Depression - A Quick Introduction
Seeking help is part of the recovery process.
Knowledge is Necessity. One quick look at the menu above will tell you that depression and bipolar are terms rather than realities. Yes, we need to know all about the fine points of diagnostic categories, but far more vital is context. Your so-called depression may track more like bipolar. Conversely, if you have bipolar you are likely to be depressed way more than you are manic. Similarly, you are certain to have a lot more going on than just mood. The first step in living well involves knowing thyself. This will get you started.
Knowledge is Necessity
Copyright 2008 John McManamy Contact
Don't let the term mild depression fool you.
Bipolar - A Quick Introduction
When life is more than you bargained for.
Bipolar can speed up or slow down time.
Now that you're familiar with the DSM-IV, forget everything you've read.
There is way more to a mood disorder than just mood.
Our very lives depend on how well we manage stress.
From suicide to reckless behavior to physical illness.
Dr Kraepelin, tear down this wall.
Confused about your illness? So are the experts.
“Bipolar is the equivalent of being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic in a race car.”
Depression - A Closer Look
Depression is a total assault on the body as well as the brain.
Bipolar - A Closer Look
There is a lot more to bipolar than meets the eye.
Bipolar - Sharpening the Diagnostic Picture
Does the DSM provide an accurate portrait? The short answer is no ...
Depression Overview FAQ
The definitive cheatsheet.
Bipolar Overview FAQ
Another definitive cheatsheet.
Seasonal Affective Disrder
Many of us have decidedly unsunny dispositions.
Atypical Depression
This form of depression is actually very common.
Bipolar Depression
Far more pervasive and disabling than mania.
Cyclothymia
This so-called mild form of bipolar is no laughing matter.
Rapid Cycling
Hard to define, even harder to treat.
Multipolar Depression
Where unipolar meets bipolar.
Hard Depression, Soft Bipolar
Still depressed? Maybe you're being treated for the wrong illness.
The True Meaning of Manic-Depression
It actually means something diffrent than bipolar disorder.
The Thought Spectrum - Part II
How fatigue, lack of concentration, and mood connect.
Anxiety
How you manage your anxiety is crucial to managing your mood.
Alcohol and Substance Use
Unfortunately, far too many of us have to contend with this.
You're in the right place. Check out your video guide to McMan's Web.
"Be warned! These musings are addictive." - Kimberly Read, About.com - Bipolar.
Featured Blogs
Oprah Absolutely Totally Endorses Me - Well, Sort Of
Try my Dihydrogen Oxide Cure. Take it with water. [More]
New Imaging Studies Reveal Brains of Assholes
The findings explain radio talk show hosts, Fox News Commentators, and antipsychiatry bloggers. [More]
Latest Blogs
After two years, I finally summoned the nerve to do a didgeridoo video. [More]
Trick Question - Bipolar vs Cycling
Cycling is the key to understanding bipolar. [More]
Andy Behrman - Some People Don't Know When to Stop
Don't get me started .... [More]
The two countries have a lot going for them, but not for the reasons various parties would have you believe. [More]
No koalas were harmed ... [More]
Oprah is an Unmitigated Idiot and a Menace to Society
A Newsweek cover story takes on the cult of Oprah. [More]
Yet even more on personality from Robert Cloninger. [More]
Yet more on personality from Robert Cloninger. [More]
How does "smart" factor in? [More]
More from Robert Cloninger [More]
What the Hell is Well-being Anyway?
Famed personality researcher Robert Cloninger explains. [More]
What Does the Tango Have To Do With Recovery?
Leading lifestyle advocate Dearn Ornish eleaborates [More]
Recent Videos
"Nicely produced and edited. I'd love to see more frequent updates." - Sandra Kiume, PsychCentral
The world's oldest wind instrument brings out the playful and spiritual side in me.
Mindfulness - Living in the Present
We forget. The present is where life is happening - here, right now.
Don't just sit there. Build yourself a tree.
Don't be fooled. There's always a somewhere.
Nature heals. So do our brains.
No koalas were harmed making this movie.
Mindfulness: The Ultimate Mood Stabilizer
The Buddha was on to something ...
Do people with bipolar cycle in and out of time? Call me bichronic.
In the Spotlight

Lincoln and Darwin were born on the same day, 200 years ago in 1809. These two articles discuss how their actions and ideas apply to you:
His unremitting despair and constant failures steeled his character.
Is there a selective advantage to depression and bipolar?
A Random Sampling
Now that you're familiar with the DSM-IV, forget everything you've read.
A leading anthropologist explains the birds and the bees.
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.
No, it's not normal kid behavior.
An innovative researcher discovers that patients know best.
Living Well With Depression and Bipolar Disorder by John McManamy (HarperCollins 2006)
"I doubt there is a person in the world who knows these conditions better, inside and out, than John McManamy ... He weaves together the science and the inner experiences of depression and bipolar disorder in a way that is quite rare. This book is full of studies and personal insights, in about equal measure, leavened with the practical conclusions of its even-handed and often humorous author. It breaks new ground." - Nassir Ghaemi MD, Tufts University
Sample Amazon Reviews
"John McManamy has an outstanding ability to describe his and other's experience of having bipolar disorder in all its complexity. He never tries to take the place of the patiet's psychiatrist. He refers his readers to other sources of excellent more detailed clinical information. He tells the human side of the story. He teaches patients how to be better informed consumer's of psychiatric care. He encourages patients to be active participants in their recovery." - Raymond
"This is one of the best books I've read on the subject of Bipolar Disorder or Depression. Filled with real world examples, and crammed with information this book will empower you to take charge of your illness." - Eileen