar sufferer. Readers learn how to help their loved one come to terms with a bipolar diagnosis and find effective treatment?and how to work together to get control over the mood swings and live life to the fullest. Vivid examples from Dr. Last's own experience and the couples she has treated illuminate ways to resolve painful relationship conflicts caused by the illness. She shows spouses what they can do to provide truly helpful nurturance and support, while also taking care of themselves.
Critical Acclaim:
Library Journal Starred Review -- 5/09
PsychJourney.net podcast -- 6/24/09
VeryTogether.com (excerpt) -- Spring 09 "With a lot of love and hard work, the two of us have been able to achieve a stable and wonderful life. My wife has written this book for you and your partner, so that you can benefit from everything the two of us have learned during the course of our relationship about living, as a couple, with bipolar disorder."
-from the Foreword by Barry M. Rubin "This book is a 'must read' for loved ones of bipolar sufferers. Dr. Last's candid sharing of her own personal struggles, and her therapeutic insight and recommendations, will resonate deeply with readers."
-Mary A. Fristad, PhD, ABPP, coauthor of Raising a Moody Child Contents: Foreword, Barry M. Rubin
Introduction
1. Does Someone You Love Have Bipolar Disorder?
2. What You Can Expect: The Course of Bipolar Illness
3. “It's Not Me!”: When Your Partner Is in Denial
4. What You Need to Know about Your Partner's Treatment
5. You, Your Loved One, and the Doctors: The Team Approach to Getting and Staying Well
6. Helping Your Partner Stick with Medication
7. Other Things You and Your Partner Can Do to Prevent Mood Episodes
8. Strategies for Dealing with the Ups Together
9. Strategies for Dealing with the Downs Together
10. Taking Care of Yourself and Your Relationship
Resources About the Author: Cynthia G. Last, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Boca Raton, Florida. She has served on the faculties of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University, and is internationally known for her research on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. The author or editor of 13 books, Dr. Last has been widely quoted and interviewed in the media. She lives with her husband of more than 20 years, Barry M. Rubin.
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