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Living With Bipolar
Release date: 12 September 2024
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Living With Bipolar, a new book by Xavier Coy, will be released on 12 September 2024, offering readers a deeply personal and insightful look into the complexities of living with bipolar disorder. Accompanied by evocative illustrations from Michael Arvithis, the book seeks to challenge prevailing stereotypes and provide a clearer understanding of this widely misunderstood mental health condition.
Bipolar disorder is frequently misrepresented in media, often portrayed in a way that emphasises extremes and contributes to harmful stigmas. Coy’s book directly addresses these issues, offering a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the sensationalised depictions commonly seen in fictional works and documentaries.
In Living With Bipolar, Coy draws on his own experiences to shed light on the emotional spectrum that defines bipolar disorder. The book is organised into sections for each symptom discussed: the first defines the symptom from Coy’s personal perspective, the second offers a stream of consciousness revealing his inner thought patterns, and the third provides a metaphorical description that captures the essence of the symptom. This structure makes the book accessible to readers with varying thinking styles, whether pragmatic, analytical, or creative.
Bipolar disorder is frequently misrepresented in media, often portrayed in a way that emphasises extremes and contributes to harmful stigmas. Coy’s book directly addresses these issues, offering a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the sensationalised depictions commonly seen in fictional works and documentaries.
In Living With Bipolar, Coy draws on his own experiences to shed light on the emotional spectrum that defines bipolar disorder. The book is organised into sections for each symptom discussed: the first defines the symptom from Coy’s personal perspective, the second offers a stream of consciousness revealing his inner thought patterns, and the third provides a metaphorical description that captures the essence of the symptom. This structure makes the book accessible to readers with varying thinking styles, whether pragmatic, analytical, or creative.
The book’s visual appeal is significantly enhanced by the contributions of illustrator Michael Arvithis. His artwork, inspired by Coy’s descriptions, brings the text to life, offering readers a visual representation of the emotional states associated with bipolar disorder. Arvithis’s illustrations are more than just complementary—they are integral to conveying the full depth of Coy’s experiences.
“I wanted to write a book that not only shares my personal journey with bipolar disorder but also dispels some of the common misconceptions surrounding it,” said Coy. “By structuring the book in a way that reaches different types of thinkers and by collaborating with Michael Arvithis, I hope to help readers gain a better understanding of what it’s like to live with bipolar.”
Living With Bipolar is an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health, whether they are personally affected by bipolar disorder, know someone who is, or are simply interested in learning more about the condition.
Living With Bipolar will be released on September 12, which is also R U OK day. It is now available to order.
“I wanted to write a book that not only shares my personal journey with bipolar disorder but also dispels some of the common misconceptions surrounding it,” said Coy. “By structuring the book in a way that reaches different types of thinkers and by collaborating with Michael Arvithis, I hope to help readers gain a better understanding of what it’s like to live with bipolar.”
Living With Bipolar is an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health, whether they are personally affected by bipolar disorder, know someone who is, or are simply interested in learning more about the condition.
Living With Bipolar will be released on September 12, which is also R U OK day. It is now available to order.
Author - Xavier Coy
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Illustrator - Michael Arvithis
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Testimonials
“In this book Xavier bears witness to trauma and distress but also awareness and recovery in a way that positions narrative above pathology and reflection above trauma. Lived experience stories are more important than ever in a period where we are on the cusp of fundamental changes in psychiatry. We can no longer tolerate a mental health system that does not include the humanities and Michael’s evocative art drives home the imperative for creative depictions of mental health, but more; creative lives defined by self expression and self-determination.”
- Professor Paul Rhodes, School of Psychology, University of Sydney
"It dawned on me, as I read Xavier's story, that even though mental illness is so common, few people get to tell their story, and even fewer have them published. Xavier's account highlights the isolation that comes with mental illness. Sharing these stories is an important way to reduce that isolation and lessen the stigma for people with mental illness. Xavier's book carries a powerful message: you're not alone, others have faced similar struggles and learned to manage them. It's valuable for young people to read how Xavier has managed his moods, offering inspiration to those early in their journey with mental illness. His story is one of resilience, growth, and, most importantly, hope."
- Dr Rachael Murrihy, The Kidman Centre, UTS