Description

By Barbara Arner

ISBN: 978-1-84991-616-5
Published: 2011
Pages: 75
Key Themes: Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder, Biography, Photography

Description

“Perspectives – A View of My Own” is a first-hand account of the author’s experience living with bipolar disorder. Through her mental health challenges she has managed to survive, thrive, and ultimately live. This book is intended to give the reader hope that it is possible to live a creative, healthy life while living with bipolar disorder.

About the Author

Barbara is 34 years of age and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 19. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 2000 with a degree in studio art and psychology. She has pursued her art which consists of drawing, painting, photography, pottery, and sculpture. In the winter she works as a ski instructor in New Jersey. Barbara currently resides at the Jersey Shore where she enjoys writing, making art, and spending her days relaxing on the beach.

Book Extract

The Shopper
There’s got to be a better life out there for me. There has to. It is just how I feel today. I
don’t want to eat the vegetables or do the exercise. I want to stay in bed. Why is it such a
fight? Am I the problem? The CIA are not following me; I’m just depressed. I just cannot take
care of myself again, and, once again, my poor psychiatrist has to dig me out. This sucks. No
energy to even write even though writing makes me feel better. How can this life make me
happy? Will I feel okay again? I better make myself happy; I don’t want to screw up my life.
Shopping—I think I’ll go shopping.