I won't say that writing tamed the Black Beast. It soothed…
![“I won't say that writing tamed the Black Beast. It soothed him, though, enough so he agreed simply to occupy a corner of my mind...Gradually, I redirected my focus and skills towards causes much closer to my own heart: writing and mental health advocacy. [...] I felt so good at times that I even…” quote by Terri Cheney](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/9a3/terri-cheney-27205_bipolar_i-won-t-say-that-writing-tamed-the-black_3167266.jpg)
““I won't say that writing tamed the Black Beast. It soothed him, though, enough so he agreed simply to occupy a corner of my mind...Gradually, I redirected my focus and skills towards causes much closer to my own heart: writing and mental health advocacy. [...] I felt so good at times that I even wondered, was I still bipolar? In my community work, I saw so many people who were much worse off than I was - deep in their disease in a way I no longer seemed to be. I knew that this often happens to manic-depressives: the brain forgets the ravages of the illness they way a woman forgets the pains of childbirth. You have to, to survive. But it's always a dangerous place to be, because you inevitably start to question the need for medication, therapy, and all the other rigorous stopgaps of sanity so carefully put into place to prevent another episode.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing can soothe a troubled mind, but also raises doubts about treatment and stability.
In simple terms: Writing helps, yet can cause questioning of care.
Key Takeaway
Balance creative work with professional help.
Themes
mental health
creativity
self‑care
Mood
introspective
hopeful
Type
personal
motivational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- writing practice
- support groups
- career decisions
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
advocacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on writing for stability?
- How can advocacy support personal recovery?
A Different Perspective
Creative focus may distract from necessary treatment.