Interview with Hilary Smith, Author of "Welcome to the Jungle"
Submitted by Flipswitch on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 6:41pm
We interview Hilary Smith, author of "Welcome to the Jungle : Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Bipolar But Were Too Freaked Out To Ask."
Now 24, Hilary was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her junior year. While delving into the ins and outs of her new diagnosis, she realized that few books were down to earth and open and honest with teens and young adults about what it's like to first be diagnosed with a mood disorder. From the bungling healthcare system to hippy treatments that might actually, Hilary looks to fill that void with "Welcome To the Jungle."
Check out Hilary's site at: http://www.hilarytsmith.com/jungle/
Does anyone have a suggestion for my 12-year-old daughter? "Jungle" seems like it might be above her, while "Brandon" is something she might consider baby-ish. She reads at least two age-appropriate books a week, sometimes more (she read three yesterday alone). But still, she's 12, not 17. I haven't told her yet about the diagnosis, and I'd like to be prepared with some pertinent reference material for her. Thanks!
--
Shelle, 49 in So Cal
Mom to Rachel, 12 - ADHD, BP, anxiety - 2mg Intuniv+25mg Lamictal
and Birdie, the love bird, she bites
That's hard to say. i can tell you after reading it, that this book is a bit more in your face than the average book on bipolar disorder. It tells her story, but it also gives some practical advice. I wouldn't say the book is angry, but it doesn't pull any punches either in how it's framed. It's written from the perspective of someone that lives with bipolar disorder and learned to deal with it in a world where things were written from a more clinical standpoint. So, lots of the material is rephrased from clinical terms and given a bit more of a humorous tint every now and then. Different things work for different people though, but keep this one in mind.
Do you think this book would be helpful to a 19-year old male with bipolar disorder who is angry at the world and hasn't actually accepted he has a problem yet?
--
Sabrina Perry Lightfoot
Oh, I really like that poem/message too!
I've heard her book is a little like Lizzie Simon's "My Bipolar Road Trip in 4D", which is another good one from a 'young person' dealing with bipolar disorder. I like that Hilary seems so positive and upbeat, but doesn't seem like she's trying to sugarcoat anything.
Here's something I like from her blog:
Bipolar Manifesto
I am beautiful, badass, and bipolar.
I know myself better than the DSM-IV, V, VI, or XXIV.
I put myself before the diagnosis.
I take meds because they help me. If the meds fuck with me instead of helping me, I ask for different meds.
I give a shit about other people with mental illnesses.
I give a shit about my friends and family and how they deal with me having bipolar.
I won't stand for discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
I won't let them be shoved into prisons and forgotten.
I party when I feel like it and rest when I need to.