Testimonials about my transformation from bipolar and addiction to wellness
Many people knew me when I was sick with bipolar. Their testimonials to my transformation back to wellness are proof that I did what I said I did. Hear from others who’ve done well using my system too.
Chiropractor Testimonials
When Ken first came into my office he was in a lot of pain: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He had an enormous amount of anger and rage. For that first year he seemed to get some physical relief, but the anger and rage continued. Fighting, anger, and confusion seemed to dominate the conversation. As time passed, I saw Ken struggling how to figure out how to change his life.
After we started working together using Network Spinal Analysis, I noticed Ken wasn’t talking about his anger and rage anymore. His conversations began to be dominated by the things that he was discovering, things he liked, methods that were working for him. It wasn’t that life was any easier for him, but his focus changed to the possibilities of what he could discover to improve himself and his life. As his attitude changed, he became more excited about the tools he had, that were available for him to use.
Ken still felt the fear and rage come up in his life but he didn’t respond in the same way. He seemed better able to handle and more aware of the emotions. He no longer just reacted to them. He was able to use the tools he was learning, while staying in touch with the wave of emotion, and not let the emotion control his life. He seemed better able to judge what was fear and emotion and what was appropriate for the situation he was in.
As time went on, I saw Ken handle the ups and downs of life with more heart. He was excited about writing a book. He was enjoying time with his son. He was getting a lot more out of life. I watched and was amazed and happy for him. By choice, all the energy he had been using in anger was now being channeled into what he could do to make a difference in his life, his family and friend’s lives, and the lives of people he didn’t even know.
Ken has since published his book, launched a website, and begun giving public talks. He tells me pain, fear, and anger are still a part of his life, like they are for all of us, but they are not “His Life.”
Ken and his book inspire me to live and see beyond the craziness of life and choose to live for the possibilities.
–Dr. Mark Rabinowitz, D.C.–
—Family Network Chiropractic—
–Kingston, NY–
Chiropractor, Fellow Author, and Fellow Addiction Survivor Testimonials
Ken Jensen has written a fascinating, hard hitting, no punches pulled book on a very difficult subject.
It Takes Guts To Be Me: How An Ex-Marine Beat Bipolar Disorder is a must read for any person affected with bipolar disorder. His holistic approach has proven to be very successful and should be of great interest to all mental health professionals.
Ken demonstrates tremendous courage, compassion, and commitment on his agonizing roller coaster journey and recovery from Bipolar Disorder.
Ken is a highly passionate team player and absolutely devoted to helping others. “The love of brotherhood that I have with my Marines is built of stainless steel.”
No matter what battle in life I may ever face, I want Ken Jensen on my team!
–Dr. Larry Smith, D.C.–
–Author of:
“Embracing the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph”—
Bipolar and Addiction Sufferer Testimonials
If you’re bipolar, or know someone who is then you know how terribly devastating and hopeless the diagnosis can seem.
If you’ve run out of options, or you are newly diagnosed Ken’s book should be your first stop. In “It Takes Guts to be Me: How an Ex-Marine Beat Bipolar Disorder” you will see yourself in Ken, and his journey will resonate and inspire your own recovery process.
I’ve read just about every book on Bipolar Disorder, natural healing and everything in between. I can say with surety that Ken Jensen’s advice and his own healing journey echo exactly what today’s Scientists are discovering about brain health.
–Sarah–
–Washington–
Web Designer And Marketing Advisor For My Book Testimonials
It is hard not to have a profound respect for the men and women that protect our freedom. Ken Jensen is one of those brave soul’s that not only put his life on the line for us, but he also took up an exploration of self-discovery and healing that he is willing to share with you and I.
You owe it to yourself to ready about his experiences and even if you have no Bipolar problems, you will love his humor and introspection.
–Darrell Wingerak–
–Fan–
Neighbor Testimonials
“Ken…I’m speechless!
I mean it. I don’t know what to say. It’s brilliant! I am amazed not so much for everything you went through, although that in itself is amazing but that you never gave up trying to find the answer and NOT surrendering to what doctors say you needed. I hope your book takes off for all our sakes. I am so happy for you and your family. Not to repeat myself but it’s just amazing!”
–Nancy B.–
–New York–
Fellow Marine Testimonials
“Ken Jensen has put together a piece of art that is usually reserved for the finest song writers.
It is a rare moment when someone reaches in, puts their heart on the table, and lets the whole world see it. Kenny has had a long road of ups and downs, and he is at a position in his life to share with others what he has learned. All along that long hard road, Kenny has always displayed strong character.
