Bipolar Disorder and the Creative Mind

The Role of Emotional Extremes in Bipolar Creativity

People with bipolar disorder are seen to be more creative on average than their peers. Romanticizing the myths around it is inevitably harmful, and there are negative consequences for their well-being and productivity. The periods associated with creativity are usually the manic ones, even if they are uniquely exhausting, reckless, and sometimes even harmful. It can also be seen that their presence is felt largely in the fields of arts and humanities, in areas such as music, poetry, and visual art, and just academics in general as well. The lows of Bipolar, however, are not seen to be linked with creativity. 

Famous Artists with Bipolar Disorder

There are quite a few creative professionals who live with bipolar disorder, such as:

• Demi Lovato
• Mariah Carey
• Russel Brands
• Carrie Fisher
• Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Marcel Barbeau
• Barney Bubbles
• Helmi Juvonen
• Vincent Van Gogh (speculative; it was back when it was still called ‘manic depression’)
• Virginia Woolf (speculative; it was back when it was still called ‘manic depression’)

The Impact of Bipolar Disorder Medication on Creativity

In a lot of cases, people who have bipolar disorder associate creative periods with hypomanic episodes that they face. This is not scientifically accurate, and they might view mood stabilizers or prescribed medication as limitations to their creative process. This may cause them to stop taking the medicines altogether or consume them irregularly, which in turn increases the risk of relapse. 

 Psychotherapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals identify such irrational thought patterns (conflating the manic phase with bursts of creativity) and guide them toward developing healthier thought patterns. The actual seriousness of the disorder and the symptoms it poses are far greater than matters dealing with whether or not creativity is hampered. 

However, it is important to note that a person can remain fully creatively functional while battling the disorder and seeking treatment.

Challenges and Misconceptions in Bipolar Creativity

There are many challenges that people with bipolar disorder face, the most common of which is irregular mood patterns. When they are in a manic state, they feel hyper-energetic and super productive, so much so that they often don’t sleep or sleep for very few hours. They might associate creativity with the manic state they are in, but this doesn’t mean that this is necessarily true. A lot of people report becoming more creative and risk-takers during their mania. The negative emotion towards the simple is what ignites the fire for creativity in people of both categories: those with creative instincts and no mood disorders, as well as those with mood disorders and relatively less creativity. The actual seriousness of the disorder and the symptoms it poses are far greater than matters dealing with whether or not creativity is hampered.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options

Treatment options for bipolar disorder include medications prescribed by a psychiatrist, as well as psychotherapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

Medications and Mood Stabilizers

Medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medication, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications are prescribed by the doctor, depending on the severity of the case, but medication and psychotherapy usually go hand in hand. 

Psychotherapy and Supportive Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy are seen as essential tools for the management of symptoms of Bipolar disorder. These are used to identify negative or toxic thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors and then replace them with healthy and positive thoughts. 

Lifestyle Changes and Management Strategies

Some lifestyle changes that can change the effects of bipolar are:

• Avoiding substance abuse
• Having a healthy and positive influence in terms of friends, family, and loved ones
• Creating a healthy routine for oneself
• Maintaining a mood chart 

Therapies for Managing Bipolar Disorder

After medication, one usually needs some form of therapy to combat the symptoms. This is where the role of psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and clinical psychologists becomes important. Psychotherapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals identify such irrational thought patterns (conflating the manic phase with bursts of creativity) and guide them toward developing healthier thought patterns. 

Embracing New Horizons in Bipolar Management with Cadabams

A person battling bipolar disorder may view any mood stabilizers or prescribed medication as a hindrance to their creativity. This may cause them to stop taking the medication or consume it irregularly, increasing their risk of relapsing. Further, any conversation about the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity is secondary to the seriousness of the disorder itself. However, it is important to note that a person can remain fully creatively functional while battling the disorder and seeking treatment.

The key is to seek help early and find a mental health professional who is tuned to your needs. Individuals with bipolar disorder can lead a functional and happy life with the right treatment, right here with us at Cadabam’s!

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre can help you with its team of specialized experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage the link between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.

FAQ

Are people with bipolar disorder more likely to be creative?

Yes and no. People with bipolar disorder are seen to be more creative during their manic episodes, but this is more often due to their creative knack and not necessarily the effects of the disorder itself. However, people with a genetic predisposition to the disorder are more likely than others to be artistic.

Is there a link between famous artists and bipolar disorder?

Between some artists, yes, and between others, no. Some artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Demi Lovato, and Mariah Carey, have battled with bipolar disorder, but that is not to say that all creative artists have bipolar disorder.

How can creative expression benefit those with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is sometimes linked with great creative talent, which is seen in the manic state of the cycle. While it may be seen as creatively fulfilling, it is ultimately taxing on one’s mental health, in the long run, to depend on the mood state to feel creative. 

Can bipolar disorder treatment affect creativity?

While this is not an accurate relationship, such misconceptions exist and have cascading effects on a person’s recovery journey. A person battling bipolar disorder may view any mood stabilizers or prescribed medication as a hindrance to their creativity. This may cause them to stop taking the medication or consume it irregularly, increasing their risk of relapsing.