Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor: An Olympian's Journey with Mental Illness - Paperback

by Amy J. Gamble (Author)

A small-town childhood, a close-knit family, a successful career, and an Olympic athlete--this was Amy's life...until it wasn't.That's the thing about mental illness, it doesn't care where you grew up, how smart you are, how many awards you've won, or how much money you make. It's an equal opportunity destroyer.From the earliest signs, to the denial, the manic highs, and despondent lows, bipolar disorder has the power to affect every aspect of a person's life. It derailed Amy's athletic and corporate careers, ruined relationships, and caused a whirlwind of chaos within her family.But now she's ready to tell her story. Ready to share the darkest parts of her life in hope of showing those diagnosed with mental illness that there is a way to overcome this world of uncertainty--a way to live and thrive in the midst of this life-altering disease. This is Amy's story..."Bipolar Disorder, My Biggest Competitor is the heart-wrenching story of an Olympian's struggle with and eventual triumph over the terrifying highs and lows of the bipolar disorder. Through scenes of astonishing visceral and emotional power, Amy takes us from the successful team handball Olympian to the darker side of bipolar disorder. With remarkable honesty and humor, Amy shows the effects of this illness on the mind, body and soul of those who suffer with it. However, despite the struggles, this is not a book that brings the reader down, rather a road map for wellness and a vastly informative yet entertaining guided tour of bipolar disorder for those who don't understand it. This memoir is an excellent guide to a painful and difficult yet treatable illness. Amy's courage in sharing her experience is impressive and commendable. It will help others struggling with this illness feel less isolated and more hopeful." Maura Andronic, MDPsychiatrist

Author Biography

Amy Gamble is a small town girl who has always had big time dreams. She followed those dreams all the way to the Olympic Games. Facing competitors on a world stage, she learned how determination could overcome all the odds against her. Amy needed that strength and those lessons when she faced the biggest challenge in her life-bipolar disorder. Amy is now the Executive Director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Greater Wheeling. She is a Certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and a mental health speaker. Amy has over 18 years experience working for Fortune 500 companies in sales, marketing and leadership. Amy has a M.A. in Organizational Management and a B.A. in Communication. Her mission in life is to help those who live with mental illness and their family members find help and hope. She strives to eliminate stigma by sharing openly her struggles and triumphs of living with bipolar disorder and educating audiences of all ages.