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May 4, 2005 Manic depression is a frustrating mess. - Jimi Hendrix Bi-Polar Disorder is a terrible problem. I, thank God, do not suffer from it, so I can only write about it from the perspective of someone who has observed it. And observed it I have. I have known ten persons who are 'bi-polar.' I am no doctor but I am an observer and this disorder can be a tricky one. Here is why... The disorder is marked, amoung other things, by incredible highs and lows of mood, temperment, energy, and the like. While in a manic state persons can be full of insights and ideas, be very talkative and creative, and need little food or sleep. In a depressive state they can become withdrawn, very lethargic, and even suicidal. One person I knew was quite an ordinary sort so while off medication and in the midst of a swing it was easy to spot. Others ( and for the most part this has been the case), seemed to be creative and a bit eccentric to begin with, so while experiencing trouble, it was difficult to catch at first to an untrained eye. Its been an odd situation. Of the ten persons, all ten I would describe as somewhat of a genius. Maybe not a bona-fide genius. But definately border line, or posessing thier own brand of genius. These persons had so much incredible insight into things that I loved to talk to them and be around them. Then something would go wrong. I was confused. Then I found out that they were in fact ill. It has been difficult and frustrating. I suppose in some ways it could be like being a friend of an alcoholic. In fact people with this disorder often self medicate with alcohol. Thesedays we know more about illnesses like this, and though a bit less stigmatized, we have a long way to go. I hope we get there. I hope we figure out how to keep the genius part and calm the other, undesirable symptoms. I hope this because it is firstly ideas that stir and move a society (and espescially artistic pursuits), forward. For instance,I think Ernest Hemingway suffered from this illness. I think of how he ended life. There are the words that are The Old Man And The Sea, and then there is that. Maybe this is the nature of the game of life and of art. In fact, in many instances, it seems that this is the case. ------------ About the author: Brian Michael Barbeito lives in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. His two most recent books are Medium Double Double Milk (non-fiction) and Fluoride And The Electric Light Queen (poems), neither currently published. Email: Brian1750@Hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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