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Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery
Me and A Guide to Recovery reveals the shock discoveries that cast Karen Tyrrell's first memoir Me and A Memoir of Madness in a new light. An Australian author and teacher, Karen highlights the crucial role her husband Steve played, as carer, in her recovery from parent harassment and subsequent mental illness. In this self-help memoir, Karen shares practical mental-wellness advice, demystifies meditation, addresses sleep problems, and explains how to beat depression and anxiety. Karen also discloses the dreaded secrets Steve finally revealed to her. On that fateful blue-sky day, my life as I knew it fell apart. 'You better rewrite that memoir of yours. What I'm going to tell you now will change everything.' What secrets did Steve finally divulge six years on? What impact did those revelations have on their marriage and Karen's recovery?
150 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2013
1 person is currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Karen Tyrrell
20 books188 followersKaren Tyrrell is a Brisbane Children's Rights Ambassador, award-winning author of 15 books, key note speaker, teacher, story teller, workshop and Masterclass presenter. Karen is the winner of 3 awards, 7 literary grants and a mentorship from the Society of Editors. Karen presents writing workshops for Queensland Writers Centre, Brisbane City Libraries, Gold Coast Writers Festival, schools, libraries and hospitals. She has appeared on Seven News and ABC radio, sharing her story of personal empowerment.
Karen’s books are: ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness, ME & HIM: A Guide to Recovery, Bailey Beats the Blah, STOP the Bully, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, Super Space Kids series and Song Bird Superhero series.
FREE kids activities + FREE teacher notes
http://www.karentyrrell.com
Karen’s books are: ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness, ME & HIM: A Guide to Recovery, Bailey Beats the Blah, STOP the Bully, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, Super Space Kids series and Song Bird Superhero series.
FREE kids activities + FREE teacher notes
http://www.karentyrrell.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 23, 2013
As a psych RN who works full time on an inpatient psych unit, I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who has a mental illness, has a family member or friend diagnosed with a mental illness ~ so probably everyone should read this book because I doubt there are very few individuals or families whose lives have not been affected in some way by mental illness. The stigma HAS to STOP!! This book offers such hope and practical solutions to help those who have bipolar disorder and depression. Kudos to Karen Tyrrell for letting the beast out and allowing others to realize mental illness does not only affect the lower socio-economic or "street people" but people of all classes and professions. Life is good even for those of us who have a mental illness diagnosis and with proper treatment, we are able to return to our professions and continue to enjoy life. More education is the key!! If you haven't read Karen's book, "Me and Her", I highly recommend that as well as an up-close & personal account of a professional woman's descent and uphill battle with bipolar disorder. Thank you, again, Karen for your guts to open up and be pro-active with your mental health advocacy!
March 12, 2013
Karen Tyrrell knows what you need to do to stay well with bipolar disorder – she's prevented a relapse of her mania since 2006. But since her memoir Me and Her: a Memoir Of Madness was published, she had two secrets revealed to her that unravelled her understanding of her mental health. She writes, "On a brilliant blue sky day, my husband Steve finally revealed the awful truth to me."
This second book is part self-help manual and part memoir, so in it Tyrrell gives you specific actions you can take to stay well. She shares these tips in chapters like "Recognise Your Early Warning Signs," "Know Your Triggers," "Sleep Better" and "Be Mindful with Mindfulness." Whether or not she's aware of it, she stumbles into a lot of practical tips supported by evidence-based research into what actually works to stay well with bipolar disorder.
After starting the book with the news that her husband had revealed some awful truth to her, she skilfully withholds that truth until we come to the memoir part of the book. She shares her story with painful honesty - I say painful because she talks openly about her flaws as much as other people's.
I'm in a unique position to critique this book: A month before I turned 21, I was hospitalized in a psych ward (now, "mental health inpatient units") and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Over the next five years I was hospitalized four times. On 1 May 2013, I'll be celebrating 12 years of using evidence-based bipolar treatments to stay well. I am also a writer. I bring both these perspectives to my review of this book.
If you followed Tyrrell's guidelines in the self-help part of the book, you would increase your chances of staying well. Research shows that someone with bipolar disorder has an average of eight relapses over 10 years. Follow her advice and you will reduce the number of relapses you have - if you have any at all.
