The Other Side of Mind

She suffers from bipolar disorder and has experienced devastating depressions and severe, disturbing manias that made recovery seem impossible. In the past, at times she nearly lost the will to live, but then at other times felt that it was her job to save the world. Gripped by psychosis, she suffered severe episodes of depression and mania where she lost complete touch with reality while she experienced frightening hallucinations and delusions.

Eventually, a correct diagnosis was made, and treatment finally began. Medication and therapy are essential for bipolar patients to recover their lives, but there are also important life skills that one must learn in order to recover successfully and maintain that recovery. Smyth explores the dos and don'ts of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and life skills in a highly personal and compassionate narrative.