Bipolarity


Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), The Starry Night (1889), oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm, Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Bipolarity is another name for a condition that has been with mankind since we left the tree-scape, entered the land-scape and began to roam the world.
 
It is a name for a condition within the conditio humana we all are subjected to and most of us have more or less under control.
 
It too is a condition prevalent in highly creative people.
It is, in fact, the stuff of creativity itself, of greatness, of mediocrity or, in the extreme of insanity.
 
It is also the stuff of gravity against which we have to negotiate our balancing act throughout life at all times.
 
What now, then?
 
Why is it a tricky subject to approach within one’s own circle of family and friends?
Because no-one wants to be seen or pointed out as potentially mad. 
 
We are, however, not speaking of clinical madness.
 
We are looking at a human condition that is common to all of us.
 
That is in us.
And many of us, come to think of it, are just lucky to have it under control. 
Others are less fortunate, be it for genetic reasons, or through illness or traumatic life experiences.
 
I am so strong
I am multi-tasking
better than anyone around
I am creative
I feel good
Others must get out of my way
These fools
No-one sees 
like me
I am cool
I am in control
Must I then go through life
Drugged to dull the pain
 
With love for now
Walter & Colleen
Betty’s Bay, Election Day, Wednesday, 18 May 2011  
 
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire: http://www.dbsalliance.org/pdfs/MDQ.pdf
 

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