In the memoir part of the book, Tyrrell's writing is at its best. She knows how to feed readers with a piece of information that makes you ask a question, and then she withholds the answer until much later in the book. By then, you're hooked. In the memoir section, she shares the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder. Part of the reason I avoided dating for a decade was that I thought no one could handle my irrational moodiness (I now have a wonderfully supportive partner who has the patience muscles of Schwarzenegger). It's not often you get insights into the challenges of being a partner to someone with a mental illness.
This book will be of most helpful to people who have bipolar disorder who want to stabilize their moods and prevent manic or depressive relapses. Another group who will find it useful are partners, families or carers of people with bipolar disorder. Finally it will help people without direct experience of mental illness who want to understand more. We're on Goodreads, so let me assure you that this is a good read.
This second book is part self-help manual and part memoir, so in it Tyrrell gives you specific actions you can take to stay well. She shares these tips in chapters like "Recognise Your Early Warning Signs," "Know Your Triggers," "Sleep Better" and "Be Mindful with Mindfulness." Whether or not she's aware of it, she stumbles into a lot of practical tips supported by evidence-based research into what actually works to stay well with bipolar disorder.
After starting the book with the news that her husband had revealed some awful truth to her, she skilfully withholds that truth until we come to the memoir part of the book. She shares her story with painful honesty - I say painful because she talks openly about her flaws as much as other people's.
I'm in a unique position to critique this book: A month before I turned 21, I was hospitalized in a psych ward (now, "mental health inpatient units") and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Over the next five years I was hospitalized four times. On 1 May 2013, I'll be celebrating 12 years of using evidence-based bipolar treatments to stay well. I am also a writer. I bring both these perspectives to my review of this book.
If you followed Tyrrell's guidelines in the self-help part of the book, you would increase your chances of staying well. Research shows that someone with bipolar disorder has an average of eight relapses over 10 years. Follow her advice and you will reduce the number of relapses you have - if you have any at all.
In the memoir part of the book, Tyrrell's writing is at its best. She knows how to feed readers with a piece of information that makes you ask a question, and then she withholds the answer until much later in the book. By then, you're hooked. In the memoir section, she shares the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder. Part of the reason I avoided dating for a decade was that I thought no one could handle my irrational moodiness (I now have a wonderfully supportive partner who has the patience muscles of Schwarzenegger). It's not often you get insights into the challenges of being a partner to someone with a mental illness.
This book will be of most helpful to people who have bipolar disorder who want to stabilize their moods and prevent manic or depressive relapses. Another group who will find it useful are partners, families or carers of people with bipolar disorder. Finally it will help people without direct experience of mental illness who want to understand more. We're on Goodreads, so let me assure you that this is a good read.
March 18, 2014
This book shares skin peeling insights into how to recover from mental illness, keeping tabs on the triggers, employing calming techniques to overcome potential regression, the daily battle to keep on track of mental well being.
I found many of the self help suggestions, first outlined by explaining Karen’s own journey, then bullet point summaries, closing the chapters with My message: tips, helpful for any reader willing to undertake self examination of their own thoughts.
I particularly found the revelations of Karen’s Him Steve own journey into depression and recovery enlightening. I felt that in, Me & Her A Memoir of Madness, mostly from Karen’s point of view, I found myself thinking, poor Steve, I wonder how he coped. In fact he didn’t cope all that well, he still soldiered on though, as most people do in impossible situations, because they have no option.
Again Karen is to be congratulated on achieving so much and being able to do this with her HIM Steve at her side. Firstly getting published, as any aspiring writer is aware is a big step, pursuing her career as a workshop presenter, becoming an accredited speaker with SANE Australia, promoting mental health through social media, radio interviews and public speaking.
I admire Karen and Steve for sharing their lives with the many people who find life’s hectic pace taking a toll on their mental well being.
Merged review:
This book shares skin peeling insights into how to recover from mental illness, keeping tabs on the triggers, employing calming techniques to overcome potential regression, the daily battle to keep on track of mental well being.
I found many of the self help suggestions, first outlined by explaining Karen’s own journey, then bullet point summaries, closing the chapters with My message: tips, helpful for any reader willing to undertake self examination of their own thoughts.
I particularly found the revelations of Karen’s Him Steve own journey into depression and recovery enlightening. I felt that in, Me & Her A Memoir of Madness, mostly from Karen’s point of view, I found myself thinking, poor Steve, I wonder how he coped. In fact he didn’t cope all that well, he still soldiered on though, as most people do in impossible situations, because they have no option.
