Posted by quilter on January 27, 2000, at 1:24:57
In reply to Re: artists and depression (discussion fodder), posted by Abby on January 26, 2000, at 18:54:47
> > 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.
>
> AbbyOur family history supports a connection between creativity and mental illness. My sister is a computer programmer, and my brother is an electrical engineer. They are the only siblings (there are six of us) who have escaped. Bill says its because the two of them are completely free of imagination. Not true, but perhaps a more concrete, down to earth thinking pattern makes it easier to control the emotional rollercoaster. The theory seems to be supported also by what I have learned about previous generations as well. I, for one, would gladly trade some of my creativity for some stability and energy to make ideas take shape. Quilter
poster:quilter
thread:19731
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000112/msgs/19775.html