Bipolar Disorder in Truth

Who dares to face the truth... about bipolar disorder?

Who dares to step out of the shadows, speak above the whispers, and honestly face the reality of this chronic mental illness? Who dares to say with conviction... "There is hope!"

Andy Hogan dares. With his bipolar beast on a leash, he tells his whole story of early childhood symptoms that no one recognized, late adolecent habits that pushed him over the edge, and finally, overcoming and growing from the devastating daily cycle between mania and depression.

Andy's story teaches what happens in mind and body. This knowledge will help you view bipolar disorder in a more understanding way. It is the open information you have been searching for.

His story is hopeful, triumphant and... it's based on truth.

Into My Manic Mind

When I first wrote the story of my battle with bipolar disorder I contacted many people who were with me during the extreme manic breakdowns. From their memories and journals along with my own journal and memories, I was able to come up with a pretty accurate description of the graphic and grueling hours we suffered together.

My first intention for writing was simply to tell my story. When I found an interested publisher, however, they asked me to tone down the details of the breakdowns. It's too much for the average reader, they told me. So, I went back to my computer and sterilized the "R" rated experience into a "PG" self help book. This first book titled, 'BIPOLAR DISORDER IN TRUTH; Understanding the Refiner's Fire' describes my early childhood and youth symptoms, the breakdowns generally, and the process of learning to accept and deal with my chronic mental illness.

After learning I had made the changes to the manuscript, friends, family, and even medical professionals told me I should leave them in. They said, It's the most interesting part of the story. That's the whole problem with mental illness! People need to know the truth and quick sugar coating it. How else can they be prepared to deal with insanity when it strikes their lives or the lives of their loved ones?

With this encouragement, I decided to write a separate book, or more like an addenda to the first book, focusing specifically on the extreme manic breakdowns. The new book is subtitled 'The Unedited Truth.' It is a warning that this account reveals the breakdown details in the same light a doctor sees a baby being delivered.

The human mind is as precious and beautiful as a newborn child. If you are the kind of person who doesn't want to see his baby until it has been cleanly washed, wiped, wrapped up, fed and is peacefully sleeping, read my first book and skip this one. If you find intrigue, inspiration and beauty in witnessing the entire birth with its pure, real-to-life details-both books are for you.

I believe a person who is directed to see beyond the bizarre, outward appearance of a mind that is breaking down may catch a glimpse of a miracle being revealed. This is why I am willing to take you on a tour into my manic mind.

Bipolar Disorder - 5 Steps to a More Peaceful Life

Understanding of bipolar disorder is still in the elementary stages. Great strides forward have been made over the last decade as publications from doctors, counselors, and other medical professionals have come available. Still, there has always been one lacking element desperately needed in the education process: the personal triumph stories from those with the illness who have found a way to live positive, productive, and even pleasurable lives.

This missing piece is now available in Andy Hogan's book Navigating Bipolar Disorder; Five Steps to a more Peaceful Life.

In clear layman's terms he describes the five steps he took to progress from a daily cycle between manic psychosis and chemical depression to a life of stable emotions, a happy marriage, the ability to support his children, and a renewed vigor to pursue his dreams.

If you have read the medical text books and professional journals, but are still waiting for personal experience and wisdom, wait no more. In his book, Andy opens his heart and mind to reveal the things doctor's surveys and opinions cannot touch. This is real to life. This may be the help and insight you have been waiting for. Andrew S. Hogan has also included a workbook which comes in two sections; one for those suffering from bipolar disorder, and one for friends, family, and caregivers of those suffering. These workbooks provide the reader with activities, thought-provoking questions, and areas for journaling.

Also available as an Audio CD.

Bipolar Disorder - 5 Steps to a More Peaceful Life CD

If you have read the medical text books and professional journals, but are still waiting for personal experience and wisdom, wait no more. In this audio recording, Andy opens his heart and mind to reveal the things doctor's surveys and opinions cannot touch. This is real to life. This may be the help and insight you have been waiting for.

Reading by author Andrew S. Hogan.

School of Trout

People who never grow tired of talking, thinking and dreaming about fishing. People who can take any topic of conversation and relate it to fishing. People who cherish the memories of fishing with loved ones. People who consider a perfectly placed cast to be beautiful art. People who listen to the stream and notice reflections in glistening lakes. People who pause to marvel at the beauty of a brookie before gently releasing it home.

These are the students of fishing. Do you ever wish you could read their minds? What secrets could they share? What more do they see to fishing than a line, hook, water and trout? A School Of Trout is your answer. It is a collection of poems depicting many angles of experience and lessons of life learned while fishing. The reading experience is much like that secret fishing spot where you first delight in the discovery, then you come to understand and love it more and more with each return, and finally you become a part of it.