I first met Ken in the Marines around 1987. What a unique time that was. We had similar experiences leading up to meeting, and shared a whole mess of good times from that point on. Some of the best involved camping in the desert and appreciating the wonders of nature. He first impressed me as a seeker. Ken was always seeking new ideas. He is an excellent example of how a person can grow through self-reflection and thoughtfulness.
Another of Kenny’s qualities is his loyalty. Here is a guy who would give his life for a friend. Through thick and thin, Kenny’s friendship has remained as constant as a northern star. His genuine love of his family has been the mainstay of this attribute; Semper Fidel Kennus (that’s Latin, you know).
Kenny also has the most valued character trait of all – honesty. He is a very authentic person who communicates at a level which can best be described as transparent. This is something we all should strive for.
His book is a testament of someone who has initiated a path to healing one’s soul. I applaud his organized way of addressing the illness of bi-polar disorder and his promotion of positive ways to cleanse your mind, body, and soul. He is a living testament that we are not rooted in an engrained pattern of behavior. We can all change and grow, for the better.
–Martin G. Alexander–
–School Principal–
–Michigan–
Fellow Author Testimonials
“I finished your book. Even with abundant humor, this is a very hard book to read.
It definitely takes a lot of guts to be you! Congratulations on writing an excellent and, I believe, inspirational book for others like you!”
–Lev Shneider–
–Author of: “Matryoshka” and “One Life To Give”—
Fellow Marine and High School Buddy Testimonials
“Kenny. Just finished the book. WOW!!
You laid it all out there. You put your whole life on display for everyone to learn and grow from. There’s no doubt that people who need the kind of help you did will find it in your book. You held nothing back. But then again, that’s always been how you operate.
Let me tell you about Kenny. I knew him my last two years in high school and his first two years in the Corps before Uncle Sam sent us in different directions. Life sent me on in the Corps and sent him into the pit he is trying to help others out of.
Not another more loyal, genuine, or honest man have I ever met. The expression “he’d give you the shirt off his back”, that is text book Kenny. He would be the first there to give you a shoulder to cry on and the first one at your back if ya needed it.
If he says this is how he takes on life, which is on his terms and gets him positive results and how he feels is the best way to help others, you can take it as gospel.
Keep up the fight brother.
Semper Fi
–Tom Akins–
–Marine serving in Iraq–
–Rank and location classified–
Advisory Client Testimonials
“To answer your direct question you were very inspirational to me and just talking with you helped me to realign my perspective on the power that I wield.”
–Jenny Perkins–
Bipolar Testimonials
I found your articles on the symptomatology of bipolar disorder to be ASTOUNDINGLY INSIGHTFUL and HELPFUL!!!
I realized things that I had never considered—you understand us better than we (bipolars) understand ourselves!!!
–Teri Simonds–
–Proud mother of a US Army vet–
Book Reader Testimonials
…It was friggen awesome. My eyes devoured the words for a few hours until I finished it. It made me laugh out loud, sigh, scowl, nod in agreement, and cry. A very excellent “can’t put it down” book. I recommend you all to read it. Although the language was a little crass, he does warn you of that in the beginning.
–Elizabeth Cates–
–Mt. Vernon, Illinois–
Bipolar Testimonials
…have read your book which has really helped me understand my illness better and wanted to say thanks for all you do as I would also like to help other bipolar people one day when I am stable as I am a rapid cycler bipolar 2.
I use to take coke (never again) and now I medicate with weed sometimes but I know it isnt good for me ken but I know from reading your book you were in a similar position.
…will try and not smoke it anymore and go through the rough period as I really want to get stable and be happy again in a normal way by just being a healthy me.
…do feel the fog in my mind is lifting so I wanted to say thanks for showing me the right road to walk but now I need to walk it on my own but knowing you done it gives me strength as I want to spread my wings and feel free again.
Its a great weight off my shoulders being able to talk to another bipolar person but one that has invaluable knowledge on bipolar by having healed himself and really respect what you do ken.
…am learning a lot from you Ken and keep on doing what you do best and help others bipolar people as its so misunderstood and still a mystery to many and even myself understanding the complexities of it. But your book made it very clear and was very enlightening.
Ken I would be honoured if you took what you needed from my email and would love to help even just one person to read your book and make the same journey as me to follow your plan to wellness.
Thanks bro for helping me learn and understand it better.
With respect,
–Jim–
–London, England–
Marketing Advisor On My Book Testimonials
“The world is dying for someone authentic. Somebody that admits he’s still in the trenches, still fighting. He’s the one I want to meet. He’s the one with the secret to survival. Ken Jensen is that guy. Don’t waste your time with anyone else.”
–Mark Thrice–
–Sarnia, Canada–
Relative’s Testimonials
Dear Kenny,
Just finished reading your book, “It Takes Guts To Be Me: How An Ex-Marine Beat Bipolar Disorder.”
