Resources

Early in recovery, I immersed myself in every resource I could find. I like to say I brainwashed myself into sobriety and mental health recovery! Since getting sober in May 2021, I've continued reading, learning, and discovering tools that support my journey with bipolar disorder, sobriety, and chronic illness.

I've gathered my favorite books and resources into three categories: Bipolar Pillars, Books & Chronic Illness.

This collection is always evolving, so bookmark it and check back as I continue adding resources that have helped me along the way!

❤️ Explore my favorites here

Books

  • Tainted Love: A Bipolar Memoir :-)

  • Daring Greatly — Brené Brown

  • Atomic Habits — James Clear

  • Untamed — Glennon Doyle

  • The Miracle Equation — Hal Elrod

  • The Miracle Morning — Hal Elrod

  • The Alcohol Experiment — Annie Grace

  • This Naked Mind — Annie Grace

  • Attachment Theory — Thais Gibson

  • The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk

  • Dopamine Nation — Anna Lembke

  • Building a Life Worth Living — Marsha Linehan

  • We Are the Luckiest — Laura McKowen

  • The 5 Second Rule — Mel Robbins

  • The High 5 Habit — Mel Robbins

  • 8 Rules of Love — Jay Shetty

  • Think Like a Monk — Jay Shetty

  • Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? — Julie Smith

  • Quit Like a Woman — Holly Whitaker

  • The Four Tendencies— Gretchen Rubin

  • Hidden Potential— Adam Grant

  • Good Inside—Becky Kennedy

  • Wild—Cheryl Strayed

  • Unmasking Autism—Devon Price

  • Burnout—Emily Nagosi

Podcasts

** Episodes featuring Louise

The Huberman Lab

The Mel Robbins Podcast

The Mindset Mentor, hosted by Rob Dial

On Purpose, hosted by Jay Shetty

The School of Greatness, hosted by Lewis Howes

This Naked Mind Podcast, hosted by Annie Grace

We Can Do Hard Things, hosted by Glennon Doyle

We Are All Insane Podcast**

Recovering with Christopher French**

Bunny Hugs and Mental Health Podcast**

Why Not Me with Tony Mantor**

The Self-Esteem & Confidence Mindset**

Sober as F*ck**

Addiction Made Easy**

Talking Addiction Recovery**

Back From the Abyss**

I’m Bipolar. Now What? (Louise’s Podcast)

Community

In my early mania for sobriety, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I wanted everyone to ride my pink cloud and, truthfully, I needed to hold myself accountable.

Aligned with my quest for personal growth, I joined my local Toastmasters International chapter. It was within this safe container that I first learned to write and speak my truth out loud.

I’m Bipolar. Now What? Podcast: I conceived this podcast in November 2022 with a mission to create survival guides from our collective stories, offering honest conversations around sobriety, mental illness, and healing.

I created the Unmasking Sobriety and Mental Health Community, a free Facebook group designed to provide a space for connection and support.

Programs

The PATH, This Naked Mind, founded by Annie Grace
A structured program designed to help individuals change their relationship with alcohol through neuroscience, mindset, and community support.
thisnakedmind.com

We Are the Luckiest, founded by Laura McKowen
A global sobriety community offering meetings, courses, and support for those seeking freedom from alcohol.
theluckiestclub.com

SMART Recovery
Science-based addiction recovery support.
smartrecovery.org

I’m Bipolar. Now What? Online Course: Everything I wish I knew when I was diagnosed - a 12-lesson online course. Based on 6 pillars of Bipolar Stability (2027)

www.louisebarnett.com/bipolarcourseinfo

Free 6 Pillars Guide

Organizations

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Information, education, and support groups for individuals and families.
nami.org

The Trevor Project: Crisis support and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people

thetrevorproject.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Peer support and education specifically for bipolar disorder and depression.
dbsalliance.org

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Funds scientific research to improve the understanding and treatment of mental illness. 

www.bbrfoundation.org

Inspiring Children’s Foundation helps youth and families from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds to rise above their challenges and struggles in life

www.inspiringchildren.org

 Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Peer-led recovery meetings worldwide.
aa.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
A global, peer-led recovery program for individuals seeking freedom from drug addiction.
na.org

International Bipolar Foundation
ibpf.org

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
Support, screening tools, and treatment referrals.
nationaleatingdisorders.org

Additional Resources

Over the years, I’ve purchased items that have helped me. I’ve organized them into 3 categories: Bipolar Pillars, Books & Chronic Illness. Here they are

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
findtreatment.gov

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
crisistextline.org

Genomind- Genetic Testing

Psychology Today: DBT therapist directory

DBT Self Help 

Behavioral Tech Institute DBT Resources

5 Min Progressive Muscle Relaxation

5 Min Guided Breathwork

A quick note: Everything I share comes from my lived experience of Bipolar I disorder and my work as a certified coach. I am not a doctor or therapist, and nothing I offer is intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare team regarding your mental health and medications.