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Bipolar Disorder- Be There Book: Author Linsey Willis Shares Raw, Candid Insights Into Living With A Sister With Bipolar Disorder

Dr. Linsey Willis shares a compassionate and candid insight into life with her sister, Betsy, in the highly acclaimed Bipolar Disorder- Be There Book . Be There provides a deep dive into the effects of bipolar disorder, not only on the individual who receives the diagnosis, but also on the family unit as a whole. Betsy, Dr. Willis’s sister, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1975 at the age of 21. The book, a fascinating and often heart-wrenching memoir, documents Betsy’s experiences while encouraging readers to learn more about bipolar disorder through discussions about the science behind the illness and the sharing of photographs, letters written by Betsy, poetry, and commentaries about treatment facilities. Be There: My Lived Experience with my Sister’s Bipolar Disorder is listed on Amazon and has attracted attention from broadcasters and podcasters. Dr. Linsey Wills has been featured on ReadersMagnet and recently spoke to Kate Delaney on America Tonight. The interview quickly evolved from an exchange about the book to a deeply moving, intriguing, and insightful discussion about the impact of mental illness. Speaking in the interview with Kate Delaney, Dr. Willis shared her hopes and intentions to shine a light on the effects of bipolar disorder and mental illness as a whole on individuals, families, and wider communities. The goal, she explained, was not just to raise awareness of the wide-ranging consequences of mental health diagnoses, but to help caregivers and those who want to be a rock or a shoulder to cry on for people they love. Moreover she has formed an alliance with Wines for Humanity a company that gives 10% of its proceeds to the charity of the client’s choice. Dr. Willis has already held three wine tasting events, with raffle tickets to win a basket containing 2 bottles of wine, the book, a box of Cristina Chocolate and a Betsy Craig Foundation wine tote bag. Be There is an open discussion about mental illness, but it’s also a means of providing caregivers with the hope, clarity, and healing that understanding a diagnosis brings. The four Cs, knowing that they didn’t cause the illness, can’t control it, they can’t cure it, but they can cope with it, form the foundation of the book. One of the most moving parts is Dr. Willis’s explanation of why she chose to help, support, and love Betsy, despite their very strained and difficult relationship at times. Dr. Willis reflects on her experiences growing up when her sister would be very mean and abusive to her. When the diagnosis was confirmed, the response was to embrace Betsy and care for her. Be There is a groundbreaking and powerful book for many reasons, not least because it features Betsy’s letters, which provide insights into the highs and lows and shed light on how Betsy functioned, thought, and expressed herself. By including her letters, Dr. Willis allows Betsy’s voice to live on while also providing validation for her own writings in the book. About Dr. Linsey Willis Dr. Linsey Willis is president of a management consulting firm (ljcraig.com) that specializes in people management systems. She has written a number of books centered on her expertise in training, organizational development (e.g., developing your innate abilities), and running successful assessment centers. Her book Be There is a personal memoir that documents the experience of living with a sister with bipolar disorder. Since its publication, Dr. Willis has been candid in discussing the impact of mental illness in radio and podcast interviews. She hopes to inspire, comfort, and reassure caregivers in a similar situation and raise international awareness of the illness through wine tasting events and speaking engagements around the world.