Bipolar Quote by David Lovelace
““In our family "whim-wham" is code, a defanged reference to any number of moods and psychological disorders, be they depressive, manic, or schizoaffective. Back in the 1970s and '80s - when they were all straight depression - we called them "dark nights of the soul." St. John of the Cross's phrase ennobled our sickness, spiritualized it. We cut God out of it after the manic breaks started in 1986, the year my dad, brother, and I were all committed. Call it manic depression or by its new, polite name, bipolr disorder. Whichever you wish. We stick to our folklore and call it the whim-whams.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Personal narrative by David Lovelace, 2020
The speaker uses the term “whim-wham” to describe varied mental health struggles, linking them to historical spiritual language while acknowledging modern diagnostic labels.
In simple terms: Whim-wham refers to mental health issues, framed in personal folklore.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and name mental health experiences.
Themes
mental health
stigma
language
personal narrative
diagnosis
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- support groups
- personal storytelling
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
psychology
cultural framing
self‑identification
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal terminology affect treatment?
- Can spiritual framing help or hinder recovery?
A Different Perspective
Personal language may obscure clinical understanding and professional help.
