Just Wondering...

[Dasie]

I know this sounds crazy. But what is the ideal career for someone with BiPolar? I heard that BiPolar people are usually very creative especially when manic. and that Acting is a very good career, like anything, what works for some doesn't work for others. But many BiPolar actors have said that sometimes there BiPolar (Strong Emotions) helps them act and push themselves further(And actually helps them through life, funneling out emotion). And a Director once said- "you don't have to be Gay or Jewish, to be in this buisness, you just need to be, BiPOlar" So what's your opinion?

[Delusion]

I am very much the same when im 'manic' or what ever you wish to call it i get a big creative buzz and i can write very well. I enjoy writing lyrics when im in that kind of state they kinda coincide with the kind of music i like which is mainly metal punk etc so their not always appreciated that much when i show them to people lots of people think their morbid but other people think their really good.

Some of the best essays ive done have been whilst drunk or manic haha =) (although i always check them the morning after for obvious reasons.)

[FxGz]

ILAD, all apologies for my own harshness on the matter, we can be sooo sensitive at times, lol. seriously though, no foul no harm! i way appreciate your always clear and informative posts, especially the theory you posit on this one, it really got me thinking.

CGN,
... i love your moniker! peace!

[cowgirlnerd]

ILADVOCATE - I don't think your responses are "harsh" they are filled with information and that's something we all need.  At times, maybe, they might seem clinical, but that's because of your research.  I, personally, appreciate your insight.

Guys:
I think there are a vast array of careers that a person that is "creative" can pursue - I just don't think we can pigeon hole someone into a position because of their illness.  I was in banking for 20 years, for God's sake!  That's the most uncreative thing in the WORLD - and GLAD that I am not in it anymore.  BUT, I was successful in it.  Who knows!

With anyone, I think the best avenue for choosing a career, regardless of disability, is to find something that you enjoy and find a way to make a living doing it.  

FxGz
..... I love the peaceout....I use that a lot myself!  

[ILADVOCATE]

I hope my response wasn't a "harsh" one lol. Seriously, I always had concerns when I was hypomanic in the past because it would often spiral into full blown mania but everyone's life and recovery is their own and I'm not one to judge. I never thought I could feel completely stable and be able to appreciate and enjoy my creativity. That is until I recovered with the Phase II experimental antipsychotic glycine as I described in applicable posts. If I came across as judging anyone here that's not my intentions. I accept my psychiatric disability. I just never really saw it as positive. Recovering from it was wonderful. Learning to live with the severe tardive dyskinesia was much harder. But it was only with the improvements in relating to people I got from the glycine that I was able to not be emotional about a severe disability but change my networking to be online when it advanced to the point of being homebound and keep enjoying life and advocate as well for other people.
   And it is good that your medications enable you to function and don't make you feel "dull". But in the past I could only imagine a time when medications would actually increase your creative and cognitive abilities but in a real world sense. But the future for me is now. And then as these new antipsychotics (a class of medications increasingly used as mood stabilizers) are developed as actual medications other people will see it. I remember the past when if I was writing poetry I would try to write it before "medication time". Now I wait until I take the glycine as it increases my skills with poetry. And e-mail communication with people. And systems advocacy and preparing testimony. So perhaps its not hypomania you crave but the ability to network and understand what's going on with people in a manner that just doesn't seem possible otherwise as well as your creative abilities. But what if medication could accomplish that? When these medications come out perhaps other people will find out. Here's a means to keep updated (this link updates itself):
http://www.psychmeds123.info/

[FxGz]

good question. i've thought about this often, and after reading some of these "harsher" responses, i have just one suggestion: chill out people!

okay, so now that the temperature has cooled down enough, i'll respond with my thoughts on your question.

i've been BPII and hypomanic for as long as i can remember. always gravitated towards the arts. in college, 99% of the art department seemed to be BP.

eventually fell into advertising as an art director/designer type. i love it. it rewards my manic cycles, where my scattered and abstract thinking actually helps the creative process. i fit in there also, as i'm surrounded by other creative types i.e. writers, photographers, actors, geeks, designers, illustrators, musicians etc.  when i get a little wired i have an outlet that is both therapeutic and financially rewarding.

currently on lithium and prozac. i don't feel "dull" or out of it. i'm as carefull with my meds as i can be. my advice: follow your bliss.

goodluck&peaceout!

[cowgirlnerd]

I understand what you mean.  I was the same way, straight A's - but didn't have to work for it (not motivated), athletic, etc., but the bp always got in the way.  She is at a hard age anyway - 13 just stinks!  That's when I really started to get bad and of course I wasn't diagnosed then, but I remember it just being horrifying.  You have the normal peer pressure and "fitting in" situation, but add a dash paranoia and panic to it - yikes!

The question about being able to be a teacher with BP, of course, you can't be discrimated because of your disability....yada yada yada.  The horrible reality is that if you share that - it's hard to get people to understand that you can be stable.  It's like most people - not all people, but most see it as a "Sybil" diagnosis and are afraid of you.  

My question for you would be what does she like to do (such as hobbies).  I think that teaching would probably be good for her, if she likes children, etc., and maybe a Phys Ed teacher.  The only problem with BP is that noise and crowds aren't always good - but it depends on the person.  

Basically, anything she wants to do is within reach, but she has to stay in focus to get there.  I left banking after 20 years and I am so glad - that stress was just to much for me.  The lucky thing is that she has a supportive Mom - a lot of us don't / didn't have that.   She has a few years to focus on a career, but just be supportive of her emotionally.