An Unquiet Mind

A Memoir of Moods and Madness

By: Kay Redfield Jamison

Narrated by: Kay Redfield Jamison

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.

©1995 Kay Redfield Jamison (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

“An invaluable memoir of manic depression, at once medically knowledgeable, deeply human and beautifully written ... at times poetic, at times straightforward, always unashamedly honest.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Stands alone in the literature of manic-depression for its bravery, brilliance and beauty.”—Oliver Sacks

“Jamison’s [strength] is in the gutsy way she has made her disease her life’s work and in her brilliant ability to convey its joys and its anguish.... Extraordinary.” —Washington Post Book World

informative

this was a great review of a high level academic and all of her struggles and fears. I would hope that something was said about bipolar 2, without psychosis.

Saved my life

I needed to hear your struggle with lithium, to face my own resistance and save my life. I checked myself into a psych ward just after reading about 1/2 of the book and I knew my life depended on medication. Thank you for your openness and truth, in sharing your experience. I am alive today, as I wish to stay, and for that in part, I thank you.

inspiring

I couldn't put it down.. it has inspired me to seek treatment again for the 7th time in my life, giving me hope. I love the stories of her life and how beautifully written it is. How it made me cry because someone felt like I do at this very moment of deep depression.. thank you for writing this book and reading it.

Thank you!

What does Kay Redfield Jamison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Thank you for writing this book. Your story and descriptive experience conveys so clearly what it is actually like to live with this condition and this difficult reality. Your book makes me feel that I am not alone in this struggle and that hope exists in achieving a balanced life. I am eternally grateful that you took this courageous step in sharing your story. The stigma against those who suffer from mood disorders leads so many to remain quiet about their condition; often preventing or delaying treatment. After reading your book I felt as if someone had read me a story that presented me with a mirror of my life and mind; an explanation for why I have always felt that I experience life so different from everyone else. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in this experience. The waves of chaotic thoughts in my mind, creation of impulsive imaginative paintings, and the feelings of extreme passion, agitation, anger and anguish are exhausting. I believe your book has saved my life and the lives of others.

Heartbreaking with hope.

Kay's story is heartbreaking. She gives hope and understanding to those with mental illness and their loved ones.

Only wish the memoir was a bit longer

Author did a nice job of narration. I personally connected to the story....a cautionary tale of what can happen when you will not accept a diagnosis and/or refuse to take your meds properly. That being said, Jamison's frank and inspiring story not only leaves you wanting more, but gives hope for the future. A must read if you or a loved one has been diagnosed bipolar.

Must Read!!

Very helpful to understand mental illness. Thanks for the honesty & sincerity in addressing mental illness!

great read

just starting to learn about bipolar in myself this was a good start. . it nice to hear it from someone who is also living or trying to live with this illness.

I loved it as someone with BP2

I loved listening to this book. The author is very smart and documents her life and experiences with BP very well. It shines light on the condition and is also an interesting story. I deal with a milder form of bipolar (BP2) and am grateful for this listen.

Highly Recommend

It was easy to personally connect with the authors story for me so it's an interesting perspective.