“I admire courage anytime and anywhere I see it. The ability to take it on the chin, and get up and go on, is commendable always. Add to that an honest and inquiring mind and a heart ready and willing to make changes and restitution. Then move over—something’s going to happen. Here is a book unlike most you have read. While you can learn about mood struggles, including depression, and mental illness from many clinical journals, few people have the courage and candor to take you there in person. Mike Attar does just that. In the 28 plus years since I met Mike, I have watched him grow and prosper on his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual journey. I applaud his latest efforts and Good Mood Foundation he has formed. May this book and everything he does be a help and encouragement to many others who feel trapped by the walls of any type of mood struggles. There is a way forward. Mike, keep leading the way.” Paul J. Meyer

“It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I write this letter in support of your completed and pending manuscripts. After visiting with you, your close friends, and Michelle, I am convinced that you are actively seeking God’s will regarding your ministry and are using your gifts to provide encouragement and guidance to Christians facing mood struggles. It is my prayer that God will honor your commitment to Him, and that He will continue to guide and bless your efforts, so that your experiences and story will be a source of great encouragement and hope to Christians around the world. I ask for God’s richest blessing on your ministry.” Richard A. Lange, M.D.

“It was a joy to receive the book Unlocking Your Legacy, by, Paul J. Meyer, as a gift from Good Mood Foundation. I appreciate the unique perspective this book offers from the plethora of other self-help and motivational books by the way he focuses on the priority of loving and serving God by loving and serving others (basically viewing your life and work as a ministry putting other people first). The clear message is that our character and integrity will be how we are remembered—our legacy. I purchased additional copies to give to our sons and other friends and co-workers. Thank you for the ministry of the Good Mood Foundation and how you help and serve others. I read your manuscript My Pursuit of a Good Mood. It has given me great insight and empathy to what mental illness really is. I admire your courage and vulnerability to share your story. Thank you for your servant’s heart that is willing to lay yourself bare to help and serve others who struggle with mental illness. Mental illness toucches most people at some point in their lives, either personally, or through a loved one or friend. It is a blessing to have this ministry to show the steps to take to mental health during such a confusing time of life. Burton and I are proud of you for your effort. We are overjoyed with you as God continues to bless your ministry and the publishing of your book. Well done, good and faithful servantt.”

Joan and Burton French

Articles about the Good Mood Foundation

Deborah Rose, Director of Educational Development for the
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas, writes:

This book is one you might overlook if you are not a fan of Smiley Faces as there is one big one on the cover. Or when you see the foreword is written by Paul J. Meyer, you might assume it’s “just another self help book.”

How I came to read the book was ironic in itself. One passage jumped out at a colleague as she thumbed through the book and she sent it to me, to get my take on the book, as it seemed to be “unusual” and since it was about moods, possibly mood disorders that I would be interested in what the book had to say.

Well, my colleague was right. I was very interested in what the book has to say and read it, front to back – twice.

“My Pursuit of a Good Mood” is written by a man who has had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Mike Attar talks about his steps to not just recover from his illness but how to have a quality of life that he believes is attainable by all, regardless of where we are in life and what we are dealing with. Mike is a talented individual and part of what he believes is that we are all driven and oftentimes, we are driven by pain. Mike has taken the pain in his life and used it as a motivational tool; not to suffer but to plunge forward to a better quality of life.

Mike has accomplished this with practical techniques and also through a spiritual journey that lead him to Christianity. Using his practical techniques, founded in his Christian beliefs, Mike has a story of pain, a story of change, a story of recovery and a story of success that ANYONE can benefit from and take away information that they can use in having a good mood every day in their life. Using examples from his own life, you can see the similarities of struggle that we all share and how his ideas and his faith helped him through these issues.

There is also an inspiring chapter, written by Mike’s wife, Michelle. Michelle has been a NAMI Family to Family teacher and offers up perspectives from the spouse’s point of view of how to support your loved one and yourself at the same time and how your unfulfilled expectations can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Many of his ideas you will find in evidence based practices. Much of his book can be supported by the success of twelve step practices. The one thing that can’t be denied is that Mike’s incredible faith in God and his devotion to his Christian faith is what gave him the fortitude he needed to get him personally through, day by day.

“My Pursuit of a Good Mood” was written for anyone who struggles to find more joy in their lives, not just if they suffer from a mood disorder. I highly recommend this book, even if you are not a Christian and even if you do not have a mental illness. The book offers much about family issues, practical ways to improve your thoughts and moods and yes, even accountability as a way of improving how you approach the day and your life.

Mike Attar has also founded a nonprofit organization – The Good Mood Foundation. You can request a copy of this book for free at www.goodmoodfoundation.org. Support the pursuit of a good mood and support yourself by requesting a copy of this book.

