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There are two types of writing I do about bipolar. The first type talks about being bipolar, what it’s like, information around it and so on. It’s generally not overly emotional. The second type is written from the point of view of my bipolar, period. It’s not therapied or controlled or softened.
And that second type really bothers people.
It has happened many times over the years that people have come onto my blog and gotten upset at my very “real” writing. Often bipolars tell me it expresses exactly how they were feeling and they are grateful. Others though, complain that I’m illogical, need help, and am just generally crazy. They want to yell at me, for expressing the sickness. Yell at me for showing bipolar disorder as it is.
So today on HealthyPlace I write some more about showing someone the bipolar versus just telling them about it.
Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate, and consultant from the Pacific Northwest. She has been living with bipolar disorder for 26 years and has written more than 2000 articles on the subject.
Find more of Natasha’s work in her acclaimed book: "Lost Marbles: Insights into My Life with Depression & Bipolar" on Amazon.
Connect with Natasha at the social media links below.
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Where can I see the posts about your personal experience?
Hi,
You can follow the link from the above piece, and it will get you to the post I’m talking about, specifically (it’s on an outside site). Otherwise, the blog you’re on now contains nothing but my experiences.
— Natasha Tracy
Susan, that is totally what I was thinking in terms of show and tell but I didn't want to use it in the piece because it's so writer-specific.
Personally, I think you do both. Did you notice the comment that Herb left on HP mentioned your ability to show? He thinks that you do.
And yes, I'm all for learning.
– N
In every creative writing class I had, professors would say "show not tell".
When I started my blog I thought I would do both- there were no blogs out there by women in my age bracket, and I felt it was time. I don't know if I show or tell to this day. I am still learning. It's good to keep on learning, no?
Yes, I agree, all knowledge is power. My point is, letting the illness speak for itself isn't a bad thing, and it doesn't have to be tempered with the "and now I'm all better". Because, well, I'm not.
Being bipolar IT IS GOOD to have the bookworm information because knowledge is power. The more you know about the illness, whether you are the patient or the caretaker, the better. IT IS GOOD to have the real life story blood and guts and all because there is someone out there reading in a spot where you have already been. It is encouraging to know that there is someone else that can truly understand and also that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. "If you have been there an made it through, well, then maybe I can too".
I tend to agree. I do think both sides are important, and it's just the way I write. No one said people had to read it.
I'm glad you want to hear it :)
Those who feel the need to yell at you or criticize you are not worth worrying. About. Many of us WANT to hear both parts of your opinion.