HUMBOLDT, Saskatchewan, Oct. 28, 2009 — While many established writers might shy away from discussing the unpredictable mood swings and almost ravenous nervous breakdowns that threaten to destroy the lives of bipolar disorder sufferers as well as their families, debut author Dave O'Riordan reveals the whole ugly, yet beautifully honest truth in his new book, "Bipolar Shoes: People Do Matter" (published by AuthorHouse).
As "Bipolar Shoes" begins, it has been 15 years since O'Riordan hopped in a cab bound for Edmonton one fateful afternoon, suffering from his first severe nervous breakdown as a result of his debilitating condition. His condition would later cause him to black out, accost a police officer — kicking, spitting and cursing — and then land himself in The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, where he would be diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a month of residency.
"I always knew something was wrong," O'Riordan has said. "I just never knew what it was. But I was relieved to know. It really explained a lot of reasons as to why I was who I was." Though somewhat relieved that he now had an answer to the question of his dramatic changes in behavior, he still wanted to learn more about his condition and perhaps find better ways to manage his outbursts. Unfortunately, the only books and articles he found catered to doctors and psychologists, all filled with technical jargon that would never benefit anyone living with this debilitating illness.
That was when O'Riordan knew he needed to chronicle his painful story and shed a new light on his struggles and victories with bipolar disorder, not only to help himself heal emotionally, but also to aid others who were battling the disease, too. He put pen to paper and began a journey of deep self-reflection and honest confession that would end up lasting more than three years.
Starting from his childhood in Ireland, moving through his immigration to Canada with his family, and then ending with his fresh perspective on bipolar disorder as it affects his daily routine and loving family, O'Riordan has established himself as the unflinching, unwavering voice of those diagnosed. "Bipolar Shoes" provides the insight only the most astute soldier on the front lines of this war against mental illness could understand, infused with his inexhaustible, optimistic spirit as well.
Dave O'Riordan currently lives in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, with his wife, Heather, and her children. Armed with a passion for music and his newfound faith to manage his disorder, he now seeks to help anyone diagnosed with a debilitating mental illness. Fifty percent of all the proceeds from his book sales will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association. "Bipolar Shoes" is O'Riordan's first publication. Please visit http://www.bipolarshoes.com for further information.
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.
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