Over 10 million men and women have this disorder and it is difficult to live with. Many famous, accomplished people have had to deal with it their entire life. In fact, it is believed by some to be a mark of genius. It is easy to see why the connection is made when you look at the list of famous people who have had to live with the complaint: Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, William Faulkner, Winston Churchill, Abbie Hoffman, Edgar Allen Poe, Beethoven, Van Gogh, and Isaac Newton. The world would not be the same without these and many other famous people with bipolar disorder.
If untreated, bipolar disorder can be a catastrophe. Many times it can lead to suicide. The symptoms are difficult for other people to deal with. It takes tremendous understanding, patience, and love to live with a bipolar person. The illness causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Common symptoms are: Elated, happy moods followed by severe depression. Increased talking and rapid speech. Ambitious and often grandiose plans. Impulsive activity. Increased feelings of anxiety. Feelings of guilt and hopelessness. If you know someone who acts in this manner, treat them with respect and understanding. I have a bipolar friend that I respect and admire. I love the guy!
Thanks for posting this. It is amazing what the average human brain can think of. Bipolar people seem to have exceptional thought processes, it is like they have tapped brain neurons that us mere morals are incapable of reaching.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to be more understanding of all people-bipolar, autistic, dementia, etc. During my work day I will have at least one encounter with someone like this and I always learn something new from them!
Abbie Hoffman?!?
ReplyDeleteAre you sure we're not allowed to dislike bipolars? Why is that when I meet one, s/he's always in the asshole mode?
I prefer polar bears.
TsarPat
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude which allows you to interact with people and learn something new no matter who they are. Thanks for a meaningful comment.
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Pat,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your funny but insensitive comment. The good, the bad, and the ugly, can all be bipolar. BTW, it is only the tripolars who have an asshole mode. Thanks for showing your ignorance!