bipolar disorder and mental illness
Such a complex subject, and for me, a very personal one. My son, now in his mid-20s, is mentally ill, diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The ongoing challenges of parenting a child, then an adolescent and now, a young man who has been labeled “mentally ill” have been a guiding force in my personal and professional lives.
I also spent two transformative years at The Living Museum, in Queens, New York, as an artist-in-residence. The Living Museum is an incredible 40,000 s.f. art studio/museum on the grounds of a state-run psychiatric hospital (Creedmoor Psychiatric Center).
These profound experiences have invited me to expand my understanding of mental illness. Founded in Western psychology, my definitions also have come to include the mystical, shamanic, and karmic realms.
There is no magic elixir for mental illness. Medication can oftentimes be very helpful. But there is always more to the story of pain and suffering. Look for the meanings behind the label. Learn more about the special challenges of parenting someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness. If you are a professional, perhaps you’re ready to broaden your knowledge base, and expand your definitions and understandings.