Again Karen is to be congratulated on achieving so much and being able to do this with her HIM Steve at her side. Firstly getting published, as any aspiring writer is aware is a big step, pursuing her career as a workshop presenter, becoming an accredited speaker with SANE Australia, promoting mental health through social media, radio interviews and public speaking.
I admire Karen and Steve for sharing their lives with the many people who find life’s hectic pace taking a toll on their mental well being.
I found many of the self help suggestions, first outlined by explaining Karen’s own journey, then bullet point summaries, closing the chapters with My message: tips, helpful for any reader willing to undertake self examination of their own thoughts.
I particularly found the revelations of Karen’s Him Steve own journey into depression and recovery enlightening. I felt that in, Me & Her A Memoir of Madness, mostly from Karen’s point of view, I found myself thinking, poor Steve, I wonder how he coped. In fact he didn’t cope all that well, he still soldiered on though, as most people do in impossible situations, because they have no option.
Again Karen is to be congratulated on achieving so much and being able to do this with her HIM Steve at her side. Firstly getting published, as any aspiring writer is aware is a big step, pursuing her career as a workshop presenter, becoming an accredited speaker with SANE Australia, promoting mental health through social media, radio interviews and public speaking.
I admire Karen and Steve for sharing their lives with the many people who find life’s hectic pace taking a toll on their mental well being.
Merged review:
This book shares skin peeling insights into how to recover from mental illness, keeping tabs on the triggers, employing calming techniques to overcome potential regression, the daily battle to keep on track of mental well being.
I found many of the self help suggestions, first outlined by explaining Karen’s own journey, then bullet point summaries, closing the chapters with My message: tips, helpful for any reader willing to undertake self examination of their own thoughts.
I particularly found the revelations of Karen’s Him Steve own journey into depression and recovery enlightening. I felt that in, Me & Her A Memoir of Madness, mostly from Karen’s point of view, I found myself thinking, poor Steve, I wonder how he coped. In fact he didn’t cope all that well, he still soldiered on though, as most people do in impossible situations, because they have no option.
Again Karen is to be congratulated on achieving so much and being able to do this with her HIM Steve at her side. Firstly getting published, as any aspiring writer is aware is a big step, pursuing her career as a workshop presenter, becoming an accredited speaker with SANE Australia, promoting mental health through social media, radio interviews and public speaking.
I admire Karen and Steve for sharing their lives with the many people who find life’s hectic pace taking a toll on their mental well being.
March 9, 2013
This is a true story from the author, Karen Tyrrell, of how she overcame a mental illness by writing her memoirs and publishing them so she could help other sufferers, even though it meant giving up her privacy. The author has written an honest account of her good and bad episodes, and explained how it all affected her husband and their children.
Karen was under tremendous stress and trying to cope and overcome problems that were no fault of her own, but she didn't realized she was ill or had a mental illness because she felt so good. Plus she was on a mission to solve her huge problems. Apparently with bipolar disorder, the person may not know they are unwell. It takes a caring and loving relative to notice and intervene, which would be very hard for them. That's where Karen's husband came into this story. He's one brave and caring man in my opinion, and a wonderful husband and father. This book is the sequel to 'Me and Her, a Guide to Recovery', and I recommend that people read that one first. But as well as all the great inspirations stuff in these books, there's some laugh aloud moments because Karen Tyrrell is one funny lady, but that's my opinion of course and the way I saw her after reading her two books.
I highly recommend this series to sufferers of mental illness, their families, and also the public so that they may understand if their friends or workmates are in trouble and need help. After all, it could happen to anyone, or family members.
Karen was under tremendous stress and trying to cope and overcome problems that were no fault of her own, but she didn't realized she was ill or had a mental illness because she felt so good. Plus she was on a mission to solve her huge problems. Apparently with bipolar disorder, the person may not know they are unwell. It takes a caring and loving relative to notice and intervene, which would be very hard for them. That's where Karen's husband came into this story. He's one brave and caring man in my opinion, and a wonderful husband and father. This book is the sequel to 'Me and Her, a Guide to Recovery', and I recommend that people read that one first. But as well as all the great inspirations stuff in these books, there's some laugh aloud moments because Karen Tyrrell is one funny lady, but that's my opinion of course and the way I saw her after reading her two books.
