Reddit Reddit reviews Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament

We found 20 Reddit comments about Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament
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20 Reddit comments about Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament:

u/Justalittleconfusing · 7 pointsr/TrueReddit

I read a good book on the subject "touched with fire" by Dr. Kay Jameson http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/068483183X?pc_redir=1409721442&robot_redir=1

It explored the link between creative output and manic episodes.

u/[deleted] · 6 pointsr/Music

Touched by Fire: The anguished and volatile intensity associated with the artistic temperament was once thought to be a symptom of genius or eccentricity peculiar to artists, writers, and musicians. Her work, based on her study as a clinical psychologist and researcher in mood disorders, reveals that many artists subject to exalted highs and despairing lows were in fact engaged in a struggle with clinically identifiable manic-depressive illness.

u/alextyrian · 6 pointsr/rupaulsdragrace

I agree with all of this. I have type 1 Bipolar disorder, and I one of the consequences of that is that I have to make sure that I don't drink caffeine or alcohol or do drugs to self medicate, but I'm very often tempted because of my moods.

A lot of bipolar people drink when they're too up and use uppers when they're too down (classically bipolar people like cocaine, but Sharon has said before that she's used a lot of meth). It can be really easy to become dependent because you can feel more even when you're self medicating, but you won't be even when you're not because your brain chemistry just doesn't allow that.

I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Manic-Depressive-Artistic-Temperament/dp/068483183X

u/InOranAsElsewhere · 5 pointsr/TumblrInAction

Clinical psych grad student here. While the phrasing on all of these is less than stellar, there are some ways to quantify similar claims. The wording on this is very poor, but hey, it's tumblr, not a psychological review. One book for the bipolar disorder claims (and that disorder is one of my main areas of study), would be Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Tempermant. If you want, I could dig up sources for the other claims.

While I will say the methodology and retrospective analyses/diagnosis are not entirely safe, some ways they've used to quantify these are:

  • Noble Laureates in poetry hospitalized for mania, depression, or both.

  • Number of artists of all forms with bipolar disorder in their family tree (bipolar does seem to have a strong hereditary component)

  • Behavior indicative of bipolar disorder in various creative figures

    Obviously, this methodology isn't the best, but I believe some additional studies have been done, and the data do indicate at least some level of correlation. While correlation isn't causation, it seems unlikely that creative endeavors would lead to bipolar system.

    That being said, I still feel this romanticizes mental illness a little too much. While silver linings are good, mental illnesses are not super powers. I've struggled with mental health problems for years, and while I don't think I would just wish them away as the experiences made me the person I am today, I don't think we should glorify this and go from "Hey, at least there's an upside" to "This is a superpower."
u/graphitefingers · 3 pointsr/writing
u/theskyflashes · 3 pointsr/bipolar

Even though you're feeling like shit you're willing to reach out to others who can relate and I think that bodes really well for you feeling better. There are a lot of great comments here already and it's a testament to the fact that your post is very honest and relatable. The main point being it really sucks to be bipolar and I couldn't agree more. However, there are potentially good side effects.
There is a popular belief that bipolar people can be especially creative with the combo of mania and tremendous insight into the human condition. You may be interested to read the book [Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament] (https://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Manic-Depressive-Artistic-Temperament/dp/068483183X).
Go easy on yourself, you didn't ask to feel shitty on your birthday and the awful feeling will pass. :-)

u/labellevie48 · 3 pointsr/bipolar

Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament
https://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Manic-Depressive-Artistic-Temperament/dp/068483183X

u/ddHulk · 3 pointsr/askphilosophy

> Have read hundreds of books in the self help and eastern philosophy category, but these days they don't do anything for me.

It's very low quality literature.

Sounds like you would like Martha Nussbaum, she is a very well respected scholar and has written a lot on the Ancient philosophy (ethics mostly), including stoicism (somewhat critically) - in a manner that is also relevant for the person living today. I am thinking of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

> Would like to read something that was written by people who were severely depressed or overcame tragedy.

Then you should probably look at autobiographies or empirical research into depression (1, 2, the author is a clinical psychologist). Philosophy is aiming at maximally objective, reason based interpretation and argument, not interpretation of the past ethical theories based on their personal feelings.

