Acclaim

The Film

“Watching the film brought me to tears because it gives a profound gift for all of us on the bipolar spectrum: a respite from the challenging task of having to explain the realities of life on the bipolar spectrum to the rest of the world.”

– Anne E.

“For the longest time, I was in that place of closeted shame around this diagnosis. I believe there’s such a need to spotlight what bipolar disorder is, what it isn’t, how it can present, and how it can best be treated.”

– Dr. Devika Bhushan

“A hugely necessary message about recognizing those who are depressed whose depression is part of the bipolar spectrum.”

– Richard Bingham

“We need to get this message out to the public, and nothing has the ability to translate a story into public consciousness the way that films do.”

– Dr. Michael Berk

“Thankful the concept of bipolar disorder spectrum is coming to light. What a gift to so many who have struggled to fit in the diagnostic box.”

– Lynnea Lindse

“So excited by the light this film and these people will shed on an illness so long under the darkness of stigma.”

– Pamela Loring

“Such an important message to share with the world – a message that will literally save the lives of people who are suffering needlessly.”

– Etienne Morris

The Book

“As a social worker in the field of women’s mental health, especially in the postpartum period, I have seen countless women suffer excruciating depression for far too long because medical providers did not know the difference between Postpartum Depression and Bipolar II Depression.”

– Annette Cycon

“Amazing story, inspiring, made me angry at our healthcare systems and people who forget their charge, first do no harm. I am always surprised and impressed by the human spirit, the ability to fight on, live on. Thank you for sharing this battle, many will see pieces of themselves in your story. Thank goodness the stigma of ‘mental illness’ is being brought out into the sunlight.”

– Linda S.

“People need to know about Bipolar II, which doesn’t involve intense manic episodes. Taking antidepressants alone for this condition can have disastrous consequences. This book should be required viewing for everyone, and particularly for anyone who thinks they ‘just’ have depression. BrainStorm will most likely make you better informed than your doctors!”

– Terri Cheney

“Twenty-four hours later and I am finished my first read of BrainStorm. I am stunned I did not know about Bipolar II. Thank you for writing this book (you are a masterful writer) and what you have shared with the world is priceless. Give this book to anyone with long depression, you could give them their life back.”

– Sheila H.

“I just finished listening to the audiobook and I am absolutely in awe of Sara’s strength and vulnerability. Telling her story, her triumphs and struggles, and appreciating every moment of life because of all she has been through is a powerful experience and lights a path for so many others… Her message will help remove the stigma of bipolar and mood disorders, and will save lives.”

– Sue K.

“This book is grounded in truth-telling about a topic that is hidden beneath layers of denial and shame. Those who suffer from bipolar II, their families and beloveds, and their mental health professionals must read it. Sara suffered more than she needed it because most psychiatrists don’t understand the disease or how to treat it. It is a miracle that she stands among us today with such courage and honesty to share her extraordinary story of healing. Gift this book to anyone you know who is depressed and unable to find the way forward. Gift it to their families. Gift it to their therapists. And save lives.”

– Dr. Mishy L.

“…I couldn’t stop reading because I felt seen…understood…a bit hopeful (which is monumental for us). Wow. I’m NOT alone. Thank you, Sara. I wish I could hug you. Your book is my go-to now- waiting in my kindle library-for when I need to be reminded that there is someone on earth who sees me right now.”

– Jenn L.

“As we know, misdiagnosed depression disorders have created untold suffering throughout the generations. It is tragic that it took 25 years and the horrible consequences of really damaging medications for one determined and courageous woman to finally find a path to relief.”

– Pilgrim

“I was passed this book by my son, who had at that point just received a diagnosis of BPII. At the time, I was woefully unfamiliar with the condition, and desperate to read everything I could lay my hands on. Sara’s book gave me a genuine and personal insight into a condition about which I had no idea. Deeply insightful and at times devastating, this book proved invaluable to me in my quest to understand my son’s plight. An absolute classic.”

– Claire H.

“Brilliant, powerful, and important in understanding life on the bipolar spectrum! Sara Schley magnificently describes and analyzes her lived experience with bipolar II. A must read!”

– Major General Gregg Martin

“No other book on Bipolar Illness has shed such light on Bipolar ll.”

– Jed L.

“Sara Schley’s message is beautiful and brave. It underscores the importance of championing all those who struggle with the brain demons of bipolar II. This work will be valuable for those with mood disorders, their significant others and caretakers, and the clinicians who strive – sometimes successfully, sometimes not – to help them on their path towards health and recovery.”

– Dr. John G.

“This book is a raw, riveting, and inspiring account of Sara’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, type two. I am a psychiatrist, and I was fascinated reading her vivid and eloquent portrayal off her experiences and lived expertise of bipolar disorder. Sara describes an extraordinarily hard path to her illness being diagnosed and its impact on her and her family. What is most striking is how hard she had to persevere to find the mental health care that she needs and deserves. This book is a must read for anyone whose life has been touched by mental illness – which is basically all us of us.”

– Dr. Nancy B.

The TEDX

“If I could give you a billion likes I would. You helped me give me my voice: Bipolar Pride.”

– Sammy

“Thank you for telling me I am not alone.”

– Tanvimalik

“Fabulous. Bravo. Thank you for sharing your story and cheering on the rest of us in [the club.]”

– Annie

“Thank you for reminding me that I am a Pheonix Rising.”

– Shanla

“Huge thank you for your bravery and for making me feel seen.”

– The Phoenix

“Excellent, this is a sure way to bust stigma.”

– Patrick

“Great work. What a fantastic explanation of all things Bipolar and what an inspiration.”

– Eddy

“So excited by the light this film and these people will shed on an illness so long under the darkness of stigma.”

– Pamela Loring

“This woman is a godsend. I can’t even describe how helpful this is.”

– Elizabeth

“Thank you for this. I too am bp II. Right meds changed my life.”

– Alvarez