This War Within My Mind by John Poehler
What's It About?
He could have used a pep talk.John Poehler in 1999 was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1. Dealing with the effects of bipolar disorder were going to be monumental enough. But in that first wave of comprehension as the implications of the diagnosis sink in, emotions can run wild: fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness, worthlessness, maybe even ideas of whether life is even worth living.
John Poehler could have used a pep talk. Now he is providing one – to people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as well as their families and friends and anyone looking to understand this challenging condition – in his book, This War Within My Mind.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million American adults. Poehler’s book is not a prescription for cure, it is not a medical information list, and it is not a memoir. It is simply one man’s hands-on experience battling the BD demons – working with a routine, setting strategies in motion, and getting his head and body in the right place.
AN ELOQUENT WRITER, INTELLIGENT THINKER AND INSIGHTFUL OBSERVER
“As someone who has been there,” he writes, “I know what it feels like to live with bipolar disorder and how to successfully manage it with the right treatment and support. I have experienced the paralyzing depths of depression to the psychotic intensity of mania. My hope is that my experience and suggestions will illuminate your own journey.”
The author tackles a number of key issues head on: depression, psychosis, delusions, hallucination, hypersexuality, the impact of high-risk and extreme activities, medication management, setting a routine, developing a support group, dealing with associated expenses to treatment, dating and relationships, and more.
Poehler is an eloquent writer, intelligent thinker and insightful observer. He describes the various states and emotions, explains what they entail and offers solutions that worked for him – quick to point out he is not a professional but simply just a guy with this disorder. But maybe not just any ordinary guy – he heads up the website www.thebipolarbattle.org, writes a regular blog, and has received many awards and citations for his work in helping others in this area.
TACKLES KEY ISSUES
In his Foreword to the book, Emmy and Peabody Award winner Michael J. Whelan calls Poehler thoughtful and courageous. “Poehler finds a way, with delicate empathy, to split the mental illness atom with well-researched precision….This compassionate book shines a necessary light, a disinfectant on what has been far too long a shameful topic.”
There were times, during one of his early procedures, when Poehler wondered whether he wanted his life to continue. And while at some point he might have prayed to end it all, he reasoned that if God had a special purpose in mind for him, then that purpose should be realized and would play itself out.
“It’s empowering to see myself as a warrior, fighter and survivor. Each day is a battle, and I need to make sure I’m in the right frame of mind and have access to the right tools. Only then can I push on to victory.”
About John Poehler:
John Poehler is founder of JP Publisher, creator of the award-winning blog “The Bipolar Battle,” whose mission is to help empower those afflicted with bipolar disorder live the life they deserve; a published author; award-winning mental health advocate for bipolar disorder; and a husband and father. John also makes appearances on podcasts, radio shows, and blogs. Academically, John earned his B.S. in Natural Sciences along with minors in both Math and Chemistry, from Colorado State University. He has a diploma in Sports Nutrition and Personal Training, CNA certification, Associates in Accounting and certificate in Computer Specialist. John enjoys spending time with his family, fitness, drawing, organizing his comic book collection, watching movies and exploring the Colorado outdoors. Visit www.thebipolarbattle.org.
