Two weeks ago, popular Furious Seasons blogger Philip was in Florida giving a talk about bipolar disorder. He was asked a question he couldn’t get into the kind of answer he felt the question deserved at the time, so he posted his answer today on his blog. The question itself was thought-provoking:
My question was, how do you feel about the presence of bipolar? Have you felt that it is, in the terminology of Icarus [Project], a ‘dangerous gift,’ something to be cultivated and learned from (a personality trait for which this culture marginalizes you?), or is it an invasive agent to be kept at bay?
Interesting, because the definition of mental illness has never been as clean and as clear-cut as something like diabetes. It has been shaped as much by societal norms and conventions as it is by science itself. (Many of the outrageous behaviors we take for granted as commonplace today would have been considered signs of a seriously diseased person even just 150 years ago.) Society determines what is and isn’t worthy of the “crazy” label, and from time to time, we change the playing field a bit.
Philip’s response is long, so be forewarned, but worth the read, because it has intriguing nuggets of possibilities, like this one:
I know I am going out on a limb here that someone will likely chop off for me, but I believe that much of what we call bipolar disorder is in fact a personality disorder or constellation of behavioral issues. [...]
I regard bipolar disorder as more of weird gift than anything.
Indeed, there are so many possibilities of what some people live with for so long to be thought of as so many different things. And I find it heartening to hear someone call what they lived with for so long a “gift.”
PS - While you’re visiting Furious Seasons, please consider donating a few bucks so Philip can make his next rent payment. Thanks…
Read the full entry: Once Diagnosed, Never Undiagnosed
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Gift Ideas: Unique Personalized Gifts for Men & Women » Is Bipolar Disorder a Dangerous Gift? (12/11/2007)
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3 Comments to
“Is Bipolar Disorder a Dangerous Gift?”
I absolutely feel bipolar disorder is a multi-faceted “gift” for myself! Let me clarify by saying I am not being flippant as I know it IS a dangerous disorder when Tx recommendations are not complied with.
I was dx at age 34 & I am now 44. I suspect I had bipolar disorder undiagnosed at LEAST by age 20 - due to my manic/depressive cycles. As a result I lost my childhood sweetheart/husband & went into cycles of mania & depression for 5 yrs. That’s the danger…I never got into legal trouble, but my finances & emotional life reflected the hell.
Now that I’m dx & comply with meds & TRY very hard to take care of myself, I am not ashamed & people seem to gravitate to my compassion for others. I have many friends who call me “colorful & vivacious”. Believe me - I need the self-esteem boost every now & then..
I am NOT discounting the fact other people with bipolar suffer with far worse symptoms & to a greater degree. My heart & support reach out to them!
Sincerely,
Matha (from Alabama)
Society needs to have a better understanding about Bipolar.
There are too many people who do not know what it really is, and what it does to those who have it.
A lot of people do not realize just how many have Bipolar.
There has to be more education and awareness about this disorder.
Then there will be a better tomorrow.
George Vreeland Hill
my daughter moved here to go to college and has met a young man who has been diagnosed bi-polar. my question is can this young man be a physical threat to my dayghter and what would trigger such an event?
i have a heightened sense of concern as my younger sister was murdered by her boyfriend 3 years ago. we do’nt know his mental history, but he did kill himself also
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 11 Dec 2007
