The Author

Author Paul Wider

Hi. I'd like to share a little about myself and why I wrote "Overcoming Depression and Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) A Whole-Person Approach."

Approximately 27 years ago I suffered from a deep depression which lasted several months. I hardly went out of the house during that time since I was so down and also very afraid. After those several months I began lifting out of my depression. But it didn't stop there. I felt so good to be out of my depression. I began to feel better and better. This better and better feeling I had turned into a kind of "high" feeling. This high lasted at least a couple of months. During this time I slept much less, had grandiose ideas, spent a lot of money, talked excessively, got in many arguments, had some huge phone bills and had many other symptoms as well. The pattern of severe depressions alternating into highs lasted several years with some exceptions. Upon visiting a psychiatrist I was labeled manic depressive ( now called bipolar disorder ). Over time I took lithium and different anti-depressants.

I had some thoughts and asked some questions:

I said to myself, "There must be something else I can do than just taking medication to get well and stay well." What could be done?

I asked why were there some periods of time that I did not have deep depressions and highs? What was I doing different then?

If there is a chemical imbalance in my brain, what might be causing this imbalance? What might I do to bring it back other than solely using medication?

After asking myself these questions I went on a long quest researching and learning other methods of healing my deep depressions and highs.

As I did my research which included reading numerous books and researching numerous journal articles I collected lots of information. I also attended seminars and listened to or watched related talk shows.

I tested the approaches by applying them to my own life and sharing them with others who were struggling. As I kept adding more and more wellness tools to my life my depression and highs became less and less.

Through using the many tools (now contained in my book) I was able to get out of my depressions and highs. More importantly I began using these tools as preventive measures to avoid getting into depression or high states.

Finally using the many tools contained in my book I was able to let go of medication about 11 years ago and have had no debilitating mood swings since. Tapering off the medicine was done under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Some can eventually give up meds. Others cannot. Each of us must work that out by ourselves, with loved ones and with his or her doctor.

I did not want to go forward with my life without first sharing what I had learned. Hence, I wrote my book to make help available for my fellow brothers and sisters of humanity who are still suffering from depression and highs.

This decision turned out to be life changing for me. I decided to change my career from being an electrical engineer and computer network engineer to becoming a mental health counselor, author and mental health educator.

I am now married to my wonderful wife, Dawn who is very supportive of my work. I find it amazing how such a debilitating disease could be turned around to be such a wonderful blessing of a new career that I love so much.

Remember and believe that you can get better. You can learn to master your moods. You'll need to put the principles you learn into action to make it happen. I hope you choose to do that. You are worth it!

Warmly,

Paul Wider