Yes, there are other things occurring than Federal Elections…. I know, I know, such trivial matters getting in the way of the drama and excitement of Australian Politics….
…However, some of us have a life beyond desktop punditry, and I have been immersing myself in research for my Psychology essay on Bi-polar syndrome, and how treatment compares between Western and Chinese paradigms.
Anyhow, I came upon this courtesy of the Black Dog Institute.
There are six principle factors that are ’signs’ of mania/hypomania (the ‘up’ aspect of the Bi-polar syndrome – aka Manic-Depressive). Usually to be dignosed with Bi-polar syndrome, you need to have experienced episodes that include the ‘mania’ followed by the ‘depressive’ state. Three of the following six factors need to be present.
The 6 principle symptoms for mania/hypomania (which is mania, just at a lesser degree) are:
- High Energy Levels
- Positive Mood
- Irritability
- Inappropriate Behaviour
- Creativity
- Mystical Experiences
This last point is described as:
“can be experienced by believing that there are special connections between events; that there is a higher rate of coincidences between things happening; feeling one with nature in terms of appreciating the beauty and the world around, and believing that things have special significance.”
Creativity is also defined as: “can be experienced as ’seeing things in a new light’; ’seeing things vividly and with crystal clarity’; finding one’s senses are heightened; and feeling quite capable of writing the ‘great Australian novel’.”
Whilst Positive Mood is defined as: “is reflected in descriptions such as feeling confident and capable; being extremely optimistic; feeling that one can succeed in everything; being more creative; and perhaps feeling ‘high as a kite’.”
So anyone out there who is confident, creative, and has a deep appreciation of the beauty of nature, watch out! For chances are you are experiencing emotions and thoughts that are not normal, and you should go to your nearest Psychiatrist to be diagnosed as being mentally ill!
Well that about wipes out about 90% of the population in some measure. Perhaps the parameters of ‘normal’ thoughts and emotions need to adjusted somewhat, hmmmm….. I wonder what the Psychiatric/Medical profession’s stance on Global Warming is?
