New Bipolar Anthology (featuring Jamie and Amanda Weil along with 32 personal stories on living with bipolar disorder)

First-Of-Its-Kind Anthology Voices of Bipolar Disorder Available





Jamie Weil, Cottonwood Resident, and Amanda Weil, San Francisco Resident, Published in Book--

Cottonwood, CA December 10, 2009 – LaChance Publishing announced today the release of Voices of Bipolar Disorder: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength Jamie Weil, a local resident of Cottonwood, shares her story about discovering her daughter, Amanda, had early onset bipolar disorder at age twelve. Amanda gives her perspective on what it feels like to grow up with bipolar disorder.

With a forward by the creators and cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Next to Normal, a play that explores the challenges faced by those with the disorder, this new anthology is the first-of-its-kind publication to openly share the experiences of some of the approximately 1-2 percent of the people in the U.S. that suffer with bipolar disorder.

“Amanda and I feel the best way to bust stigma related to mental illness is to share our story,” says Weil. “Bipolar disorder is a brain disease, not a character flaw, and early intervention is critical.”

The eighth in a series of books that brings to light the real-life accounts of those living with chronic illnesses, Voices of Bipolar Disorder is intended to provide support and comfort to those living with the disease and those who care for them. Story highlights include:

• Carrie McCarter, wife and mother of three, who was diagnosed in the early years of her marriage, after years of emotional outbursts and mood swings;
• Jamie and Amanda Weil, a mother and daughter, who share their separate perspectives on how Amanda’s struggle with bipolar disorder impacted their family;
• Lisa Fisk, who tells the story of her brother, who lost the battle to this disease by ending his own life.

The anthology includes more than 34 stories of parents, spouses, children and loved ones who have felt the impact of the disease. These tales of courage, strength and compassion offer insight into the challenges of living day by day with the disorder and the terrible isolation experienced by its victims , but most importantly, the writers’ hopes for the future and the strength of the human spirit.

The Voices Of book series was created by Debra LaChance who, when diagnosed with breast cancer, sought out the personal stories of those who had been through what she was experiencing and from which she could take comfort and find the strength to survive. Debra has provided a new avenue for support for all of those who are coping with chronic and life-threatening disease. To date, the series has tackled some of the most pressing healthcare issues, including autism, breast cancer, lung cancer, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Voices of Bipolar Disorder and all of the Voices Of books are available at bookstores everywhere and online at LaChance Publishing Web site, www.lachancepublishing.com.


Media Inquiries:
Carrie Goldstein
Impact Image, Inc.
954-712-2300
carrie@impactimageonline.com