IN “IS THE SWING HIGH OR LOW?” author Wilma Cotten reveals the struggles she had with her bipolar daughter Alisa., who succumbed to the evils of drugs as a method of self-care.
While trying to be a supportive and loving mother, Wilma struggled for years to find some solution to her daughter’s problems. Counseling, medication, rehab-nothing seemed to help. So she did what any mother would do-she loved her unconditionally anyway.
It is important to remember that mental health issues should be taken seriously and treated as illnesses, much like diabetes or heart disease. Is the Swing High or Low? will help us open our eyes to symptoms early on so we can be proactive in obtaining the best possible treatment plan for our loved ones.
Dr. Laura H. Bennett, Senior Critic at the National Literary Review
Wilma Cotten’s Is the Swing High or Low? is a deeply moving and insightful narrative that offers an intimate exploration of living with a loved one with bipolar disorder.
Cotten’s writing is raw, honest, and poignant, providing an unflinching look at the challenges and heartbreak of navigating mental illness within a family. This book serves as both a powerful personal story and an essential guide for those seeking to better understand the emotional toll and complexities of mental health. A must-read for anyone looking to deepen their empathy and knowledge.
Michael T. Harper, Contributor to Midwest Health Perspectives
In Is the Swing High or Low?, Wilma Cotten opens a window into the deeply personal journey of parenting a child with bipolar disorder. The narrative is steeped in authenticity and emotional depth, as Cotten recounts her trials, triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. Her ability to intertwine moments of joy and despair creates a profoundly relatable and inspiring tale. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
Jessica M. Ellis, Editor at Reflections on Life and Literature
Wilma Cotten’s Is the Swing High or Low? is a beautifully crafted memoir that brings to light the challenges of mental illness with unflinching honesty and grace. Cotten’s storytelling is as compelling as it is heart-wrenching, drawing readers into her journey of loss, love, and perseverance. Her message is clear: mental illness is an illness like any other and deserves understanding and compassion. This book is an essential read for families, caregivers, and advocates alike.
Nathan R. Carter, Critic at Voices of Resilience Journal
Cotten’s Is the Swing High or Low? is a raw, emotional exploration of the toll mental illness takes on families and individuals. Her personal story of parenting a child with bipolar disorder is both heartbreaking and inspiring, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of caregiving. Cotten’s prose is vivid and empathetic, making this book a powerful tool for raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
Sophia K. Turner, Reviewer for Compassionate Reads Magazine
In Is the Swing High or Low?, Wilma Cotten delivers an emotionally resonant and deeply personal account of navigating life with a child who has bipolar disorder. The book is a heartfelt tribute to her daughter and a call to action for society to destigmatize mental illness. Cotten’s ability to blend her personal experiences with broader societal insights makes this book both engaging and impactful. It’s a story of love, resilience, and the enduring hope that we can build a more compassionate world.
Rebecca A. Harper, Editor at Healing Through Words
Wilma Cotten’s Is the Swing High or Low? is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of families dealing with mental illness. Cotten’s narrative is both deeply personal and universally relatable, offering a compelling portrait of the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards of caregiving. Her writing is both informative and emotionally charged, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand mental health.
Jonathan L. Simmons, Contributor to Perspectives on Family and Health
Is the Swing High or Low? is a beautifully written memoir that explores the complexities of mental illness with compassion and authenticity. Wilma Cotten’s ability to weave her personal experiences with broader societal issues makes this book both deeply moving and thought-provoking. Her narrative is a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity, and it serves as a valuable resource for families and caregivers.
Emily R. Hayes, Reviewer for Contemporary Memoirs Journal
Wilma Cotten’s Is the Swing High or Low? is a gripping and heartfelt exploration of the challenges of living with a loved one with bipolar disorder. Cotten’s prose is both evocative and empathetic, drawing readers into her world with vivid detail and emotional depth. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental illness and the resilience required to navigate it.
Megan T. Rodriguez, Critic at Inspirational Life Stories Quarterly
Is the Swing High or Low? is a deeply personal and inspiring memoir by Wilma Cotten. The book provides an intimate look at the challenges of parenting a child with bipolar disorder, offering valuable insights into the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving. Cotten’s narrative is both heartbreaking and uplifting, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and resilience. This book is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Christopher J. Bennett, Senior Editor at National Perspectives Review
In Is the Swing High or Low?, Wilma Cotten offers a masterful exploration of the impact of mental illness on families. Her narrative is both deeply moving and incredibly informative, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and rewards of caregiving. Cotten’s prose is both eloquent and accessible, making this book a valuable resource for families, caregivers, and advocates alike.
©Wilma Cotten
Understanding Bipolar Disorder—One Swing at a Time 