Photo taken by first-time contributor Ian Timings, a 38-year-old man from the UK. He has Bipolar 2 Disorder, though he struggles with the term “Disorder” because there are often time when he finds that his condition has advantages. He is keen to increase awareness about all aspects of mental health as he still occasionally receives stigma. He expresses himself through visual media and has a passion for photography. Amongst his other interests, he is interested in art and design, film, music, keeping strange and unusual creatures and plants, and almost anything to do with nature.
About this photo: “I often try to communicate aspects of my condition by using analogies. This is how it feels to be manic/hypomanic.”
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Congratulations on your first submission here, Ian!
Fabulous photo and as one who shares your challenges with Manic Depression (the old fashioned term for BiPolar Disorder, which I still prefer to the latter) I can say with confidence, that your analogy using this particular photo is spot-on.
Hope to see more as time goes on 🙂
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Bipolar can be a challenge but I find it can fuel my creativity as well! I love when people embrace differences. Differences make us unique and give us good perspectives on life 🙂 Great post!
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Thanks. I have had some very difficult times in the past but am learning to make the most of my condition. My aim is to be more like Stephen Fry and not to end up like Kurt Cobain.
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Those are two people I admire greatly and I agree completely!
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Thanks, I’m very keen to embrace differences and am often inspired in doing so 🙂
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Manic and at the same time so brilliant, creative and full of energy!
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Thanks, photography is opening many doors for me at the moment. It really feels like I have found my calling.
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yes
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Anything which helps those with no direct experience of the condition to ‘get it’ is badly needed – and the more the better. Well done Ian.
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The sad truth is that some with direct experience don’t get it; I can imagine it’s difficult for people to understand but imagine how difficult it is for those who have to struggle with the condition and then stigma, mistrust and prejudice on top? Some people with mental health disorders find that the stigma is worse than their condition. For the sake of their lives and well being this must stop!
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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I think it’s great that people can look on with such positivity to something that can be as devastating to people’s lives like bipolar can be. I know that from personal experience and embrace the creativity it gives me. But behind closed doors, Bipolar has taken my life from me, I guess I’m more a Kurt than a Stephen. Spreading knowledge of the illness is very important, as people just don’t understand what a circus living with the condition is, nor about the psychoses which can accompany mania. Nice one Ian for spreading knowledge about this invisible condition.
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Keep the faith Helen, I have had some horrendous times in the past but have managed to come a long way…many people have mastered their Bipolar Disorder enough to function on a reasonable level and I’m sure you will manage this too. Please don’t end up like Kurt 😦
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I won’t as long as I have my furry babies there will always be a reason to live, if only for them. I have a mud covered puppy head in my lap looking up at me dolefully. He needs me.
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Terrific image!
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Many thanks for all your comments. I’ll submit something else here
soon 🙂
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