Knowledge is power, and grasping the basics of bipolar disorder can give you the power you need to detect it, accept it, and own the responsibility for treatment and lifelong disease management. With its three-phase approach, Owning Bipolar can help you and your loved ones become experts at an illness that has called the shots in your life for too long. Now it's time for you to take control. ¿ The Pre-stabilization phase and recognition: confronting the causes of bipolar disorder and its effects, including depression, anxiety, loss of energy, avoidance of responsibilities, and suicidal thoughts ¿ The Stabilization phase and acting on it: starting effective medication, accepting the disease, and treating different types of bipolar disorder ¿ The Post-stabilization phase and living with it: undertaking long-term maintenance, accepting your new identity, and coming to terms with your responsibilities, and the responsibilities of your caregivers Accessible and encouraging, and accented with empathetic firsthand stories from people who share the condition, this book is a vital companion to help listeners understand, treat, and live successfully with bipolar disorder.