Could you help me please? I am writing a dissertation, the topic being whether art (be that painting, writing, photography etc) can be effective in helping the sufferer cope with the distressing symptoms of the illness, and bring (if only temporarily) a release and comfort to him/her. If YES, could you please explain why this is so. Thank you
2007-01-17 09:56:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Interesting subject. Wish I could help, but the three people I have known well with Bipolar Disorder were three of the least creative people I have known. Never thought about it previously, now I have to wonder if getting them involved in the arts would have made a difference.
One was a laborer, and had never married, having shown symptoms since childhood. He lived with a brother who looked
after his well being.
One was a surveyor, with whom I was working, and one day it was as if a switch had been thrown. He was in his early 50's. We found out that he had shown symptoms some 24 years previously but only temporarily.
One was a Civil Engineer, working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was in a supervisory position and about 45 years of age when he started to manifest symptomatic behavior. He was retired at the age of 61 due to complaints about threats of violence he was making against other employees. The closest he came to the arts was an addiction to Internet pornography.
2007-01-17 10:12:11 · answer #1 · answered by Gaspode 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Art is at its essence a symbolism, a language and a background or history and at its best a prize. It is hard for the inexperienced to connect art from the totality of human lives as seen from creation to management to the expressions we call art. The Bipolar disorder is one sure step beyond a neurosis in the ranks of disorder caused by depression. In a way much like the bible fulfills all needs for the great and simple so too art can provide for the needs of all. Art can give a possible reprieve from the flames of remorse and pains of depression that a bipolar disorder person has. from failed expectations in his mind. Viewing life and mental disorders in symbolic representation we can see our destinies as well as our past. Yes Freud was very estute in his teachings of symbolism. The brain expresses in art a recorded page of the past and of possibilities. If you have ever discovered knowledge in this area of life you enlightened. I love to tell the joke of the fourth law of thermo-dynamics ; 'that for every act there is an equal and symbolic act' . Newton wanted to help men to understand what all women can easily guess at. Women are guided by the art of language so extensively I wonder at our being ever able to catch up. Some may chuckle at this idea I attribute to women but they are always being careful too not to disturb the great masses of people around them who plod on with well-fashioned and unchanging lives. Can your brain really hold in store all these things about you in full color of unexpressed art.
2007-01-17 11:39:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! I to suffer with bi-polar and all the experts tell me that any creative hobby does help. Art helps express what is going on at the moment and can be expressed in many ways. It destresses our minds and gives a a break from the symptoms of the illness a great website to check out is webmd.com. thire is alot of usefull information on bi-polar! So take up some form of art and keep on doing it it no matter how good or bad you are you will find the right path you need and you WILL see a differance. God Bless!
check out this info
Bipolar Disorder:
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar depression, also called bipolar disorder or "manic-depressive" disease, is a mental illness that causes people to have severe high and low moods. It will affect nearly one in 100 people at some point in their lives, according to the American Psychiatric Association. If you or someone you love has bipolar disorder, this WebMD guide can help.
Get the Facts About Bipolar Disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Who Gets Bipolar Disorder?
Is Bipolar Disorder Easy To Recognize?
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
What Are the Treatments for Bipolar Disorder?
What Kind of Doctor Treats Bipolar Disorder?
Can Bipolar Disorder Be Prevented?
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Mania and Hypomania Symptoms
Depression Symptoms
Forms of Bipolar Disorder
Suicide and Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options
Bipolar Treatment Overview
Lithium
Anticonvulsant Medications
Antipsychotic Medications
Calcium Channel Blockers
Benzodiazepenes
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Antidepressants
SSRI Antidepressants
MAOI Antidepressants
'Atypical' Antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Maintenance Treatment
Nondrug Treatments
Special Risks and Bipolar Disorder
Children and Teens With Bipolar Disorder
Women With Bipolar Disorder
Living With Bipolar Disorder
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Getting Treatment and Support
Taking Your Bipolar Medication
Coping With Mood Swings
Talking to Your Family and Friends
Going to Work
Living a Healthy Life
Emergencies and Suicide Prevention
Caring for Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Helping a Loved One With Bipolar Disorder
Convincing a Loved One to See a Doctor
Emergencies and Suicide Prevention
you will find this at webmd GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-17 10:54:16 · answer #3 · answered by rose56149 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For myself, personally, drawing and writing acts as a vent for emotions I can't talk about or deal with myself. Also, I tend to depict characters doing things I want to do, but can't and don't because of physical, moral, or legal limitations.
Photography is so-so as for venting, but I found that by looking at pictures I've taken of tranquil scenes such as lakes and rivers and sunsets, it can alleviate manic symptoms.
Being a bipolar has its disadvantages definitely, but being an artist on top of that can be very beneficial and also encouraging when others encourage your "crazy" creativity.
2007-01-17 10:08:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it helps because they concentrate on something beautiful. Beauty is a form related to divine expression.
In the Beginning God created heavens and earth.
God gives you air to breathe and sunshine to enjoy.
God gives you water to drink and food to eat.
God gives you a wonderful body and sound mind, to live.
God loves you, and you are precious to Him.
Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation.
Jesus’ love is boundless and everlasting.
We have the hope of Heaven through Jesus.
Life therefore has fantastic and glorious future!
(Please must visit: www.spiritlessons.com)
2007-01-17 10:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by tmthyh 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes it can. I'm not sure how or why but it seem to help only for little I get lost what I'm working and forget about what cycle I'm in, but is only true in as long as I'm NOT worrying about the out come. other wise it can heighten my feelings.
2007-01-17 10:21:09 · answer #6 · answered by lady_jane_az 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah. i know multiple people who are bi polar or have a.d.d. what happens that they have such a hard time focusing on certain things, but the stimulation of creating something helps center them and allows them to focus
2007-01-17 10:00:44 · answer #7 · answered by J-BIRD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know for me having a hobby, doing puzzles, writing, painting, it all helps. It helps me get outside of myself and my problems.
2007-01-17 10:27:04 · answer #8 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pictures that show warm climates (opposite of polar climates) may help.
2007-01-17 09:59:46 · answer #9 · answered by victorschool1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