Bi-polar 1 here. It’s hard. I try to recognize when people are struggling. Yelling at people is definitely not the way to do it, but I wouldn’t villainize that dad either because he could only see the behavior, without the knowledge of why the behavior was happening. That’s a horrible way to learn that lesson, though. Im glad this video exists because it will make more people aware.
I have Bipolar 2 and I felt this. Hard. I can't imagine what full mania is but I beat myself down every day more than anyone else ever can. You aren't a failure Jason.
Personally I felt everyone around him was abnormal and had unhealthy boundries. He seemed to me to be the only normal person. Did I get something wrong here?
I noticed there were no comments so I thought I would. I have bipolar 2 and I have had suicidal thoughts I never acted on them. Sometimes they just pop in my head. I thought the film showed the level of distress ok it seemed more like a mixed episode than just mania or depression. He mentioned racing thoughts but also seemed depressed as well. That's actually the most dangerous kind of episode as far as attempting suicide. I wasn't diagnosed till 44 I was having mood swings for years before that. The times I felt on the edge where I might act on the thoughts I called crisis support lines. It can go undiagnosed especially if you are type 2 because you don't have full on mania you have hypomania which is a lesser degree of mania. I have had to deal with my mom not understanding bipolar and just lives in denial. I also try not to let my symptoms affect her as much as I can but it hurts when your family doesn't try to understand what you go through. Or how it feels when you lose control of yourself the embarrassment and shame. You may not have hit a well rounded depiction of bipolar but you did highlight those of us who suffer in silence and the toll it takes as well as the real possibility of suicidal behaviour.
Thank you for your feedback. Bipolar disorder is a very tricky condition, in that it can show itself in multiple ways. I've had some bipolar patients tell me that the film hit the mark completely! Others have said it was a complete waste of their time because it doesn't reflect THEIR bipolar struggle, and that's OK. I'm very sorry to hear of your struggles, and I wish you the best in your journey!
thanku so much for this short film. i think it is in my family - but noone has ever been diagnosed. my heart has compassion and hope that those suffering receive the care and love that they need.
That's exactly what I was going for. Trying to show the internal struggle while also making Jason not appear to be mentally ill to those around him. To make those he loves confused by his actions.
