Sara Schley

“I am absolutely in awe of Sara’s strength and vulnerability. Telling her story, her triumphs and struggles, and appreciating every moment of life because of all she has been through is a powerful experience and lights a path for so many others… Her message will help remove the stigma of bipolar and mood disorders, and will save lives.”

Dr. Sue K.

Reader of BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed

“Twenty-four hours later and I am finished with my first read of BrainStorm. I am stunned. I did not know about Bipolar II. Thank you for writing this book (you are a masterful writer) and what you have shared with the world is priceless. Give this book to anyone with long depression — you could give them their life back.”

Sheila H., School Principal

“I vividly remember reading BrainStorm for the first time, reaching page three, and breaking into tears. Here was someone describing exactly how I felt, as if they were inside of my brain, at a time when I didn’t even understand what I was feeling. At my lowest point, this book let me know I wasn't alone and told me I could keep going. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say this book changed, if not saved, my life, for which I am forever grateful.”

Jamie H., College Student

“People need to know about Bipolar II, which doesn’t involve intense manic episodes. Taking antidepressants alone for this condition can have disastrous consequences. This book should be required viewing for everyone, and particularly for anyone who thinks they ‘just’ have depression. BrainStorm will most likely make you better informed than your doctors!”

Terri Cheney, Author of Manic, A Memoir

“Sara Schley's life story is compelling and this book reads like a thriller. The journey to understand the root cause of her depression took twenty five years. The challenges and struggles she faced were overwhelming but somehow she found the strength to keep going. It's a wake-up call to persevere until you find the wise healer who can truly help.”

Hannah T.

“I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. As a person who has suffered from depression her whole life and have taken every antidepressant more than once it has left me with many questions to ask my doctor.”

Amy W.

“I read more than half this book standing in one spot. It's so well written, you won't want to stop. It helps that you know at the beginning the end will be good — because it gets pretty rough for a while. But by including her family, their responses to her illness and their encouragement to tell this story, the book enlarges from a personal story to a guide for people who have this version of depression. Sara Schley is a wonderful example of what is possible with the right diagnosis and the right treatment.”

Dr. Jim P., MD, Psychiatrist

“As soon as I read the first page of BrainStorm, I was hooked and then devoured this treasure. In addition to capturing the slog that many of us endure to be given the gift of a diagnosis BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum also serves as a conduit for conversations with loved ones who yearn to understand the complexities of Bipolar 1 or 2.”

Betsy R.

“This book is an incredibly honest and gut wrenching account by a brilliant and courageous woman of what it is like to experience Bipolar II. It is also about healing and the love and support of family and friends who gave unconditional support in her recovery. Sara, thank you for writing this book and the gift of sharing your experiences to help others.”

Edward C., Police Chief

“This book is grounded in truth-telling about a topic that is hidden beneath layers of denial and shame. Those who suffer from bipolar II, their families and beloveds, and their mental health professionals must read it. Sara suffered more than she needed it because most psychiatrists don't understand the disease or how to treat it. It is a miracle that she stands among us today with such courage and honesty to share her extraordinary story of healing. Gift this book to anyone you know who is depressed and unable to find the way forward. Gift it to their families. Gift it to their therapists. And save lives.”

Mishy L., EdD

“This book is a raw, riveting, and inspiring account of Sara’s lived experience with bipolar disorder, type two. I am a psychiatrist, and I was fascinated reading her vivid and eloquent portrayal of her experiences. This book is a must read for anyone whose life has been touched by mental illness - which is basically all us of us.”

Professor Nancy B., MD

“Sara Schley’s message is beautiful and brave. It underscores the importance of championing all those who struggle with the brain demons of bipolar II. This work will be valuable for those with mood disorders, their significant others and caretakers, and the clinicians who strive — sometimes successfully, sometimes not — to help them on their path towards health and recovery.”

John G., MD, Psychiatrist

“I couldn’t stop reading BrainStorm because I felt seen…understood… even hopeful (which is monumental). Chapter 8 was written for me. The explanation of day to day life with bipolar brain was surely taken right from my thoughts and my own experiences. Thank you, Sara. Your book is my go to now — waiting in my kindle library for when I need to be reminded that there is someone on earth who sees me. I’m NOT alone.”

Jenn L.

Sara Schley

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