Stephen Fry programme last night

[libby1980]

Did anyone see this programme about Manic Depression? I thought it was really interesting, and have a lot of respect for Stephen Fry for getting out there and bringing up what is still often a taboo subject. What did you think?

[brawburd]

I think that societal attitudes to mental health have far to go and programmes like this can only help. Unfortunately I missed it and can't see a repeat listed anywhere.

[Homer55]

I watched it and it was very interesting. the state of that guys legs after he had thrown himself infront of that wagon was horrendous. But is the answer for those children with it medication? Im not sure i agree with it. If they had of medicated all the sick people through histry we would have never had some of the art and music masterpieces we hve now!

[saxy_jag]

I saw the second half of it - thought it was very enlightening, as well as inspirational.

My cousin has had BPD for some years. Says he's never felt suicidal, even at his worst, but he knows of people who have.

When he's depressed, he draws into himself and won't contact anyone because he doesn't like to make anyone else feel depressed. He's actually easier to be around when he's like this than when he's manic. Then he's just gets himself on a high and stays there for the duration. It can be very tiring to be around him when he's like that.

[jockessfi]

It was very interesting, I'm looking forward to the next episode & you're right to say it should be out there more & less taboo. I have sadly had people close to me who have committed suicide & I wonder if they would be diagnosed with the disorder today & have had more help & support, also that just diagnosis itself appeared to help people come to terms with their lives whether they were medicated or not.
I understand your noted concern about the children on medication, however they may choose a different method when they get older, take Pete Bennett for example. A different illness yet striking similarities.

[raymond 42]

yes very good and tru to lif ive had many of thoose symptms and thanks to our rubbish nhs have had very litle help

[BagPussAA]

I thought it was an amazing show. I suffer from Bipolar as well as my mother and grandmother. I made my partner watch it so that he could understand what it is like inside my head sometimes and he found it very useful. He said he now understands how difficult life can be for me sometimes. I am not just 'a bit down'. It is something more than that.