I highly recommend this series to sufferers of mental illness, their families, and also the public so that they may understand if their friends or workmates are in trouble and need help. After all, it could happen to anyone, or family members.
July 9, 2014
Okay, I cheated and skipped to the last chapters.
I just had to find out the expose and what Steve (husband) had hidden from the author Karen Tyrell. Well, I was shocked and also amused, as this had also happened to me! Often those around who are carers of those with a mental illness, suffer and struggle to deal with the emotional turmoil that is created.
Again, Karen has written an engaging story which completes her memoir. I have this recovery guide beside my bed and chose a different chapter to read during the week. I find the guide practical and helpful and have even been able to refer to different tips for parents and friends.
Congratulations on providing an excellent resource for everyone who is touched by mental illness, which means all of us! This easy to read guide to recovery with tips that can be implemented daily is a must have for schools, libraries and bookshelves across the world!
I just had to find out the expose and what Steve (husband) had hidden from the author Karen Tyrell. Well, I was shocked and also amused, as this had also happened to me! Often those around who are carers of those with a mental illness, suffer and struggle to deal with the emotional turmoil that is created.
Again, Karen has written an engaging story which completes her memoir. I have this recovery guide beside my bed and chose a different chapter to read during the week. I find the guide practical and helpful and have even been able to refer to different tips for parents and friends.
Congratulations on providing an excellent resource for everyone who is touched by mental illness, which means all of us! This easy to read guide to recovery with tips that can be implemented daily is a must have for schools, libraries and bookshelves across the world!
March 17, 2013
Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery is the second instalment from Karen Tyrrell regarding her journey through mental illness and back again. If you are unfamiliar with Karen’s first book please pop over to our review of Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness (http://buginabook.org/2012/07/18/me-a...).
It is in this book that the very important connection is made between recovery and support people. Karen reveals secrets her husband shared that changed everything she thought she knew about her recovery time.
As always Karen writes in her honest and gutsy way revealing her true thoughts and feeling. It is in this way that she reaches out to others. She doesn't sugar coat or gloss over the highs and lows making this a genuine account.
Not only is Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery a continuation of Karen’s story – which enhances the first and adds a broader perspective. – It is also a guide/handbook filled with brilliant tips to help with everything from relaxation and sleep to coping with stress, depression and anxiety. There is something here for everyone whether you are struggling to cope with mental health issues yourself or – like Karen’s caring husband – are trying to find ways to help and cope as a carer and friend.
I recommend you check out Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness first but do grab the pair as together they are a tremendously valuable resource.
Angela Hall - buginabook.org
It is in this book that the very important connection is made between recovery and support people. Karen reveals secrets her husband shared that changed everything she thought she knew about her recovery time.
As always Karen writes in her honest and gutsy way revealing her true thoughts and feeling. It is in this way that she reaches out to others. She doesn't sugar coat or gloss over the highs and lows making this a genuine account.
Not only is Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery a continuation of Karen’s story – which enhances the first and adds a broader perspective. – It is also a guide/handbook filled with brilliant tips to help with everything from relaxation and sleep to coping with stress, depression and anxiety. There is something here for everyone whether you are struggling to cope with mental health issues yourself or – like Karen’s caring husband – are trying to find ways to help and cope as a carer and friend.
I recommend you check out Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness first but do grab the pair as together they are a tremendously valuable resource.
Angela Hall - buginabook.org
July 13, 2013
Me and Him is a sequel to the very good memoir Me and Her which I have previously reviewed, both here and on the Divine website at https://www.divine.vic.gov.au/main-si.... Me and Him is part memoir and part self-help book for people with mental illnesses, specifically bi-polar disorder. I mainly purchased the book because I wanted to read the big revelations that the author Karen Tyrrell promised. These revelation promised to change some of what Karen had revealed in her original memoir Me and Him. I worried these revelations might discredit what she had said in the original. But they did not. They just added to an understanding of her battle with bi-polar. Me and Him also shows that her husband Steve did not come through the battle for Karen's mental health unscathed. The first half or so of the book was more advise on dealing with a mental illness. As I don't have a mental illness, my interest was not as great in this part of the book, although I do seem to be doing a lot of things to help prevent a mental illness from surfacing. I found that Karen repeated herself a bit in the first section, but I think that would help reinforce her messages to those who were reading the book with a view to understanding and coping with their illness or the illness of someone they care for.