Edit: also, I haven't read this myself, however, it crossed my mind as something that might interest you.

u/Virreinatos · 3 pointsr/todayilearned

Touched by Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament is an amazing and scary book on the topic. The author argues that it is a legitimate question for us to ask what would be the price on society if we could cure this ills. One one hand the person may lead a less miserable life, on the other society would lose great works that never came to be.

On the appendix there's a very long list of famous artists and their suspected diagnosis, based on personal life, correspondence, third person anecdotes, and body of work. Suspected because many conditions were not discovered until after their deaths.

u/kitog · 2 pointsr/programming

I read a book called Touched by Fire a few years ago which tried to make that point, although it was specifically about bi-polar. It was a good enough read but I don't remember it putting forward any kind of theory for it, then again it was a few years ago.

u/TIGit · 2 pointsr/Accounting

I read a book on the connection of mental illness, suicide, and artisticness. The rates of suicide are far higher for artists.

u/HarperEdie · 2 pointsr/Kanye

Interesting comment & definitely worth exploring more. Do I think there are links between creative genius & hypomanic/manic episodes? Yes. Do I think one justifies the other? Here's where I think it becomes a gray area. Mania has positive aspects; heightened creativity, productivity; & the ability to think quickly & abstractly, grasping complex ideas with ease. However, it can also plough through your life like a fucking wrecking ball, destroying careers, relationships, finances & reputations. Finding the balance is like walking a tightrope 24-7, believe me I know. Here's the best book I ever read on this very topic, written by one of the leading researchers of mood disorders in the world:

https://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Manic-Depressive-Artistic-Temperament/dp/068483183X

u/inperigee · 2 pointsr/edmproduction

I don't exactly have a juicy story but I started making music shortly after the onset and diagnosis of my bipolar disorder about a year ago. I have to be careful here not to romanticize mental illness but my manic episodes (which have since been alleviated by medication) have been a major source of inspiration and creative energy for me. I'm not the only one; studies on bipolar disorder have shown that there is a strong correlation between it and creativity. If you're interested in learning more about this I'd recommend the work of Kay Redfield Jamison.

u/strange_quark · 2 pointsr/BipolarReddit

Even with the lithium and wellbutrin, I can still feel the swings but they're not nearly as pronounced. As I've told other people before, meds very rarely, if ever, completely mask all the symptoms of bipolar to make the patient as "normal" as the rest of society. Rather, meds are simply a tool in helping you reach an equilibrium where yes, there are still swings, but they don't control you and interfere with daily function. So, in that sense, they're pretty effective and have zero physical side effects for me.

It's very possible that the seasons have something to do with it. I'm not sure how common it is to have seasonal affective disorder and bipolar, but I can reasonably see why 9 months of dreary weather could mess with just about anyone.

Good to hear that you're taking a proactive approach to your meds. Too many people don't participate in the decision making when it comes to their medications, which, in my opinion, is counterproductive.

It's pretty common for artists and creative writers to be bipolar. (I also write! yay!) I have a comical blog that I write and illustrate, just to have something to do that requires a bit of a schedule, and to try to keep humor in my life as humor tends to stave away depression. I won't do a shameless self promotion, but if you're interested and want a link, I'll post it. I could always use another reader to keep me motivated. :)

Also! There's this book I recently purchased called Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. It's an insightful read that discusses the scientific link between creativity and bipolar disorder, and lists examples of famous artists and authors throughout history. I'd recommend it for any of us artsy bipolar types. :)

u/SacrificialGoat · 2 pointsr/psychology

Touched With Fire Goes over this in quite some depth

u/Mikkjal · 1 pointr/WeAreTheMusicMakers

Not between depression and music creators per se, but Touched With Fire is about bipolar disorder and artists. There's a lot of references to classical composers who were quite out there at times. I read it a long time ago, but remember it as an interesting, if dry, read.

u/Jin_the_Wanderer · 1 pointr/bipolar

Indeed! - When I sit outside on my terrace with a cup of tea, a couple of cigs and my headphones, I hit shuffle play on this particular playlist I've been making over this year in Spotify.

