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FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Learn life-enhancing lessons from a fellow struggler who's "been there"
and is helping hundreds to reclaim and redirect their lives. This is the true story of one
man's battle to recover from depression, mania, the stigma of mental illness, and the trauma of
childhood emotional and sexual abuse.
FROM THE CRITICS:
Library Journal
Having survived a sexually and emotionally abusive
childhood, Stout became a successful Presbyterian minister, athlete, husband, and father until
bipolar disorder led him to a suicide attempt and hospitalization. Here, he describes his long
and ongoing struggle with the disease, complicated by problems encountered by many patients
battles with insurance companies, the adverse side effects of drugs, and uncomprehending
acquaintances. Other titles, notably E. Fuller Torrey's Surviving Manic Depression, are more
comprehensive in their discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar
disorder, and Kaye Redfield Jamison's memoir, An Unquiet Mind, is better written. Stout's book,
however, will be helpful to Christians confronting mental illness directly or indirectly. He
includes specific recommendations for congregations interested in serving the mentally ill. For
church and seminary libraries as well as public libraries serving Christian populations.
Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA
FROM THE INTRODUCTION:
On a cool night in May 1989, I sat on a motel bed, counting lethal dosages of medications.
Nearby lay a fifth of rum to wash them down, and a .357 magnum pistol. The alcohol would more
than double the pills' effect; the bullet would be instant. I pondered which to use. Either
way, my self-inflicted death would be painless, almost comfortable!
FROM THE AUTHOR:
I wrote this book to tell people what bipolar disorder is like and to pass along what I have
learned. It is my prayer that those living with mental illness, their loved ones, mental health
professionals, and faith communities will find much practical help, encouragement and
inspiration from reading my book. -- Jim |
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