My Kind of Crazy: Living in a Bipolar World

I experience a less vicious form of bipolar disorder than Janine, but her book hit on some extremely important topics about the disease, providing interesting insights which differ from other books on bipolar. What I cherish about this book is how she attempts to learn and evolve from all of her experiences, recognizing that reality is relative and is always up for interpretation. She questions what constitutes as a "divine experience" verses a delusion. I have been contemplating this since I first began to experience "mania". The common reports of "manic episodes" often involve elation, accompanied by a permeating sense of unification with everything. When I am manic, I see and feel the connection of life and the universe in the fibers of my being. It is an intensely spiritual experience. Many people recall feeling like God, which to doctors is a huge red flag the adjust meds or perhaps authorize hospitalization. I have felt like I am God, but not a bearded man sitting in the sky approving or disapproving this reality. I have felt totality- a constantly shifting and flowing stream of love and compassion that courses through all things. If there is a God, I'm pretty positive that it embodies all of creation equally. Quantum physics shows us that everything is made up of the same thing...energy...which is being understood as being a carrier of ( and perhaps inextricably combined with) thought (consciousness). It is rapidly being proven in this science that the observer (us) collapse our surrounding energy environment into a tangible reality. This reality is confirmed my multiple viewpoints which agree on their observation. But ultimately reality remains in the individuals mind- what they accept to be true or refute as imaginary or delusional. It is always our choice and perspective.Being bipolar, one is introduced to many unique, sometimes frightening but often enlightening, viewpoints of perception. In my manic phases I am pulled out of this world of pain and suffering and transported to an utopia where everything works fluidly together with the purpose of evolving and experiencing the unknown. I am left with a deep understanding of the meaning of my life and am compelled to share and hopefully move others with my vision. In my deepest depression I am locked into the fear based consciousness of the world...the media broadcasting the horrors and tragedies, drowning out my hope for humanity.I have used the term "stuck between two worlds" to describe myself long before I was diagnosed as being bipolar. Had one foot in the heavens and one foot on the ground. This split has resulted in me constantly being in resistance to the world, attempting to escape with drugs, alcohol, medication, and deep meditation. I have come to a point where I am learning to accept my moment without resistance, whatever it may unfold. The struggle is futile. I am fighting the perception of the masses of the world, when really we have the responsibility for choosing our perception of the world and living that perspective. Be the change you want to see in the world. I believe this is our birthright and a golden ticket beyond a fear based existence.Bipolar is not a blessing or a curse. It only opens new viewpoints of the perception of reality for us to choose (hopefully) the most healthy, life-giving perspective. We need to ask ourselves if perhaps this condition is a sign that humanity is "waking up" consciously and taking baby steps to choosing to create a new world of our deepest heartfelt desires. Medication and homeopathy has helped to tone down the swings to an extent. But, like Janine' s beautiful mother suggested, these experiences are here for us to learn from and hopefully evolve in a direction that will benefit humanity.This was the first book I have read on bipolar where the "disorder" was embraced and contemplated beyond being an illness. I, also, have just learned to find extreme comfort in defining myself as "crazy". My world is crazy compared to the "normal" person and I wouldn't want it any differently. I have endless options of viewpoints to choose from and paths to walk. It's just about learning to be true to your heart, to humanity, and to the Source of all things. Thank you Janine for sharing your story and your beautiful perspectives on life. I am a fellow comrade in the crusade into a new world. May many many more wondrous people hold hands together and walk with open minds and open hearts into a new vibrant future!

I'm still reading this book and feel that the author writes very well and did a great job explaining what she goes through on a daily basis and how guilty she feels for affecting her family. She knows and appreciates that she's so lucky to have a loving and understanding husband and son willing to put up with her outbursts and challenges. I also feel that the book is extremely interesting and will help us understand better what people with challenges (mental/other) go through. It's easy for all of us to judge others; but when we read a book like this one, with the perspective of someone suffering from mental illness, it opens our eyes and teach us to be more understanding, compassionate and patient with others. After all, no one is perfect! I recommend it!

In a little over an hour of reading you will fully understand what it means to be bipolar. Janie Crawley Haynes had a really warm heart and a definite gift for story telling. Many famous writers were bipolar so her creativity is not a surprise, I expected her to be gifted. At some stages in the book she describes her experience so poetically. Janie also has a real talent for describing people, even some that are imaginary. You will completely believe these people exist even as Janie struggles to keep the line drawn between imaginary and real. Throughout the book there are some raw and real moments and some memories from childhood that make this read more like a memoir. However the main train of thought is the treatments Janie goes through while in the hospital. You will fully understand what a psych ward is like and also get a sense of the variety of people who find themselves there. What is especially touching, and brought me close to tears, is her son's comments about her suicide attempt. He explains exactly what happened in full detail. But the sentence that helped me understand suicide the most was Janie's comment: "fear ripped through me. It was too much to bear." From the ending of this book it seems she now has bipolar disorder under control. The only thing she really doesn't talk about is whether or not she still needs to be on medication. Maybe the shock treatments were super effective.~The Rebecca Review

I just finished reading "My Kind of Crazy, Living in a Bipolar World". I have been diagnosed as bipolar, or manic-depressive, for which I take medications. My symptoms never got as severe as Janine's, but I can echo her will to live. Anyways, this is a book review, after all. Janine describes her feelings and actions with great aplomb. She also describes the impact of hers actions on family and those around her with dexterity. The reading is fast and interesting.

Janine Haynes chronicles her journey of being involuntarily committed to a psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. She takes us along for the ride as she experiences the full force of her bipolar. By doing so she provides us with a rare and precious insight into mental illness. Janine vividly describes the rocky foundation that she lives with each day – how do you trust a mind that plays such convincing delusional tricks? But at the same time Janine provides such hope and shares some wonderful thoughts on embracing her special gift. “My kind of crazy” is a welcome fresh and enlightening account of living with bipolar.

I don't know if I would have tried this book had it not been free, but I'm so grateful that I did try it.The author makes no claims to being a writer, but her prose was more vivid and affecting than some I have read from the pros. The honesty with which she talks about the affect of the disorder on her life, and particularly the lives of those close to her, is moving and somewhat inspiring, and overall this was a book that was far more enjoyable than one could have expected from the subject matter.A very rewarding reading experience, and probably the most accomplished, impressive and worthwhile self published book I've read on Kindle. Thank you, Janine - I will read your story again.

Being a bi polar sufferer myself...i cant totally understand what this books means....its a fantastic in sight to my world! And thousand others!Very honest and true....the outside world do not see the daily struggles anyone with mental issues have...Every day you never know what mood your going to be in when you wake i would not wish this on any one.Do not judge untill you have walked in my shoes!

I was fortunate enough to get a free copy of this book through a Kindle promotion. I read it in one sitting. It is amazing, touching, sincere and wonderful. It gives an insight into mental illness that everyone will benefit from. You really, really don't need to be crazy to read this brilliant book. Read it - it will change your life.

Was great to read the sons chapter at the end and how he coped healed and expressed how life was for him as a kid

A very honest story about this illness. If you are interested in mental illness or going through this with someone or suffer yourself. I would recommend.