I have slightly conflicted views here. I have every sympathy with those who suffer with mental illness. I have seen the effect it can have not only on the sufferer but also to their nearest and dearest. And part of me respects Steven Fry for the public stance he has taken to raise awareness of the issue. However I also find him a bit of a media whore who is so concerned with his "national treasure" status, whatever that means, that he will put forward all aspects of his private life if it ensures more press coverage.
Can I just say that my original post on here was aimed directly at SF and not intended as a generalisation. I must appreciate that fame and wealth doesn't always bring happiness in fact in most cases completely the opposite it seems. Having been through so much crap in my own life (I don't wish to air my dirty washing in public here), and having to work my way through them, I sometimes find it difficult to comprehend how others are unable or cannot do the same. I therefore genuinely consider myself extremely lucky to have such a positive mental attitude. On reflection I admit my comments are flippant, foolish and ignorant and I was wrong to make them. I now wish that I'd never made them in the first place and I'm truly sorry if I've offended anyone. KIO
My brother was very good friends with sf and helped him during some problematic times: I can explain the biological basis of bipolar (not something induced by cocaine - different forms of psychosis can be induced by drugs). The comparison with a obvious physical illnesses such as cancer are appropriate as both have genetic and biochemical aetiologies: it would be nice if folk could think before they write complete and utter crap about mental illness and show a modicum of compassion. Just to add I work with cancer patients, often with mental health difficulties, one of the possible routes to understanding and treating both is the identification of common biological causes, in itself this shows that there is more to mental illness than "pulling yourself together"
As far as I'm concerned the above post is a great example of the positive side of "manning-up" when faced with difficulties. I applaud your reasoned and thoughtful qualification of your position, and the frank apology.
KIO, Was your original post possibly coloured by the fact that you don't like Stephen Fry? I know that your own disposition to things can affect the stance you take.To give an extreme example how many people would have had sympathy for Hitler if he had survived the war and been depressed because he had lost? People with mental health issues can be tricky.I once worked in an office with four others,one of whom was clearly on the edge of a nervous breakdown,he chain smoked and talked all the time,even when he had nothing to say.In the end one of my colleagues cracked and shouted at him to shut up.I see people every day who are clearly not quite right and the manifestations take many forms.Personally I like Fry but I suspect that if he were a close friend he might be one you could easily have enough of.Sounds like he came off the meds.
Well IMO all Norwich supporters need there heads examined , so perhaps if Mr Fry switched alliances to the greatest team in Anglia then he wouldn't feel so low. All the best Mr Fry
I'd say the same go's for creative people as well, the ones I know can split into to different types most are chilled, liberal and relaxed the other kind are people who I regard as characters and yes I would say have acute mental issues rather then depression it tends to revolve around general narcissistic behaviour, chaos, drama and getting attention.
Bipolar can be triggered by any nmber of factors and it is also considered to be genetic - some interresting FACTS here - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bipolar-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx. The sufferer can lessen the symptoms by taking regular exercise, eating more healthily and making subtle changes to their lifestyle. I've known sufferers and some can live an almost normal lifestyle, whereas for others they can be very depressed one day and think they can fly the next - living with one can be absolute hell!!! Some interesting debate and pleased to see that KIO has apologised for his earlier rant!!!!
