"Essential reading, not only for the person learning to own their bipolar, but for the support system members and treatment providers walking alongside them in their journey to hope and healing." --Sally Spencer-Thomas, PsyD, president United Suicide Survivor's International 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 and the 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 - 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 first-hand stories from people who share the disorder, this book is a vital companion for readers to help them understand, treat, and live successfully with bipolar. "Will provide clarity and understanding to a seemingly complex and confusing psychiatric condition." --David B. Weiss, MD, FAPA


Michael Pipich, MS, LMFT holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical/Community Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and has treated a wide range of mental disorders and relationship problems in adults and adolescents for over 30 years. In addition to providing clinical evaluations and psychotherapy, Michael has testified as an expert in many legal cases and has taught several graduate-level psychology courses including psychopharmacology, addictions and counseling. He was selected as a Collaborating Investigator by the American Psychiatric Association, performing clinical field trials for the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Michael is also a national speaker on Bipolar Disorder and has been featured on radio and in print media on a variety of topics. Please visit MichaelPipich.com, and BipolarNetwork.com.