I picked Yes, I Took My Meds up on a whim since the theme of bipolar disorder is tied to what I study at university (neuroscience) and I thought there are a few representations of this psychiatric disorder in the media but I have never read a book about it. With the expectation of reading something unique, I started reading this book interested and open. 

The author of this book is very open and honest, both about her past of self-harm, suicide attempts and sexual abuse as well as the continuous battle with the mood swings, bipolar episodes and ever-changing treatments. The only other account of mental illness that I remember being so open about some of these aspects is probably The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, which is also technically a memoir. I really enjoyed how the author of Yes, I Took My Meds reflects on her past and accepts it, respects all the decisions she made and acknowledges that even in the hardest and roughest of times she was strong and her desire to experience life and get better is what got her to where she is now. 

This memoir, despite being an emotional rollercoaster of stories and events, some of which even the author has difficulty piecing together (which is again a result of the illness/medication), has a positive ending which is proof of the author's strength and hope. All throughout the book, intertwined with perfectly described details about the illness, medications and episodes, there are accounts and memories of a normal life, full of milestones and important decisions as well as great responsibilities. I thought this was very telling, as it shows the readers that even with a mental illness people have normal lives with the same burdens and responsibilities as everybody else. It made me think deep and hard about how difficult it would be to juggle self-care and making sure you stay alive while maintaining an income, paying bills and remembering to do everything you need to so that your life is in order. Although this book doesn't have any self-pity, it seeps through how much a struggle the author had to go through because of her illness. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting and educative, it made me learn about what daily life might be like for people with bipolar disorder and I appreciate that. I have studied this illness, took notes about it and read all about the problems in emotion regulation and how this happens in the brain, all of the symptoms and possible medications, but this rich and emotional account gave me an insight I couldn't have gotten in any other way. I appreciate the author for opening up in this extraordinary way and making me understand mental health even more. If you are interested in any of the themes I touched upon in this review, I recommend reading this book.