[Daonnachd]

As you begin please realise this is built upon poplar images of the disorder yet with a final twist.

How to Write the Great American Bipolar Novel.

All of the patients must have bipolar symptoms: catatonic depression, flitting mania, disjointed speech.
The DSM-V must outline their symptomatic behaviour.

The protagonist must experience a mixed episode, preferably siucidal.
They should interrupt themselves with heaving sobs.

If the protagonist is a woman, she must be beautiful, thin, and queenly,

and in love with a caregiver.

But if in love with a patient, he must go through expansive, euphoric mania.

If in love with a caregiver he has to be distant yet torn by compassion and empathy.
He's so professional he refuses to interact with her.

Other patients should describe life on the rollercoaster, see-saw, trampoline.
Actions demonstrate rapid speech, delusions, anxiety, paranoia, suicidal ideation.

Relationships suffer for the patients are unstable.
They are cyclones, they are windless droughts.

Their lives are solitary, having hurt friends and family.
Yet the nurses harbour secret affections and show favourites at inopportune times.

Classes and group therapy should be filled with glances and grumbles.
Hallucinations must drive a confused monologue.

The unit should echo with laughter, not only of the patients.
But alone in the corner will sit the protagonist.

Her hair hides her face, but she weeps quietly.
The caregiver she loves puts his arm across her shoulders.

The agony of isolation will be broken.
The door to healing will be open.

The ward will be filled with understanding throughout while all this passes.
Stigma will only be evidenced in the ignorant masses.

are you currently writing a story about bipolar?

looks like you put a lot of thought in to what needs to be included in it

[Daonnachd]

A lot of thought, yes. A story, no.
This is based on a poem by Native American poet, Sherman Alexie. He was mocking the stereotypes popular culture had/has of Native Americans. Hence the imagery of symptoms and the conclusion about stigma in the ignorant masses.
Thanks for reading it, I know it's long for a forum post.

[~Christina]

Enjoyed this very much

[Fuzzybear]

Thank you for sharing
(sorry about the very late reply )

[bpcyclist]

It does seem that most, if not all, of the "bipolar books" I have read seem to offer a rather cinematic portrayal of our often not-very-cinematic existences.