All I have to say is that this book is, A MUST READ!!! I could not put it down. This book is about your personal battle and steps you took to regain yourself. It is all at once powerful, fascinating, sad, humorous, raw pain and enlightenment. I would recommend this book for all to read, not just people battling Bipolar Disorder. Everyone can benefit and learn from your book.
I clearly remember when you were in very bad shape and I know I did not see the worst. But the transformation from then til today is amazing. I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished. YOU GO KEN!!!!!!!
Love,
–Aunt Sandy–
–Delaware–
Relative’s Testimonials
Dear Kenny,
I could not put your book down. I was riveted to say the least. I started the night you gave it to me, picked it up the next morning. Ted said please wait till we are home, we have people to see and places to visit. O.K. so I will wait till we drive home. Lots of reading time.
I was very intently reading and Ted gets tired and asks me to drive the rest of the way home. :(:(:(. As soon as I got home unpacked the car I sat and read till I was finished. Wow what a story. You need to be on Oprah. Think of how many people you could help that way. …this book needs to get around.
Needless to say you have no idea how proud I am of you. You took the bull by the horns and did something great for yourself. I can see how much progress you have made and all I can say is WOW.
I have always been big on vitamins and supplements and other ways to heal besides drugs. [Drugs] have their place but if I can cure without I am there.
You go guy, keep up the good work and I can’t wait for the new book.
–Dotty Jonescu–
–Maryland–
Family Friend Testimonials
Dear Kenny,
I recently finished reading your book. I went through so many emotions as I turned the pages…..anger, horror, sadness, joy & relief that you have overcome those “demons”.
Knowing you over the years I have seen a lot of changes in you and talked frequently with your family (who I adore). Your Mom summed it up a while back when we were talking by saying: “It’s so nice to have my son back!”
I’m so proud of you and I know you will be successful in helping many others through your book and your lectures. You should be on talk shows and spread your knowledge of beating the war against bipolar and depression.
This book should be turned into a movie…..it was that good!
Love You!
–Doreen Bishop–
–Kingston, NY–
Relative’s Testimonials
Ken,
I was very touched by your book. I found it to be extremely well written and a vivid description of the genesis and progression of your illness. I was moved by your description of how you faced it and are dealing with it.
Love,
–Paul Anderson, RN “Uncle Paul”–
–Florida–
Successful ITGTLW System User Testimonials
Hey Ken,
Thanks for all the information and the work you have been doing on you so that it can get out to the OTHERS.
I heard about *** supplement from you and through your writings and experiences with it and being at the ‘end of my own rope’ (…almost literally…), I took your advice and got into the *** program and started taking the ***.
That was on July 15th of this year.
After 20 years of taking damn near every psychotropic medication out there under direction from loads of different professionals and doctors and psychiatrists…I NEVER felt ANY relief from my bipolar symptoms. The psych-meds actually made me worse off…I will even go so far as to say they may have been killing me.
THREE MONTHS on the *** and *** program and entirely OFF of ALL psych-meds and drugs…I am a completely different person. I am a different man. I get out of the house EVERY DAY, I am active in the community, I am thinking more clearly, I am able to feel and live free of the druggie effects of the medications.
I have some ‘off days’, that’s to be expected, BUT, these days are few and far in between the days I am living my life happy and aware. Sweet relief…man, I embrace it with all I got.
I owe this positive progress in my own recovery to *** and the alternative methods to recovery I have learned from your site, talking with you, reading your blogs, watching your videos and doing what I need to do to stay active and healthy.
THREE MONTHS! Last February, March and April…I was in the psychiatric ward of the local hospital 3 different times and in and out of the Emergency Room too many times to count searching for relief of any kind. I FINALLY found it and it was not where I was looking for it…imagine that!
Chalk me up on the boards as a true believer in the *** supplements and as a living specimen of recovery through healthy alternatives ‘beyond the box’ of what I was told was the ONLY options for me for 20 years.
Thanks for the direction. It can only get better.
–Jon–
–Washington–
Bipolar Testimonials
Hey Ken,
Been a while since we last spoke/emailed. Hope all is going well for you.
FYI, Since I broke up with L—- A– a year ago.. and then found you and your plan, life has gotten much better.
I got a job at NOAA working on Radiosonde (Weather Balloon telemetry).
I’ve given your name to many others seeking help and getting more lost by conventional routes.
I’ve got engaged to a wonderful, gorgeous girl who seems to like me.
Life is good again. I know it could tip over at any time, but then I think of you and know that you are out there. Just that fact alone is enough.
Keep it up buddy!
