Knowledge is Necessity

Insight What can we learn from Lincoln?

Understanding Our very lives depend on how well we manage stress.

Experience Learning to appreciate the positive.

Intelligent Choices What to do if your second antidepressant fails.

Knowledge is Necessity. Recovery starts with knowledge. I can't emphasize this enough,

In 2004, an editorial in the British Medical Journal cited two Stanford University studies that found that "expert patients" who took the trouble to learn about their illness and took active steps to manage it had much better outcomes than those who did not. "Long live [quite literally, one assumes] expert patients," concluded the editorial.

My name is John McManamy. I am an award-winning mental health journalist and author. I have dedicated the last ten years of my life to researching and writing on depression and bipolar disorder for people like yourself - patients and loved ones. I know where you are coming from. I am also a patient, as well as a loved one..

Here, you will find articles that will give you greater insight into your illness and behaviors and help you make your own choices in your treatment and recovery. Thanks for stopping by. Jump in wherever you like ...

A Random Sampling

The Mood Spectrum

Now that you're familiar with the DSM-IV, forget everything you've read.

The Brain in Love and Lust

A leading anthropologist explains the birds and the bees.

Treating Bipolar Depression

We're depressed way more than we are manic. Now if psychiatry only knew how to treat us.

Mindfulness - The Ultimate Mood Stabilizer

What is arguably the most effective recovery tool requires a highly disciplined mind.

Dopamine - Serotonin's Secret Weapon

A smart dopamine med may do wonders for your depression or bipolar or mental acuity. The problem is one doesn't exist.

The Bipolar Child

No, it's not normal kid behavior.

Staying Well

An innovative researcher discovers that patients know best


Latest Video: Gonna Build Me a Tree

Don't just sit there. Build yourself a tree.

Knowledge is Necessity

Copyright 2008 John McManamy Contact

Mood 25 articles on why we feel bad - or too good for our own good.

Behavior 11 articles on what is wrong with us - and right.

75Treatment 24 articles on meds and vitamins etc.

Recovery 14 articles on means to achieve a satisfying life.

Science 14 articles what makes us tick - or tick in funny ways.

Issues 12 articles on things we can change - and accept.

Famous 20 articles on your favorites, from Van Gogh to - uh - Hitler.

Stories 16 articles from people like us, bearing witness.

Populations 13 articles on age, gender, family, ethnicity, work, school.

My Book

The perfect book for those of us living with mood disorders.

Sue Bergeson, president DBSA

Learn more

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The most influential newsletter in the field.

Frederick Goodwin MD, former director NIMH

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Latest Video

Gonna Build Me a Tree

Don't just sit there. Build yourself a tree.

Recent Videos

Road to Nowhere

Don't be fooled. There's always a somewhere.

Healing

Nature heals. So do our brains.

Managing Anger

No koalas were harmed making this movie.

Recovery Anthem

John McManamy sings and hugs a gorilla ... A time to mend.

Mindfulness: The Ultimate Mood Stabilizer

The Buddha was on to something ...

The Bipolar Time Warp

Do people with bipolar cycle in and out of time? Call me bichronic.

Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder

John McManamy discusses his book.

More Videos ...