An Unquiet Mind Audiobook By Kay Redfield Jamison cover art

An Unquiet Mind

A Memoir of Moods and Madness

Preview
Try for $0.00
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

An Unquiet Mind

By: Kay Redfield Jamison
Narrated by: Kay Redfield Jamison
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $6.75

Buy for $6.75

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A deeply powerful memoir about bipolar illness that has both transformed and saved lives—with a new preface by the author.

Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. For even while she was pursuing her career in academic medicine, Jamison found herself succumbing to the same exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions that afflicted many of her patients, as her disorder launched her into ruinous spending sprees, episodes of violence, and an attempted suicide.

Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication.

©1995 Kay Redfield Jamison (P)2010 Random House
Mental Health Mood Disorders Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Feel-Good
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup

Critic reviews

“An invaluable memoir of manic depression, at once medically knowledgeable, deeply human and beautifully written ... at times poetic, at times straightforward, always unashamedly honest.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Stands alone in the literature of manic-depression for its bravery, brilliance and beauty.”—Oliver Sacks

“Jamison’s [strength] is in the gutsy way she has made her disease her life’s work and in her brilliant ability to convey its joys and its anguish.... Extraordinary.” —Washington Post Book World

Personal Memoir • Honest Account • Authentic Emotional Delivery • Educational Insight • Inspiring Story
Highly rated for:
All stars
Most relevant  
this was a great review of a high level academic and all of her struggles and fears. I would hope that something was said about bipolar 2, without psychosis.

informative

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I needed to hear your struggle with lithium, to face my own resistance and save my life. I checked myself into a psych ward just after reading about 1/2 of the book and I knew my life depended on medication. Thank you for your openness and truth, in sharing your experience. I am alive today, as I wish to stay, and for that in part, I thank you.

Saved my life

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I couldn't put it down.. it has inspired me to seek treatment again for the 7th time in my life, giving me hope. I love the stories of her life and how beautifully written it is. How it made me cry because someone felt like I do at this very moment of deep depression.. thank you for writing this book and reading it.

inspiring

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

What does Kay Redfield Jamison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Thank you for writing this book. Your story and descriptive experience conveys so clearly what it is actually like to live with this condition and this difficult reality. Your book makes me feel that I am not alone in this struggle and that hope exists in achieving a balanced life. I am eternally grateful that you took this courageous step in sharing your story. The stigma against those who suffer from mood disorders leads so many to remain quiet about their condition; often preventing or delaying treatment. After reading your book I felt as if someone had read me a story that presented me with a mirror of my life and mind; an explanation for why I have always felt that I experience life so different from everyone else. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in this experience. The waves of chaotic thoughts in my mind, creation of impulsive imaginative paintings, and the feelings of extreme passion, agitation, anger and anguish are exhausting. I believe your book has saved my life and the lives of others.

Thank you!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Kay's story is heartbreaking. She gives hope and understanding to those with mental illness and their loved ones.

Heartbreaking with hope.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Author did a nice job of narration. I personally connected to the story....a cautionary tale of what can happen when you will not accept a diagnosis and/or refuse to take your meds properly. That being said, Jamison's frank and inspiring story not only leaves you wanting more, but gives hope for the future. A must read if you or a loved one has been diagnosed bipolar.

Only wish the memoir was a bit longer

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Very helpful to understand mental illness. Thanks for the honesty & sincerity in addressing mental illness!

Must Read!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

just starting to learn about bipolar in myself this was a good start. . it nice to hear it from someone who is also living or trying to live with this illness.

great read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I loved listening to this book. The author is very smart and documents her life and experiences with BP very well. It shines light on the condition and is also an interesting story. I deal with a milder form of bipolar (BP2) and am grateful for this listen.

I loved it as someone with BP2

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

It was easy to personally connect with the authors story for me so it's an interesting perspective.

Highly Recommend

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews