Outskirts Press, INC.

Even During the Most Hopeless Moments, There Is Hope

Many Americans struggle with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or PTSD—or both. If you are trying to find your way through the maze of these disorders, or you love someone who is fighting for a better life with mental and emotional health issues, this book is for you. Author Lauren Meredith shares the transition of her life from difficult to better times, illustrating how defining traumas can impact a life, and how challenging it can be to live with the effects of victimization and psychological disorders. Nearly five years after diagnosis, Lauren knows what it takes to manage successfully, and she shares her journey with candor and compassion. Inner Strength is a resource that will show you how to support a loved one on their path to healing, by learning how to listen without judging. It will reassure you that your unique experience of bipolar disorder and/or PTSD is valid—that suffering doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that it’s important to find help from someone who believes and understands your experience. You will find comfort in the knowledge that mental illness doesn’t mean you are nonfunctional: Lauren will educate you about the ways in which you can use your creative energy to recreate your life. And most important, you will see that you’re not alone, and that healing isn’t a destination: it’s an ever-evolving journey that requires patience, self-love, and a caring support system. Let Lauren take your hand and show you that you also can manage your diagnosis, and build a better life.