Bipolar disorder can be devastating… but it doesn’t have to be.
I’m pleased to announce the introduction of Bipolar Advantage, hosted by Tom Wootton and his colleagues. I’m pleased to present this alternative view of bipolar disorder and depression, focused on how it can be …
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I think this is a wonderful initiative. Whilst not wanting to denigrate the suffering of those with bi-polar can experience it’s also important to understand that aspects of the “condition” can facilitate great performance in some areas but also we denigrate the person if we just “explain away” their achievements as due to their “condition” rather than recognize it’s what people do with who they are that is vital.
I had bipolar so bad a nurse told me I was the most severe case she’d seen in 20 years. Perhaps the worst thing that happened was I was breifly considered a threat to national security ( I presented 3 lighters, red, white & blue to the American Embassy, it was a secret message that I supported Big Tobacco, they must have seen the possibility of their use as weapons).
Today I hardly even think about Bipolar I’ve been well for so long, mainly by avoiding pot & taking lithium. It can be highly treatable.
In terms of actual advantages, I strongly suspect bipolar people are higher in openess to new & unusual ideas & experiences, even when well. The creator of the baroquely creative & original British TV series ‘Shameless’ is a good example.
Openess is a plus in some fields, a minus in others.
I’d like to know if there has been any research into a link between bi-polar & openess.
Good luck with your project.
thank you for this blog, i just hope that i could talk with other people who has bipolar, I was just diagnosed with bipolar 1 and still in the recovering stage. i just hope that i could talk to someone who has successfully overcome the disorder, or better yet, who has used the disorder to his/her advantage.
I, too, had one of the worst “manic episodes” that a person could have. It lasted 6 months and I was forced to live on the streets. Everyone hated me because I was “a mad person.” After months in a psych ward, I became stable. That was 3 1/2 years ago. I have been writing a presentation for other bipolars, and plan to speak to groups regarding the cause and affect of bipolar II, bipolar I, cyclothimic, and agoraphobia. I have found through others that writing about what happened, or what you are experiencing, is the most healing thing we can do. I’ve been writing for over a year. It’s a long process, and I’m sure it will benefit others. If we don’t share our experiences with others, what have we benefited? We can reach out and touch so many people who are struggling with the disorder. Bipolar is a lonely disorder, and writing is a wonderful outlet for our feelings. I also see my psychiatrist two times a month. I find him my anchor. God bless and I hope you find this helpful. physiatrist
Doesn’t anyone have anything to say? This is a wonderful opportunity to express ourselves as bipolars. I’m surprised. Does anyone else besides 3 others know about this support group?
I’m in a little trouble. There are events in my life from 3 1/2 years ago, when I was in mania, that I cannot make amends with my siblings, and other people. Has anyone had success making amends? It hurts me more than I can put into words. Thanks! Anna