is bi-polar a gift?

Answer 1

I've always considered Bipolar to be gift. I think it's made me wiser beyond my years, it lets me see things in a way that other people can't. I had a psychotic episode when I was 17 and somehow managed my way out of that madness, I've been on countless medications with little success, 3 hospitalizations, 1 overdose. I've always quoted the smashing pumpkins when they say "And my life is still extraordinary, blessed and cursed" I feel I'm more empathetic, I listen with my heart, I'm more aware of other people's emotions. I feel like I have more control when I'm not medicated, I've known bipolar for so long, when the meds throw you into a sense of normality, you don't know what to do with it....that's my opinion. Bipolar has seriously ruined my life, but I'm madly in love with it.

Answer 2

Well, I know a person who is bi-polar one, which is the highest level of bi-polar. His name is Patrick. He has had terrible consequences as a result of being bi-polar, and though he is very intelligent and holds a masters in fine arts, Patrick cannot function normally so he has not been employed in several years and draws disability for being bi-polar. However, Patrick has medication that he can take that abates nearly all of his bi-polar symptoms. He will not take that medication, and the reason he gives is that he is addicted to his manic episodes, which he has described as very similar to being on cocaine.

So I guess bi-polar disorder is a gift in the same way that a cocaine addiction is a gift. The high is awesome, but the crash makes you wish you were dead.

Further, the more common, lesser degrees of bi-polar disorder do not usually include the benefit of the tremendous high of bi-polar 1 mania. It is much less pleasant, but still has the same type of depressive effect on the person at the point of a downward spiral.

Finally, I have heard credible estimates that amongst certain socio-economic groups, the suicide rate for bi-polar sufferers of all types is as high as 85%. They are actually very likely to kill themselves, and the blanket average is like 50-30%. No other mental illness carries that high of a risk of death, including severe schizophrenia. The reason why is b/c bi-polar people are very difficult to institutionalize. When manic, they think they are going to stay that way, and they appear happy and optimistic to Judges etc. (Schizoprenia and other psychotic disorders are characteristic of really clear signs of insainity, and it is obvious that they need to be treated.) They are frequently mis-diagnosed b/c they only complain of the depression symptoms in outpatient care, and ant-depressants will not abate depression as a result of bi-polar disorder any more than they will significantly effect the hang over experienced after cocaine binge. They make no noticeable difference.

However, when depressed, bi-polar people disapear, and by the time you locate them, they are already dead. They don't threaten suicide as a cry for help. They just do it, and most of the time don't even leave a note.

So, I am going to conclude that no, bi-polar disorder is not a gift.

Answer 3

Guess it depends on the person. If you can utilize it properly, sure. But I think most people suffering from bi-polar consider it more of a curse, at least the people I've talked to. I personally have a love/hate relationship with it.

Answer 4

It depends on the degree of bipolarity that is suffered. When you're dipping out of high manic states and very low depressed states, it's going to have a more profound negative impact on your life. At some point, it must be corrected.

On the other end, I do believe it's beneficial in small amounts. I am bipolar to some degree (I follow the semi-manic/depressed cycles, but not enough to cause trouble). It is nice to be more creative than usual and have the energy to take on huge projects. Of course, it's bad to be stuck in a depressed slump for a while, although I can typically identify depression quickly and do what I can to minimize it.

Answer 5

Check out the book called the Brilliant Madness.

Some very artistic people have this disease. I guess they would be the ones with the "gift". But it does come with a price.

But quite a few others have BP and just suffer and try to maintain the status quo. Its not a "gift" in any form or fashion to them.

I personally don't see it as a "gift". I see it as a thorn in my side.

Answer 6

I think what you really want to know is if you are a child of god and the anwser is yes you are, you are different and you know it, it is the bi polar that has made you into the unique person that you are its just god preparing you for all that work in heaven when you will rule along with others with jesus christ.

Answer 7

I'm bipolar and i don't know that i consider it a gift, although i'm very creative and an artist.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, and we all have different symptoms, from depression to mania, to anxiety, over-indulgence, agitation, etc... depression seems to be the most common symptom, but to be diagnosed as bipolar, a person has had to have manic episodes (at least one) during their lifetime.

and all bipolars don't cause "trouble"... i don't know where the above answerer got that information.

You can find more information by doing a yahoo search for bipolar disorder. take care

Answer 8

Perhaps the sufferer might think so at times, because I believe they can have surges of creativity, but for the family it's very debilitating.

Answer 9

maybe. It is fascinating to witness. It can tear families apart and cause much suffering for all parties involved.

Answer 10

i wouldnt consider it a gift since its a psychological disorder