Praise for My Bipolar Backpack
Cover Art: Brynne Worley
”Bipolar Backpack is a deeply personal look at Susan Ralphe’s journey through mental illness. Susan weaves together the various parts of her life with a journalist’s attention to detail and flair for phrases that capture the meaning perfectly. It is quickly, but not easily read, because of the emotional content of the narrative.
Susan remained undiagnosed and then incorrectly diagnosed for 40 years. This story may spare several individuals the agony of misdiagnosis. Bipolar Backpack is a story that should be read by everyone, but in particular those with bipolar disorder and their families.” Susan V. Minson, M.D.
“The author's account of a lifelong battle with manic-depression, much of it undiagnosed and therefore untreated, reads like a roller-coaster ride from hell. Compelling story, smartly told.” Sharon Maddux, retired teacher
"People struggling with bipolar disorder or other mental illness sometimes can feel helpless and live with no hope for the future. As Susan shares her story with us, I can see this being a help for those right in the mist of the battle. Her description of the struggles she went through personally and how she dealt with them could benefit someone who needs to see how she worked through different stages of her mental illness. I also see in the book how God shows up and makes something beautiful from ashes as if God is pursuing Susan throughout her life until she fully renders her whole self to Jesus. Susan is a good friend of mine, and I believe God is going to use her story to minister to others in a mighty way.”
Isa. 61:3 To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the LORD has planted for his own glory.
John Hamilton – pastor of senior adults & pastoral care – Cedar Mill Bible Church – Portland
Oregon
“A very personal and poignant first-person look at one woman’s journey into and out of mental illness. Her anti-big Pharma/conventional medicine attitude is tempered by a respect for the one drug that has helped her the most throughout this often dark and discouraging meandering through the jungles of manic-depressive disorder. I enjoyed the first person narratives that mirrored her thoughts with what was actually going on in her life.
“Additionally, I can closely relate to the author as one close to me has come out of the suffering of this disorder. I also enjoyed getting to know her late husband, who, though addicted to alcohol, had a huge supporting role in her life and in the development of the character of her two sons.
“Her faith in a sovereign God shines here. There is definitely hope during and after bipolar, both for the patient and the caregiver(s)!” From: an Analytical Chemist in Reno
“Thinking back on my years in the domestic violence arena, I realize that so very many of the abused women I met had husbands or partners who had been prescribed mind- balancing drugs but had quit taking them, thinking they were no longer needed. Violence erupts and law enforcement makes an arrest that impacts the entire family.” Kay Wood, former prosecutor’s staff member