Living With Bipolar (Paperback or Softback)

Living With Bipolar, a new book by Xavier Coy, offers readers a deeply personal and insightful look into the complexities of living with bipolar disorder. Accompanied by evocative illustrations from Michael Arvithis, the book seeks to challenge prevailing stereotypes and provide a clearer understanding of this widely misunderstood mental health condition.

"I wanted to write a book that not only shares my personal journey with bipolar disorder but also dispels some of the common misconceptions surrounding it," said Coy. "By structuring the book in a way that reaches different types of thinkers and by collaborating with Michael Arvithis, I hope to help readers gain a better understanding of what it's like to live with bipolar."

Living With Bipolar is an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health, whether they are personally affected by bipolar disorder, know someone who is, or are simply interested in learning more about the condition.

The book's visual appeal is significantly enhanced by the contributions of illustrator Michael Arvithis. His artwork, inspired by Coy's descriptions, brings the text to life, offering readers a visual representation of the emotional states associated with bipolar disorder. Arvithis's illustrations are more than just complementary-they are integral to conveying the full depth of Coy's experiences.

Xavier Coy is a Sydney based writer and actor. He started writing plays about ten years ago and staged Smokin' Joe, Caught Out, Distorted, Are You Listening Now? and Charles & Larry. From there he went on to work in TV on Channel 10's Five Bedrooms whilst being part of development rooms along the way. In 2023 Xavier premiered my short film Fighting at Sydney Film Festival.Xavier says, "For me writing came out of necessity. It began as a form of catharsis. I was struggling with my mental health and had to find a way to make sense of what was rattling around in my brain. As soon as I started, I never stopped. I was able to turn concerns, worries, fears and ideas into story. I found my release and consequently my vocation."

Michael Arvithis is a Sydney-based fine artist and illustrator with a BFA in painting/drawing from COFA (present day Art & Design, UNSW).Michael has won numerous national art prizes and has illustrated both children's and adult books, as well as designing and illustrating marketing material for various independent theatre companies and music venues. Largely influenced by the Post-Impressionists, film history, 90s comic art and Francis Bacon, Michael's work ranges from dreamlike landscapes to comical satirisations of societal behaviour, to more surreal depictions of the darker parts of the human psyche. His works often explore loneliness, urban lifestyles, altered states of mind, human connection and his family's Greek roots.