I remember when I first came across Natasha Tracy’s body of work it was an immersive experience. I read her book, followed her blog and listened to her podcasts. I had previously read other writers with bipolar such as Julie Fast, Kay Redfield Jamison, and Andy Behrman.

What initially struck me about Tracy’s work was how unflinchingly honest it is. In between the times I read her book, “Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar”, I suffered two major depressive episodes and a manic episode. I used her book as a companion throughout; I would look at the table of contents and find a section that would help me feel understood. Her writing inspires me to fight against the mood I am in and find balance.

Tracy offers logical dialogue to talk about bipolar, and I find this one of the most helpful assets of the book. For example, in her chapter How to Tell Someone “I Need Mental Help,” Tracy offers that one must be specific and say to a loved one, for example, “…I missed work three days in a row because I was crying all day and couldn’t get out of bed.” Tracy compares this to the general statement “I’m feeling sad” so the reader can see how detailed information can be much better for communication.

“Lost Marbles” is comprehensive in it’s coverage of subject matter regarding bipolar. She discusses depression, mania and mixed states, anxiety, paranoia, and many other symptoms of bipolar. She has comprehensive information on medication and very inspiring help regarding suicide. She refers to research often and has an appendix with many resources.

I highly encourage anyone with bipolar who has not read her work or visited her blog to do so, you will find it relatable and inspiring. If I am depressed and need a kick in the seat of my pants to get going, there are articles of Natasha’s that I can go to. If I need a dose of understanding of how difficult the struggle is, Natasha’s books, blogs and videos are where I go to find a voice of reason and compassion.