My sister Betsy was diagnosed with bipolar manic-depressive illness many yearsago.  This is a form of depression that has many highs called mania and then the crash of severe depression.  It is cyclical and hard to understand through the eyes of those of us that do not have the illness.

Betsy was treated for this illness with antidepressants, shock treatments, counseling, and several stays in mental wards after attempting suicide over many years.   The family and loved ones of  Betsy had such a difficult time understanding her and her behaviors with this illness.  During her highs (mania) states of mind she felt invincible.  She spent a lot of money, put herself in risky positions, did some inappropriate things and acted out in some disconcerting ways that caused worry and concern for her family.  We were in a constant state of worry and concern for our loved one.

Then the crash (lows) would come and Betsy would get so low and depressed where she barely could get out of bed or groom herself.  She seemed to lose all desire to have contact with family and friends.  She stayed in bed and isolated herself.  This would go on for days and weeks at a time.  She was hospitalized many times for deep depression.  There was no energy or hope in her mind or body.  The lows were so devastating.  We, the family, felt so helpless and out of control in trying to get our sister help.  We never really understood the illness and had no clue on what to do to help our loved one.

There are some books that allow the reader some insight into the mind of someone with this illness.   They may be of help to anyone that has a loved one with this illness.  Listed below are a few.