July 5, 2013
An outstanding follow-up to the long-awaited Me and Her! Once again, Karen Tyrrell takes mental health issues out of the shadows. In Me and Him, Karen continues to demystify mental illness and bipolar disorder, and highlights the very crucial role of her husband (the HIM in Me and Him) in her journey towards wellness. She provides a very moving account of this wonderful man (also the bearer of his own secrets) who weathered her 'bipolar storms' and who stopped at nothing to make sure that the woman he loved recovered. Karen also provides many excellent tips and strategies on how we can all improve our mental wellness, such as the importance of meditation, how to achieve a better life balance, and the importance of sleep. But Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery is more than just a book about mental illness and mental wellness. This is a remarkable book that proves the resilience of the human spirit.
January 13, 2014
After reading chapter 1, I was eager to get to the end of the book where Karen promised some good reading. And so, let me review the last part of the book first. It was an absolute privilege to read the last part of the book. Having been on the other side of Involuntary Treatment, it was a rare privilege to read about the actual impact of such orders on clients and their families. It struck me as an honest account, a heartfelt account, and could almost be a novel in itself.
Back to the first half of the book, all common sense first-hand experiences in dealing with mental illnesses. It's often good to reflect on how what we teach in therapy sessions translates to real world client understanding and acceptance. From Karen's writing, it is clear that she had a great team on board to help her with her recovery, and ongoing well being.
It's not for everyone, but I can certainly think of a few clients that this book would be a great resource for. Thanks again for sharing.
Back to the first half of the book, all common sense first-hand experiences in dealing with mental illnesses. It's often good to reflect on how what we teach in therapy sessions translates to real world client understanding and acceptance. From Karen's writing, it is clear that she had a great team on board to help her with her recovery, and ongoing well being.
It's not for everyone, but I can certainly think of a few clients that this book would be a great resource for. Thanks again for sharing.
April 19, 2013
An informative and helpful guide to those who suffer from mental disorder. With the accounts of her struggle with her illness, Karen urges those who suffer to take matters in their own hands towards a complete recovery. I can personally relate to her book as my loved one suffered from schizophrenia. Karen's recovery and the encouraging guidelines she has shared with her readers will surely help many of those who suffer from daily turmoil. Let her book guide and help to those who care for as well as those who suffer from mental illness. I feel it is a must read and have recommended to my friends and family.
March 14, 2013
Karen Tyrrell's ME & HIM - A Guide to Recovery is a true companion book. Not only does it give us many crucial wellbeing tips, whether we have mental health or other problems, but it repeats some of those tips throughout its various chapters, thus reminding us that one area of wellbeing inevitably overlaps another. It does all that without patronising us but by encouraging us to become our own personal recovery specialist. Giving us the information and the encouragement we need with patience and compassion is exactly what a loving companion does.
June 22, 2015
Suffering from Bi-Polar myself, I can say that this book will firstly tell you everything a Psychiatrist would tell you in regards to your recovery and also give you an inside view as to how hard it is for your loved ones to watch on the sidelines while you struggle, at times feeling helpless themselves.
March 8, 2013
This self-help guide takes you on a journey to recovery from any mental health issue whether it be a simple as coping with a down day or two or as complex as bi-polar disorder. The wellness plan is a gem. And the bonus memoir chapters certainly put the whole guide into perspective.
March 8, 2013
This guide to recovery touches all the bases for creating an achievable wellness plan. I like the way the memoir chapters are interwoven throughout and the list of resources is comprehensive.I wish this book had been around in the 1990s, I sure could have used it.
June 15, 2013
Brilliant follow on to Karen Tyrell's Me & Her, offering remarkable insights into living with mental illness and steps to recovery.
*I received this book free in a goodreads giveaway. I was not obligated to give a positive review.
*I received this book free in a goodreads giveaway. I was not obligated to give a positive review.
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May 11, 2013I had the pleasure of meeting Karen at the launch of Me & Him a guide to recovery!
Karen you are truly an inspiration to anyone that is on a road to recovery, to share your experience and to get to the other side I'm sure you will help others on there own road to recovery!
Claire x
Karen you are truly an inspiration to anyone that is on a road to recovery, to share your experience and to get to the other side I'm sure you will help others on there own road to recovery!
Claire x
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews