An Unquiet Mind Book Summary

In 'An Unquiet Mind', Kay Redfield Jamison offers an intimate glimpse into the tumultuous world of bipolar disorder, revealing both the chaos of her mental illness and the brilliance of her intellect. Jamison, a clinical psychologist and a sufferer, bravely shares her personal battles with manic-depression, illuminating the deep connection between creativity and mental health. Through her poignant storytelling, she challenges societal stigmas and explores the delicate balance between darkness and light. This memoir not only captivates with its raw honesty but also serves as an empowering testament to resilience and self-acceptance. Will Jamison's journey inspire you to see the beauty in the struggle?

By Kay Redfield Jamison

Published: 1997

"The mind is a fragile thing, capable of immense beauty and profound chaos, and it is our deepest struggles that often lead us to our most vibrant joys."

Book Review of An Unquiet Mind

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A deeply powerful memoir about bipolar illness that has both transformed and saved lives—with a new preface by the author. Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. For even while she was pursuing her career in academic medicine, Jamison found herself succumbing to the same exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions that afflicted many of her patients, as her disorder launched her into ruinous spending sprees, episodes of violence, and an attempted suicide. Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication.

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The mind is a fragile thing, capable of immense beauty and profound chaos, and it is our deepest struggles that often lead us to our most vibrant joys.

An Unquiet Mind

By Kay Redfield Jamison