Posted by Abby on January 26, 2000, at 18:54:47
In reply to artists and depression (discussion fodder), posted by CarolAnn on January 26, 2000, at 11:20:10
> I've been thinking lately about all the composers, writers, painters, ect. who are known to have had some form of mental illness, usually depression. It seems as if I have read of alot of other historically famous people (Winston Churchill for example) who also suffered depression. I wonder if there is any connection between being creative(or intelligent) and having depression. Why do you suppose that so many "Greats" have this in common? Have there been any studies on this subject? What do you suppose it is that drives some of the depressed to such high achievement while so many of us can barely keep ourselves alive? Any ideas out there?CarolAnn
Yes, Kay Jamison wrote "Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness
and the Artistic Temperament." It doesn't make you intelligent, but
in those populations there does appear to be a higher than average rate
of mood disorders.Churchill may have had bipolar II, though the depression (his black dog)
was much more pronounced.Also, about Churchill. Just remember that he came
from one of England's most prominent families and
had plenty of connections. Also, he always had
plenty of servants and a secretary.Abby
poster:Abby
thread:19731
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19755.html