50 Shades of Bipolar is Stephen Brakatos fi rst book, a collection of poetry written while unaware that he suffered from bipolar disorder. Throughout his mental struggle, he wrote over 50 poems that reflect the power of mania and depression associated with his thoughts and emotions while grappling with mental illness. The poetry refl ected displays the various emotions he encountered ranging from love, depression to anger, and madness. He currently resides in Los Angeles CA, with his two sons.