Mike Attar Turns Life Challenge into Changing Lives

By Dee Anne Stiles

Excerpt...

Through the creation of the Good Mood Foundation (GMF), Mike Attar has turned his greatest life challenge into the blessing of finding his true life calling: helping people with mental illness and mood-related struggles learn how to live life in a good mood – one step at a time.

Since its beginning in 2005, the GMF has reached out to help hundreds of afflicted people and their family and friends through its website at www.GoodMoodFoundation.org. Mike’s insightful, instructional, and motivating book, My Pursuit of a Good Mood, and his workshop recordings with workbook are all accessible for free on GMF’s website. My Pursuit of a Good Mood is currently being published and will continue to be given away for free.

Unlike other mental health organizations, the Good Mood Foundation combines the power of biblical teachings into its mental health ministry. Mike contributes his time, talents, and resources to the GMF without any compensation; he operates it totally on the goodness and donations of others.

His world came crashing down

At age 32, Mike Attar was living a Camelot life with a successful and lucrative sales career, a wonderful wife, and a fulfilling church life. Then, suddenly, in the prime of his life, the walls came tumbling down. His company folded, his church was in upheaval, and a close friend died in an accident. The mounting stress, the sudden losses, and heredity factors trigged a severe mental illness in Mike called bi-polar disorder. This crippling and disabling illness left him with severe mood struggles, inner pain, and mental and physical ailments that made reconstructing a new life even more difficult. “Up to this point in my life, I didn’t know much about mental illness, clinical depression, or mood struggles. I didn’t know that losses, negative influences, rejection of friends and family, and genetics for mental illness would eventually catch up to me,” said Mike.

Education and the real truth

The goal of the Good Mood Foundation is not only to offer people solutions for coping with and overcoming mental illness, but also to educate people on the real truth about mental health, while dispelling the misconceptions. In his book, Mike points out: “Mental illness is a medical abnormality affecting the brain’s chemistry, preventing the brain from functioning properly. When the brain ceases to function properly, the body does also—resulting in a diminished quality of life. Mental illness comes in many different forms.” Unfortunately, this general lack of understanding and overall denial causes many people to hide their infirmities from friends and family. In addition, many who are fearful of rejection or losing their jobs do not seek professional care. Or worse, choose to self–medicate,” said Mike. “This is sad, because in the last ten years, the fields of psychiatry and pharmacology have made more progress in understanding how to treat mood struggles than in all previous centuries combined. The diagnosis of a mental illness can be serious if left untreated,” he said.

Spreading the good news

The GMF spreads the good news: mental illness does not have to maim and destroy a life. It can be treated and kept under control by following the GMF guidance. “By being honest and transparent in sharing my own struggles, pain, and recovery journey, I’m giving

people not just education, help, and guidance, but I’m giving them great hope that mental illness can be overcome,” said Mike. “I still have the illness, but now I know how to constructively deal with it. You can have a good mood and good life again. There is hope, people who care to help, and you can have a good life. And that’s the good news of the GMF,” he said.

The Good Mood Foundation has chosen to continue to “self-publish” Mike’s books. This allows total control of the content, title and message. It also provides the Foundation with the maximum profit from the sale of the books. Mike receives no financial benefit from his work with the Foundation or writing books. If you would like to learn more about how you can help print this and Mike’s other manuscripts, please contact Mike at 1-877-GMF-8777 or at MichaelNAttar@aol.com.

“Every so often a timely book is written that has the promise of changing the hearts, minds, and lives of many people—this book is one of them. The author of this book, Mike Attar, didn’t sit down one day to write a book in order to say—“Hey, I wrote a book!” Rather, this book was conceived, grew in his belly, and was birthed through the crucible of pain—the pain of a serious mental illness. Mike is not a doctor or mental health professional, but don’t discount him. He has a story to tell and he has earned the right to tell it. In addition, Mike is a doer. This is important, because living in a good mood requires taking action. This book shows how—simply and powerfully.” Name Withheld

“I have read your book once and am already into the second reading…extraordinary work. I think the Lord can really utilize your message…it’s a powerful one.” Gary O’Malley

“Thanks for writing a much needed book. I can relate to a lot of it.” Carolyn Brantley

“I read your book yesterday non-stop. I related to most of your book and have figured out how to get myself in a good mood too. It’s amazing how hard you have worked to stay in a good mood and I thank you for sharing. It took tremendous courage to write that book…” Kay Thorne

“What an amazing book you have written. Your book was so honest and forthright and I think that is what makes it such a wonderful book. I thank you for sending it to me. It helps to know that I am not alone and that someone else struggles, too.” Cary Cota