I let it flow, at most I'll queue up some songs but don't skip any. You could say, in a bit of an esoteric way, Spotify moves my imagination on its own will, based on what it decides to play. So far it has done quite a good job, not always, but frequently enough that I let it be--not that I believe the software is alive or anything like that of course.

Now, there's this one song titled From The Stars by Sound Adventures; Awakening, that almost always carries my imagination up into the skies.

> I just draw my first thoughts and don't question them. I feel most go no that's dumb I'll stick with more traditional art. Just my thoughts.

I agree, and I'd add as well that many give up before even starting, many want to paint the way you do in a day, bypassing all the hard work it implies and thus, leaving it "for later", or worse, falling into the pit of "I can't do it, I'm useless";

Writing is my hobby - one I take seriously - and as you say, I let my imagination fly free and guide my hand: it always delivers, no matter my mood or life circumstances. First few drafts are rarely any good, but, thing is, I already started the process, one that won't stop until the final version, revised and edited, is finished.

Say; Ever read Kay Redfield Jamison's book titled, Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament? It was a very interesting read for me, learned a lot from it.

u/gattofila · 1 pointr/bestof

You don't have a need or want to chat with suicidal people who are grateful for the intervention b/c it conflicts with your (lack) of logic that not helping others at the brink is the right thing to do.

I bump into that idea that I must not have "really wanted" to die if I survived all the time. The EMTs who pumped my stomach told me that the 65 grams of ativan were a lethal dose. Just b/c someone survived doesn't mean they weren't suicidal. That might be too much for you to grasp though.

ClutchMaximus, I hope you never have to wrestle with a serious illness (physical or mental health). I hope if you do, though, that there will be people around you encouraging you to get help b/c they care about you. I hope you would do the same for the people you love.

Since you apparently feel that suicidal people aren't worth saving, I'd strongly urge you to read Dr. Kay Jamison's book Touched By Fire to read about the interesting intersection between creativity and mental illness.

u/Pantagruelist · 1 pointr/changemyview

I want to respond to each part.

> It might seem like depression but I think it's more an awareness of our drive as animals.

How could one tell the difference? Someone in depression may very well believe the same thing. Life is not worth living, we are simply animals pursuing pleasures. As would someone suffering a depressive episode (e.g. in the example of the dead spouse I gave). Alternatively, someone may very well not believe this but would claim to in order to receive euthanasia.

>At some point a pessimistic nihilist realizes they are on a hedonic treadmill which can never be satisfied. I would say in their 30s or 40s their life will be pretty much a routine with diminishing returns on health as their life continues.

What are you basing this on? This seems like an entirely anecdotal assertion?

But, one of my original questions was this:

> are you ok with people doing this who could potentially lead meaningful lives in the future?

It sounds like in your recent comment your answer is "no" because a pessimistic nihilist could never possibly live a meaningful life. It also sounds like you want to make a sharp distinction between someone who is a nihilist and someone who has depression. As mentioned above, I'm not sure that distinction is possible to make. You mention Mitchel Heisman. Who's to say that his suicide note was not an articulate justification for his suicide. That is, the depression came first, the justification needed to be found. It wouldn't be the first time a brilliant person committed suicide, and not for reasons of nihilism (Van Gogh, Plath, etc.) One author argues that there is a link between genius/creativity and bipolar disorder that leads brilliant people to suicide. Heisman's own mother believes Ritalin caused depression in her son.

And while I'm skeptical of that, I think you may have put the cart before the horse on the whole nihilism thing. That is you have placed the philosophical justification first and primary, while devaluing the emotions and psychological state as irrelevant. To put it another way, I think that the reason you see nihilism as separate from depression is because you believe that we can reach a notion of meaninglessness through reason alone such that we would want to die. That seems improbable to me. Indeed, I could very well agree that there is no "ontic" "out there" meaning, we are indeed animals that live and die and are socialized to believe certain things have value when they actual don't. This seems to me unequivocally true. But these thoughts could never induce me to suicide without feeling like I don't want to live. In short, I'm saying (and I think suicidal depressives would agree) that this idea of meaninglessness is first a feeling and only later a rationale.