Why Are You Crying Mummy?

About the Book

This book came about when my 4 year old son asked me a question. The question was “why are you crying mummy, does Daddy make you cry?” I thought then that it would benefit many people, both old and young to understand about bipolar disorder. I wanted to write a book that explained very simply what it was like to live with bipolar disorder and what it was like for their loved ones and friends. There are many different types of bipolar disorder and many different extremes, many people are afraid of the word “bipolar” but I want this book to show that there is nothing to be afraid of. With the right treatment and support, a person with bipolar disorder can live a happy life, though there are a few bumps along the way sometimes. I hope this book gives insight to those people that do not understand the illness and supports people, family and loved ones who do have this illness. This book has been illustrated by my 12 year old daughter and what the words may not portray, her pictures certainly do.

About the Author

Kellie Mackey was born in 1975, she grew up in the South Island of New Zealand. She now works as a Literacy Specialist in Gisborne in the North Island of New Zealand. Each of the pictures drawn by her daughter (Kayla) capture some of the beauty of New Zealand and it’s heritage. Kellie started to have severe mood swings as a teenager and at the age of 18, she started antidepressants. Kellie’s mood swings became worse as time passed and she started to do some research on different illnesses. She went to the Doctor and said what she thought and started new medication the very next day. Kellie is not ashamed to admit she has bipolar disorder and wants this message to be loud and clear – it is time that the stigma attached to mental illnesses fell away. If people understand, they will not be as afraid of something they know nothing about.