Bipolar and Writing

darrtwish · Jul 18, 2008

I hope this is in the correct forum...but earlier this month I was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder, and one of my first concerns is how taking medication (Zyprexa 2.5mg) will effect my writing. So far it's been a positive experience, but I've only been on the medication for about two weeks. I was wondering if anyone else here has a form of Bipolar and if you take medication, how does it effect your creative process?

caromora · Jul 18, 2008

I take Zyprexa with no problems. It doesn't stifle my creativity, it just levels me out so that I can actually get work done. Without it, I am much less productive.

That said, everyone's different. A medication that works for me won't necessarily work the same way for you. Take it, see if it helps. If you don't like the way it makes you feel, you can always discuss it with your doctor and try something else.

Cassidy · Jul 18, 2008

Kay Redfield-Jamieson's book An Unquiet Mind is a beautifully written memoir of living with bi-polar disorder, including much discussion of the relationship between illness, medication and creativity. If you haven't yet come across it, you might find it interesting to read. She is a psychiatrist as well as someone who lives (and writes) with bi-polar disorder.

Mumut · Jul 18, 2008

I've changed my medication three times. The first one gave me really bad side effects and that did affect my writing - my whole life. And it didn't click in for quite some time.

So don't dispare if you start getting bad effects. Something can be done about it. And you could ask your doctor about TMS. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. I've had it and it has certainly helped me focus my life again.

Jackfishwoman · Jul 20, 2008

Yeah, all that above, but also, give the meds some more time to kick in. Sometimes it can take a couple of months for a person to see the effects.

Jackfishwoman · Jul 20, 2008

Cassidy, that is a wonderful suggestion (An Unquiet Mind)...
My first book is fiction but it also deals with mental illness, medication, & creativity and is written from my own experiences. (see sig-line below)

darrtwish · Jul 20, 2008

Thanks. I guess there's nothing really to worry about, especially since so far it's been a great experience for me.

Gehanna · Jul 20, 2008

Hello darrtwish,

This is a great post and one I plan to subscribe to. I am also interested in finding out how taking various medications may impact upon a person's creativity.

I wish you the best with your treatment regimen.

Sincerely,
Gehanna

Bipolar and Writing

darrtwish

caromora

Still alive. Kind of.

Cassidy

writing for kids and teens

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

Jackfishwoman

Jackfishwoman

darrtwish

Gehanna

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