A Bipolar Enlightening
What myself, my son and lots of famous individuals have in common
NEW YORK CITYVOICES: Winter 2006
Return to: NYC Voices Home - Winter 2006 Voices
By Rosemary Thomas Just a few weeks ago, I was home watching Oprah on television. I was astonished. She did a show on manic-depression (aka bipolar disorder). To my surprise, my favorite soap opera star Maurice Bernard who plays Sonny on General Hospital was one of the guests.
I was shocked to learn that he suffers from manic-depression. He admitted on the show that during one of his episodes, he threatened to kill his wife, which resulted in a hospitalization. At this time he maintains his illness and his celebrity status. All the guests on that segment of Oprah were famous celebrities suffering from manic-depression.
I was enlightened to know that there�s plenty of famous individuals past and present suffering from manic depression. For instance, Van Gogh had manic-depression. During one of his manic episodes he cut off his ear. Actor and comedian Robin Williams has manic-depression. We all probably know that story of Jane Pauley (visit www.newyorkcityvoices.org for more on her). You�re not alone. There are individuals all over the world suffering from manic-depression/bipolar disorder.
As for myself, I realize that I am not alone. I suffer from bipolar disorder and so does my 17-year-old son. He was though to have ADD and as he grew up, he was diagnosed with bipolar. He has been hospitalized for manic episodes at different children�s psychiatric hospitals. Did he inherit this illness from me? How can a mother and son who both have bipolar disorder relate to each other? I love him unconditionally and I will continue to join him through our struggle with bipolar.
All these years I have been classified as schizophrenic. Now I am classified as having bipolar. I have to live with my ups and downs.
More individuals are being diagnosed with bipolar every day. I call it the �bipolar club.� I told my son that we will stay strong and deal with our ups and downs like any other individual out there who�s dealing with bipolar disorder. I don�t only deal with my own bipolar, but my son�s too. He resides at a behavioral center awaiting placement in a residential facility. I will always be there for him�that�s why it�s important to keep my illness stabilized and take control of my ups and downs. My son is my blessing from God.
Bipolar disorder/manic-depression has really enlightened me. I learn more about it everyday. I find it intriguing and fascinating. It can be a very complex mental disorder. With proper medications and treatments, you can live a healthy and productive life.
I feel fortunate to be able to share with consumers, advocates, and individuals some enlightening things on bipolar/manic-depression, including some historical and educational facts relating to the illness.
To all individuals living with this illness, stay well, strong and positive. Don�t give up hope.
Return to: NYC Voices Home - Winter 2006 Voices
