The Book of Bipolar According to Veronica

Veronica May gives a behind-the-curtain look at Bipolar 1, specifically from the perspective of a woman with a penchant for puns and a desire to make the perfect cup of coffee. What makes this book dynamic is the body of work it contains-Veronica interviews her psychiatrist, psychologist, family, friends, partners and self over the span of 15 years.

The result is a broader understanding of how the community survives through and recovers from psychosis and hospitalizations-not just the person experiencing it firsthand. Many of Veronica's delusions are religiously based and the themes in the bible play out in real-time for Veronica when she is manic. Her extensive past in catholicism makes for a twisted version of its truths when her mind is not balanced.

This is one person's stories that are shared in hopes that other stories can step into the spotlight, giving a deeper and more empathetic understanding of invisible diagnoses. The Book of Bipolar shares resources for a spectrum of neurodivergence, support communities, and mental health advocates.

The stories in this book are true events. They tend to be hilarious, tragic, confusing, beautiful-the things that make for a life lived, according to Veronica.

If you asked Veronica, "What are you good at?" the answer would be, "I'm really good at one thing: Music."

Sure, she's quick with a joke, has above-average hand-eye coordination, and makes lists in threes, but if anything

(save community) has saved her, it's music. To date she has won three San Diego Music awards, Top 12 guitarists of San Diego, and her favorite awards to receive thus far-drawings from her niblings throughout the years. When she feels stable, Veronica finds magic in everyday life. It has been eight years since her last hospitalization. She likes short walks on the beach and lives by the motto, "My barn, my rules." She doesn't have horses or a barn.