Before writing the book, she surveyed 120 persons with mood disorders from around the country to learn their thoughts and insights. Too often, people who have a mood disorder see themselves as victims who can only be rescued by medications and therapy. This book places the task of getting well squarely on the shoulders of the consumer. Chapter after chapter challenges the reader to examine all aspects of one's life, to take responsibility, experiment and make changes. Controlling the symptoms must be dealt with first, then each individual must explore his or her own problem.
Different people respond differently to different approaches.
The reader is encouraged to make a chart of moods in order to learn early warning signs. The book teaches how to build a support system, how to address negative thinking, how to relax. Diet and exercise are shown to be very important. Chapters explore the experiences of depression and mania, possible causes of mood disorders, coming down from mania, ways out of depression, finding support and appropriate health care professionals, developing a lifestyle that enhances wellness, and preventing suicide. But the greatest feature of this book is the way it interacts with the reader.