“I found hope, knowing that Bible characters were allowed by God to experience mood struggles and how God intervened on their behalf—including you and me.” Frank Ramirez

“This book really breaks new ground, in that you are approaching this from a fresh perspective…thought provoking and very well crafted.” Jerry Webb

“I have sometimes turned to your book when I am depressed and I found it comforting. I benefited from the practical parts about setting goals, etc.” Edie Reisman

“Your transparency was excellent and your battle-won victories over bipolar are worth giving and sharing with others who are suffering.” Sherry Caillier Gilmer

“You were wonderfully transparent, Mike…I could feel your pain…” Nancy Toland

“So thrilled to catch an idea of the work God has done in you, your ministry, and your writing. You have much to offer the Kingdom.” Pastor Dennis Henderson

“I will pray God’s blessing on this crucial ministry.” Pastor Pete Briscoe

“What an incredible vision God has given you! We are honored that God has chosen you, as one of our own flock, to develop this ministry with intentions of reaching hundreds of families in need of its hope-filled message.” Pastor Eric Willis

“It is so good to know that anyone can visit your site, read your manuscript and listen to your audio workshop recordings for free—how cool is that?” Name Withheld

“Mike’s life experience and his obedience to God’s calling have fostered an incredible ministry. This combination provides a positive environment of encouragement and growth for individuals who have mood struggles.” Mike Wiltz

“The site and info looks great. We will certainly pray that God brings your vision to full fruition.” Paul Myhill

“Thank you for opening up about a subject people ignore…to God be the glory.” Sandra Adcock

“I wanted to thank you for answering my email so quickly. Also, for honoring my request to visit (deleted) in the hospital! You didn’t know him but you went anyway. He was very moved by the gifts you left with him, including a CD player and books.” Name Withheld

“It was terrific to be able to refer her (a new believer) to the website and know she would find quality information there.” Lillian Dehn

“I’ve been struggling with mood issues of late and I keep hearing from friends that I should read your manuscript on your website. Finally, I went to your site and did…wow! When is it coming out in book form?” Name Withheld

“You have such an important ministry…I will be praying for good results.” Liz Thurman

“Biblical, practical and relevant! Great job!” Joan H. Faubion Ph.D.

“Liked what you said, the goal is not a good mood, the goal is holiness.” Gary Jones

“Your personal experiences make you credible. You put things into perspective: Jesus is the only way and is the basis for the workshop.” Carole Cassidy

“Touched that you are reaching out in such a positive way to those who are hurting.” Janice Hardy

“Well done…handled questions and answers skillfully.” Laurel Coover

“Excellent job, Mike! God is obviously dealing bountifully with you and anointing your teaching. I will commit to pray for you and your ministry regularly. Your hours of preparation are obvious as well as your commitment to help others!” Name Withheld

“The length seemed right, the breaks were well placed, and the time for the discussion was good. You’ve hit upon the right recipe.” Dean Matthews

“Totally the best use of my Saturday morning…the humor and real life stories make this workshop reach in and touch sore spots needing a heavenly touch.” Dian Stepanic

“I listened to your messages on the Internet. Thank you for sharing your story and we liked the part of repentance and turning away from sin towards God. My husband thinks it would be helpful to have a copy of your book to give to Christian therapists. ” Name Withheld

“I want to applaud you for allowing your illness to lead you down this path. I know God will honor and reward this effort.” Kathleen Soard

“I just wanted to stop for a moment and tell you what a blessing it was to be a part of the Saturday’s “Good Mood” conference! Your transparency and honesty were such a blessing to me and to all those in attendance. I know that the Lord is going to continue to use you in a mighty way. The struggles and trials you have been through are going to pave the way for countless others to walk more closely with God and begin to heal. Thanks so much for your witness, kindness and friendship.” Aaron Bensko

“You have polished your presentation so well. Just great! Bravo! Very good balance of the three major areas you wished to cover. The summary is good. I like the detailed information that is available in the second half…a great balance of reading your outline, good eye contact and extemporaneous comments. I will incorporate more praise music in my daily life.” Name Withheld

“Thank you so much for putting the time and life investment in this effort to pursue a good mood.” Caron Hill

“I definitely feel this is a forum that should be taken to other places.” Andrew Bensko

“Mike, would that we had the courage and perseverance to meet challenges the way you have. You are an outstanding example of a godly man meeting life’s challenges head on. I am proud that you gave us an opportunity to be part of your vision coming to life.” Name Withheld

“You are a good example of making lemonade from the lemons life handed you when it came to your illness.” Holly Plank

“You’re very polished and professional in all that you put your hand to do. My prayers are with you and Michelle.” Name Withheld

“The content, the handout and the workshop are excellent.” Pastor Bruce Decker