Not Just a Bad Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder

This title is an acquisition.

To the outsider, Mike, Erin, Mary-Jane and Martha appear to have little in common, but they are all living under the shadow of one of the most commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed mental illnesses—bipolar disorder
Not Just a Bad Day challenges the stereotypes of the disorder by following three people living with this complex illness. Mike is a charismatic young man whose love of partying eventually sets off a severe manic episode that has him committed to the local psychiatric ward. His experience with the hospital is just the wake-up call Mike needs as he begins taking his illness seriously and rebuilding his life.
Erin is a young mom whose ‘moodiness’ is starting to escalate as she swings rapidly between destructive hypomania and soul-crushing depressions. As she tries to deal with her new baby, her husband Eric struggles to find her the help she needs to get better.
Martha is a divorced single mom who lost her career and marriage to a manic episode. Now with continued group therapy and medication, she is finally lifting herself out of a crippling two-year depression.
Treating them all is Dr. Paul Termansen. Through a groundbreaking mood disorders program he created at his clinic, Dr. Termansen goes beyond just prescribing a pill. By offering a holistic approach to treatment, he is helping patients manage their mood swings and live productive balanced lives.
It’s estimated that as many as 3% of the population may suffer from bipolar disorder. It strikes people of every race, age, gender and economic status—yet despite being so common, those who have the disorder still have to contend with difficult social stigmas. Not Just a Bad Day sheds light on a disorder that often relegates its victims to the shadows.