Thread: A poem about Bipolar Disorder...

I've been going through some difficult mental health issues at the moment which culminated in a spell in a psychiatric hospital earlier this year. I'm starting my acting degree soon and the tutor has asked us to prepare a poem beginning "I am" which should be as deeply personal as we can possibly make it. I therefore decided to write about this. I was wondering what you thought and whether you could help me come up with a title? Thank you!


I am a see-saw
which, when weighted
swings and switches
overbalanced and unwieldy.

No control, consideration
just inflammation and emotion.
Electricity which through me
runs and statics, sparking, spreading.

Then overload. The cut-out trips.
The fuse blows. The back-lash whips
and that is that.

The darkness floods and I crash flat.

I really liked the poem a lot, it's very well written. Two thumbs up. As for as a title, I got nothing. Sorry.

Really dig this Indigo. Catchy rhythm and excellent descriptions; I particularly liked the third stanza. Two minor suggestions.

No control, consideration
just inflammation and emotion.
Electricity which through me
runs and statics, sparking, spreading.

Electricity runs through me,
static that sparks and spreads.

The darkness floods and I crash flat.

could benefit from rewording to make the image more immediately clear.

On a side note, I have used writing to ease mental anguish for several years. Few things, imo, are more cathartic than spilling your brain across a page. And sometimes you learn something about yourself that you would have otherwise missed. Come to think of it, you probably know that already, so I'll just encourage you to keep writing and sharing. This piece, if anything, indicates that your musings have more value than a mere journal entry.

Title...A Surge Hits the Circuit Breaker. I don't know.

Having been personally introduced to Bi-Polar Disorder when I was about your age (typical onset age) I can say that your poem describes the internal process very well.

Mania the "quintessential high". Our own complex chemistry. Yes. Electric. (And here you make good use of alliteration.)

Electricity which through me
runs and statics, sparking, spreading. (later note)

The higher the flight the quicker and harder the crash. I call it "crashing into the basement of myself" which I think would make for a powerful last line.

The darkness floods and I crash flat into the basement of myself.

It's yours, if you like. As to a title? Since they're wanting "I am", what about
"I've Mistaken my Brain for Heaven". After the crash, this is known. Yes? You might want to bring in more of that "other-worldy sensation" into your poem without abandoning the "electrical charging"

This is what I'd suggest doing here:

Electricity runs right through me (here, agreeing with Edgewise. Suggest keeping "runs" in ital.) statics, sparking, spreading.

Indigo, I want to thank you for helping to dispell the stigma of Bi-Polar Disorder and other mental illnesses by speaking out. A bent of creativity seems to come along with the territory of BPD. From Sylvia Plath to Kurt Cobain. Betcha lota of us right here are brilliantly writing away in silence.

A great poem, statement and courage. Humm. Now, I'm thinking of a couple of crazy 'ol poems that need some polishing up.... Peace, Laurie

Originally Posted by SilverMoon

Indigo, I want to thank you for helping to dispell the stigma of Bi-Polar Disorder and other mental illnesses by speaking out. A bent of creativity seems to come along with the territory of BPD. From Sylvia Plath to Kurt Cobain. Betcha lota of us right here are brilliantly writing away in silence.

Hi Indigo,

I, too, thank you for dispelling the "stigma" of Bi-polar Disorder by speaking out. I've had my battles with BP disorder along the way and have written a few poems about it.

You've written a powerful poem on the subject and think your poem shows the "electrical imbalances" in the brain we face with Bi-Polar disorder, so please don't abandon the electricity.

For a title...."A Blown Fuse"

Cindy

Touch and go?

Having a few loved ones who have this disorder, I can say your description is perfect. Good work.

I have the bipolar disorder also and I thought this was an excellent poem. Love the images here. The first stanza reminded me of the playground, with see-saw, swings, and balance...but then in the last stanza you refer to the disorder with electrically images. Maybe "Electric Playground"?

Sure was good to read, good luck with it.

I can see that it's a very personal poem, and I think you captured the emotion of what it must be like well. Liked it a lot. "Crash flat" struck me as a powerful note to end it on.
-cae