Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder

Oct 27, 2012 | 2012 Articles, Mental Health, Muffy Walker

by Muffy Walker, MSN, MBA

Beginning with this article, Muffy Walker, of the International Bipolar Foundation, will be writing a monthly mental health column for KRL.

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) recently launched its first book, Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder.

Founded by four mothers with children who have bipolar disorder, IBPF is a not for profit organization based in San Diego, CA and present in over 25 countries. The mission of IBPF is to fund scientific research; to enhance and promote care and support services; and to erase associated stigma through public education.

Karen Sheffres, one of the founders and a member of the Education & Programs Committee, thought it was important to offer a resource to caregivers and those affected with bipolar disorder. After seeing a similar manual for those with Parkinson’s disease, Sheffres decided that a book was an important resource to have available.

Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder, is a book created to assist anyone touched by bipolar disorder. It contains helpful information on a variety of topics that arise in everyday life, as well as resources for dealing with specific issues facing those affected by this illness. The hard copy version of the book, which comes in a 3-ring binder format, allows readers to add new information, delete that which is outdated and incorporate other helpful information they may learn of. The book will serve as your ultimate reference manual.

The book has 14 chapters and is divided into 3 sections:
1. About Bipolar Disorder
• What is Bipolar Disorder
• Children and Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder
• Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
• Suicide and Bipolar Disorder
• The Risks of Substance Use for those with Bipolar Disorder
• Pregnancy & Bipolar Disorder
• Stigma & Mental Illness

2. Healthy Living
• Healthy Family Life and Relationships
• Supportive Nutrition
• Mental Illness and Families of Faith
• Bipolar Disorder in the Workplace
• Going to College with Bipolar Disorder.
• Social Interaction
• The Caregiver

3. Resources
• Medication Chart
• Mood Chart
• Medication Side Effect Check List
• Exercise Journal
• Food Log
• Doctor Contact Sheet
• Questions for Doctor
• Resources

An expert in the field including psychiatrists, nutritionists, caregivers, consumers, psychologists and clergy writes each chapter. New chapters are constantly being added, as are country-specific supplements. The book is currently being translated into a variety of languages with more being added each month. In addition to the hard copy, Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder is also available on Kindle for $1.99 or as a PDF downloadable to your computer.

As are all services and programs offered by IBPF, the PDF version of the book is free. Those preferring a hard copy need only pay for the shipping and handling fee. For more information about International Bipolar Foundation, please visit our website, or to learn how to get your copy, new chapters or translated versions, please contact Ashley: AReitzin@InternationalBipolarFoundation[dot]org or 858.764.2496.

Check out KRL’s Mental Health section for more mental health related articles.

Muffy Walker was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA. She currently resides in Rancho Santa Fe with her husband John C. Reed and their three sons. In 1983, Walker graduated with a Master’s of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. She worked in the mental health field for over 18 years until she moved to California when she obtained her MBA with a focus in marketing from the University of California-Irvine. Walker is the founder and President of International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF). After learning that her youngest son had Bipolar Disorder, Walker joined other mental health boards and ultimately started IBPF. She has served on a plethora of boards including Children’s Hospital, Kids Korps USA, NeighborHelp, ChildHelp USA, and has dedicated the past 10 years of her life championing the education of the public about mental illness.

1 Comment

grace walker wiesmann on October 31 at 5:00pm

Just what I have been looking for! for years!! Would like to buy the book and /or talk also! grace
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