Publisher's Synopsis
My Happy Sad Mummy fills a major gap: explaining to a young child the impact of living with a parent of a major mental illness such as bipolar disorder. Arising from Michelle Vasilius own experience of bipolar disorder, her book uses easily understandable images and words as we see mummy through the eyes of the child. My Happy Sad Mummy is an engaging and sensitive picture book. It fills a major gap: explaining to a young child the impact on a parent of a major mental illness such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects between 1 and 2% of the population. It is characterised by dramatic swings of mood between exuberant happiness (mania) on the one hand, and marked despondency (depression) on the other. Arising from Michelle Vasilius own experience of bipolar disorder, her lavishly illustrated book portrays cleverly and humorously the emotional roller-coaster of this illness as it may be perceived by a young child. Using easily understandable images and words, we see mummy through the eyes of the child. This book is an invaluable resource for parents, guardians, teachers and mental health workers. For young families in particular, who are adapting to a parent developing bipolar disorder, it will be a precious gift. For other young children, it will be an attractive and sensitive introduction to understanding and destigmatising this common mental illness.
