Girl in a Blender...Mixture of Emotions in Coping with BIPOLAR DISORDER By Kristy Worthen If you would like to purchase Girl in a Blender...Mixture of Emotions in Coping with BIPOLAR DISORDER, you may place your order at http://brownbooks.com/authors/worthen/index.htm. Allow four to six weeks for delivery.

Below is an excerpt from Kristy's book Girl in a Blender...Mixture of Emotions in Coping with BIPOLAR DISORDER:

...I was really worried now. Mom had always been the one who stood up for me, but after last night what would she do now? Now that the manic episode had passed, I felt sorry and ashamed for how I acted last night but it was too late to change any of that. Mom had tried to keep my actions from my brothers and sisters, but my actions before had never been anything like this, wild and out of control. My sister, Joann had witnessed this horrible episode, so I knew there would be no more covering up my actions from them.

Sitting there in my room I felt a thousand different emotions, anger at my self, sad, depressed, and anxious. I felt trapped and out of control. I was in an emotional state that I could not break free from. I felt like a girl in a blender, a mixture of emotions that were being, chopped, mixed, pureed and blended into a life that was a black hole I couldn't escape from. I never knew which emotion would pop out or when! Should I tell someone, my thoughts were racing around inside my head so fast I couldn't pull one thought down to concentrate on it long enough to make sense of what was going on? What if they don't believe me or what if they have me locked up in a hospital? Would they understand if I said that what they thought was laziness and rudeness of not coming out of my room for days; was a dark, hovering feeling that pervaded my whole being and prevented me from being able too move to take a shower, brush my teeth or carry on a conversation with others? I didn't know which was the worst; the feeling of being all powerful, full of energy, with ideas coming as fast as shooting stars, bringing with it a creative energy but not being able to fully complete any of the creative projects before moving on to another or the devastating, feeling of bleakness that would pull me into a black hole of oblivion that I couldn't escape from or the anxiety attacks that could paralyze me with fear at things that were normally non threatening or the suicidal thoughts that would sometimes be so strong it was hard not to act on them.

Why couldn't life be like it had been when I was little? Carefree and full of fun but instead it just seemed to be one nightmare after another....

Journey Not Chosen...Destination Not Known, Living with Bipolar Disorder By Mary Worthen If you would like to purchase Journey Not Chosen...Destination Not Known, Living with Bipolar Disorder, you may place your order at http://brownbooks.com/authors/mary_worthen/. Allow four to six weeks for delivery.

About the Author... Kristy Worthen's mother, Mary Worthen, has written a book titled Journey Not Chosen... Destination Not Known, Living with Bipolar Disorder. In this book, Mary describes her experience from the mother's perspecive, Kristy tells her story, then there is a wealth of information about Bipolar Disorder.

Mary Worthen

FOREWORD FOR MARY WORTHEN'S BOOK

The second edition of JOURNEY NOT CHOSEN is a powerful story of one family's triumph over bipolar disorder. Kristy Worthen is a testament to what treatment and love can accomplish. Her mother Mary never stopped seeking help despite years of misdiagnosis as Kristy bounced between periods of manic activity and depression so deep that she attempted suicide. Like all mothers, Mary wanted her daughter to have the best future possible, and she saw Kristy's potential even as others saw only a depressed young woman. Finally, Kristy received a correct diagnosis and proper medication. Mary's daughter was returned to her, and Arkansas received a talented artist. Kristy's artwork has been exhibited across our state and even the United Nations in New York City.

Now, Kristy and Mary are sharing their story with others. Kristy designed a flag depicting a lighthouse scene with the words "Shedding Light on Mental Health Issues," and that's exactly what she is doing. I was so impressed with her that I encouraged the National Lieutenant Governors Association to help Kristy and Mary teach others what they have learned. They are touring state capitols across the country to fly the flag and tell others about the journey they didn't choose but now wouldn't trade.

JOURNEY NOT CHOSEN is a story of courage and love, but most important, it is a story of hope - for Kristy and Mary and for all families suffering from a mental illness. Throughout history, people of Kristy's enormous potential have been chained to their own chemical imbalances, but no more. Kristy and Mary are teaching us that with proper medication and treatment, a life previously ruled by bipolar disorder can become an incredible journey. That they are willing to share their experiences on that journey makes it even more special.

Win Rockefeller
Lt. Governor of Arkansas

"Journey Not Chosen...Destination Not Known is an extraordinary account of one family's struggle with bipolar disorder...It is at once a nightmarish tale, a triumph of the strength of family bonds, a primer regarding the signs and symptoms of this common but often unrecognized illness, and a compendium of resources for help and treatment."

-Paul E. Keck, Jr., M.D.
Professior & Vice Chairperson for Research
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

"Journey Not Chosen...Destination Not Known is an astonishingly vivid look inside a family struggling with bipolar disorder. It can be a great educational tool for those not familiar with the mental illness and a resource for those living with such diseases. If our nation is eventually going to give mental illness the attention it deserves, books like this will help pave the way.

I would like to commend you on this book and your and Kristy's commitment to using your experiences to help others. It takes courage and strength to share with strangers your family's struggles and you should know that I and other advocates appreciate your willingness to do so."

Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of Congress

"From the first to last word, you will feel the heart and soul of the heroic family who wins the battle against bipolar illness and gives the gift of empowerment to others. I have recommended this book to families, friends, and others who share the 'journey not chosen'. I know you will share the 'destination' of love and courage after you read this powerful story!"

Dr. Paula Lynch
Little Rock, Arkansas