BIPOLAR DISORDER

Myth ‘Bipolar is just mood swings – everybody gets them sometimes!’

Busted

Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of extreme moods. The highs are known as mania or a manic episode, and they’re typically followed by the lows of a depressive episode. ‘Depending on which type of bipolar diagnosis you are describing, someone experiencing a manic episode may appear to have a lot of energy, little need for sleep, be extremely talkative and talk about grand plans that seem unrealistic,’ explains Bernice.

‘They may be more agitated than usual and may engage in behaviour that has painful long-term consequences, such as big spending sprees or engaging in sexual indiscretions.

Following this extremely elevated mood state, the person may dip into a deep depression. Depending on the diagnosis, some people do not have insight into their behaviour while in a manic episode.

‘For example, they could have ideas like, “I’m moving to Paris and I’m going to be a surgeon!”, but they have no medical background.’

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) spent eight months in a psychiatric clinic, following a violent outburst. He is diagnosed with bipolar disorder but has grand hopes for a ‘silver lining’. He plans to get his job, his family life and his wife back. Pat refuses to believe their separation is final. He finds the perfect plan to win Nikki back after meeting Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman struggling

with depression after the death of her husband. The two connect over their shared mental illness challenges and try to heal together.

THE GOOD

The connection between Pat and Tiffany is honest and deep, founded on a shared experience of reality others don’t necessarily feel: a trauma-bond over loss, public disgrace, and reaching the lowest low. The film celebrates their differences instead of alienating them. This, along with the humour dotted throughout, works towards destigmatising mental illness. The film doesn’t shy away from the reality and side-effects of medication. Pat complains about his medication making him feel foggy and bloated.

The film is also applauded for accurately depicting manic episodes. Pat doesn’t sleep and spends days trying to finish all the books his ex Nikki teaches to her students. He becomes hyper-focused on goal-orientated activities, can be overly talkative and has unrealistic ideas.

THE BAD

While the film explores several of Pat’s manic episodes, there is no representation of the depressive episodes that follow. His mania has the shock value of ‘going crazy’, but the reality of depression, which might be considered more ‘boring’ and ‘slow’ in comparison, is left out. A romantic relationship between two mentally ill people can’t ‘cancel out’ their problems, and love or success can’t ‘cure’ them.

THE REALITY

‘I take nine different medications daily, which puts a strain on my body at times. I’m constantly monitoring my moods – partly to keep myself in check but also out of fear of having an episode.

‘I could relate to Pat’s outbursts, the lack of control in those moments and the sense of shame that follows. Anger and aggression are common ways that my illness manifests, so I sympathise with him there.’ – Charlotte*

film: he forgets his locking ritual, is affectionate with Carol and even walks on cracks. The misconception of love-cures-all is neatly put to bed when Melvin admits to Carol that he is taking his medication again, with the now-famous line, ‘You make me want to be a better man.’

By the end of the film, the audience has empathy for Melvin

– a great example of how thorough research and good representation can help destigmatise mental illness.

THE BAD

Melvin is often rude, arrogant and overly confident. Because OCD is an anxiety disorder, individuals might also struggle with general or social anxiety. ‘I lack confidence and am usually very agreeable. I don’t like to upset people, as it makes me feel extreme guilt,’ explains one viewer with OCD. While some might be like Melvin, it’s important to remember that there are many types of OCD.

THE REALITY

‘Some of Melvin’s habits and ticks resonated with me. He performed tasks in a repetitive motion to alleviate anxiety, which is very typical of OCD. I still do this, but my OCD is slightly different. When I was younger, I was quite religious, which manifested itself in “religious scrupulosity”. I would say a prayer in a specific sequence, make promises to God and do the sign of the cross three times after the prayer. If I forgot the sequence, I’d have to redo the whole prayer.

‘What was missing from the film is the idea of intrusive thoughts. This, to me, is the worst part of OCD and it was the primary reason I eventually sought help. I get thoughts that can be termed “harm OCD”. You get the urge to harm someone and even though you wouldn’t act on it, the thought gives you extreme anxiety.’ – Andrew*