Kindest regards,
–Mitch–
Bipolar Testimonials
Feeling lonesome one evening, I googled the words “treating bipolar without medication” hoping to find some validation for my conviction that bipolar is ultimately best dealt with without psychotropic medication. I stumbled upon Ken’s “ittakesguttobeme” website and remained transfixed, fascinated and delighted as I eagerly read what he had written and happily downloaded the free e-book.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder seventeen years ago and have traveled the medication and conventional treatment route often, to put it mildly. I have lost track of the number of different supposedly helpful and oh so necessary medications that I have been placed on over the years.
I cycled in and out of twelve psychiatric hospitals, many while faithfully adhering to the medication regimen that was supposed to keep me out of the crazy ward and stabilize me. It took courage. It took years. But eventually I came to the same realization that Ken did.
The current conventional and standardized model for the treatment of bipolar disorder is an utter failure. It is doing way more harm than good and is contributing to the ruination and tragedy evident in the lives of so many patients like myself, by brainwashing and misleading us with the promise of a false cure and thus preventing us from discovering and pursuing methods that hold actual promise.
My emotional health and overall sense of well being has been increasing steadily over the last half a decade despite having veered off the recommended path of treatment for Bipolar patients. I am enjoying life more than ever before, attending college on a part time basis and maintaining a steady job and a continuing relationship that is improving in near direct proportion to my increased stability.
I recently gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy who was welcomed with profound joy and thanksgiving, as was her older sister, particularly since we had been told emphatically that considering the amount of medication I supposedly needed and my extremely disturbed mood states (not too mention my wacked out personality!) I would never be able to produce or raise healthy children.
Over the course of my long journey towards emotional health I stumbled on many of the same or similar coping mechanisms and curative measures that Ken has. Like him, I did this alone, without the support of any system known to me, and despite the warnings of respected and well known psychiatrists that I was certain to fail and end up on the back ward somewhere again.
I discovered the positive effects of good nutrition on mood, bought whatever books I could find on the subject and scoured the internet for relevant websites. I completely overhauled my diet and ended up with a back to the basics diet that is similar to Ken’s in many respects.
I added the nutrients for nervous system wellness, which proved extremely effective against depression in particular, and have tried to concoct my own version of necessary supplements using the knowledge I had learned. I was really happy to learn about the existence of the nutritional supplement Ken recommends and look forward to reading all about it.
The CD’s he refers to also intrigue me as I have already been using various relaxation and meditation Cd’s to my benefit. I am also planning to check out this option thoroughly as I am already wholly convinced that curative techniques of this type can be wonderfully beneficial.
Ken talks about the need to be in regular contact with someone who can help you understand and change unhealthy personality traits. I find this to be a crucial part of the overall effort towards wellbeing.
I speak regularly to a therapist with whom I connect and who understands how the personality of any mentally ill patient needs some rewiring to say the least. This individual is open minded and supportive of my overall system of maintaining and improving emotional health and does not mind the fact that I ditched those “essential” medications.
Exercise is also important and incredibly beneficial and I included at least forty minutes of aerobic activity into my daily routine, at least until my baby was born. The practicalities of caring for a newborn limit me in this area. I’m thinking of buying one of those jogging strollers. I prefer outdoor exercise, such as brisk walking and biking and do not share Ken’s fondness for the gym but nevertheless it’s all the same idea.
I now carry Ken’s story in my heart and mind as a source of steady validation and inspiration. I check his website regularly for updates and enjoy his newsletters immensely considering their refreshingly healthy tone, and original and humorous perspectives.
I am extremely grateful to him for sharing his story via his website so that a person like me could chance upon it and find reassurance, companionship and a wealth of useful links and information that are in keeping with my line of thinking.
I am enjoying a quality of life such as I never would have dreamed possible during the “sick” days. Like Ken, I feel a strong urge to share my model with as many people as possible but due to the considerable demands on my time and energy at this juncture in my life, I am limited. However, I am thrilled to help and validate him in his approach and endeavors.
The type of journey we have chosen is not easy. Giving up bipolar or any other related mental illness is like giving up drugs or alcohol. It peels away the unhealthy defenses we use to manage our lives and forces us to confront the very real and difficult emotions beneath, to take responsibility and to evolve and change.
However, having tried the conventional medication route and the more holistic mind-body approach, I will tell you that the latter is easier by far and is continually rewarding and gratifying while the “just take your pills” approach will sink you further into the cycle of your illness, will stunt or prevent personal evolvement and growth, and cause repeated and increasing pain and suffering.
I congratulate each one of you who have the courage of heart to visit Ken’s website and entertain his novel approach and wish you continued strength and ever increasing peace of mind as you explore the pathways to emotional health and continue your journey to success.
–Elizabeth–
–NJ-
Photographer of the top image: Hillie Chan
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