Is there a link between bipolar disorder and creativity? I've read articles suggesting there might be. I don't have the answer necessarily, but I do have my personal experience. I wonder if the person who has bipolar was creative before going into a manic episode, or if the illness draws it out of them to be creative. I suppose you have to define what being creative means to you. I would say it is a lot more than just being good at art. Then again, art is a lot of things and takes on many forms. As for me I always liked to draw as a kid, but I don't draw much now as an adult. I don't do much drawing in a manic episode, however I do remember doing some quick sketches on hospital folders. I'm not saying making some rough sketches was art. I do however believe that the way a manic person thinks in an episode, is completely different than a person who isn't manic or bipolar. The constant flow of information and ideas keep pouring in. The way I process these ideas are completely different from others. These racing thoughts pour in so rapidly, my mouth can't keep up with what I want to say. In an episode of mania people such as myself have some unrealistic ideas. However, it's the ideas that make people creative. Our minds work so differently because of the imbalance of chemicals in our brains. I've had the idea of writing a book about my life in a manic episode, but I didn't get far due to not being able to concentrate for long. One time in my first episode, I had so many thoughts that I filled up an entire brand new college notebook...overnight! The thought process is sped up and uncontrollable without medicine. I believe our creativity can be better harnassed while stable. That way we can focus our energy without getting distracted. I've written a book about my life since becoming stable these past couple years. I think our creativity whatever it is, will be much better once we are stable and our bipolar is under control.
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AuthorI was diagnosed bipolar 1 in March of 2005. It's been a challenge to say the least to live with this disorder everyday. There has been some major ups as well as downs. It's just something I have to deal with. Everyone has their own problems and struggles to sort out and this is just one of mine. I'm not asking for anybody to feel sorry for me. I just want to educate those who don't know much about it, and if it helps out somebody along the way even better. Archives
May 2017
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