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Manic Depression In Kay Jamison's An Unquiet Mind

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Throughout Kay Jamison’s memoir, “An Unquiet Mind”, she is faced with the challenges of conquering her mental illness while attempting to maintain her normal lifestyle. Jamison refused to question her mental being as a result of the symptoms from her condition, the fate of her career, and above all being deemed normal by society. Manic-depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is defined as a depressive disease that exemplifies alternating moods from high and low points. It also affects one’s thought-process, social behavior, and judgment which can lead to rational decisions with harmful effects. Manic depression is a recurring condition with dramatic and rapid mood swings that are also gradual. These symptoms are a primary reason for Jamison’s ignorance towards her personal well-being. She does not acknowledge her illness due to her racing thoughts as well as her interaction within the workplace. She is in disbelief and unaware of her condition because of her condition. In addition, Jamison felt as though her diagnosis with manic-depression would hinder her efforts within her career. Resisting the idea of being institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital, Jamison writes, “Mostly, however, I was concerned that if it became public knowledge that I had been hospitalized, my clinical work and …show more content…

As a result of bipolar depression, her decision-making and overall judgment has become affected, creating harmful outcomes in her life. Jamison’s compulsive spending habits along with her various encounters with lithium embody her illness controlling her existence. Furthermore, her career and desire to belong with the social norm create obstacles when seeking treatment and counseling. Ultimately, Jamison refused to acknowledge her illness because she could not fathom that she was the juxtaposition of her profession: a

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