Yes You Can!: Commitment and Strategies for Overcoming Bipolar and Unipolar Depression

Yes You Can! is a bold and pioneering effort by one diagnosed bipolar (or manic depressive as it used to be known) in 1981, to speak to the consciousness of all who experience bipolar or unipolar depression . . . and to their friends and families.

Marked with self-exposure, optimism, humor, and passionate concern, the author acknowledges both the extraordinary toll of depression and the courage of those – of all backgrounds and ages – who fight to survive and restore themselves.

Revealing with candor and clarity the commitment and strategies driving his own substantial progress, Richard Mead draws on more than eight years of weekly 'exchanges' with hundreds of others in MDDA and SFDMDA – Boston and San Francisco's manic depressive and depressive associations.

Rather than explore grim memories of intimidating statistics, he chooses to support and inspire his peers by sharing his own return from hospitalization and chaos to authentic selfhood.

Pragmatic, easy to read, without dogma, and inclusive, Yes You Can! urges self-esteem and resilience as cornerstones for reversing patterns of despair and inertia.

This challenge, presented with style and flavor by one who knows the agony of defeat, maybe the right one at the right time. For those touched by the critical issue, is should riven your attention and alter your outlook. It is a powerful affirmation – where affirmations barely exist – from one who has walked through the fire.