Answers Quote by Kay Redfield Jamison
“I have often asked myself whether, given the choice, I would choose to have manic-depressive illness. If lithium were not available to me, or didn't work for me, the answer would be a simple no... and it would be an answer laced with terror. But lithium does work for me, and therefore I can afford to pose the question. Strangely enough, I think I would choose to have it. It's complicated...”
About This Quote
Source Book: An Unquiet Mind, 1995
The author reflects on the paradox of living with bipolar disorder, noting that effective treatment can make the condition tolerable and even meaningful, while without it the prospect is terrifying.
In simple terms: Effective treatment can make a severe illness feel manageable and possibly valuable.
Key Takeaway
Consider how treatment changes perception of illness.
Themes
mental health
treatment
identity
choice
Mood
reflective
hopeful
complex
Type
personal
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- clinical therapy
- personal reflection
- support groups
- advocacy
Key Concepts
bipolar disorder
pharmacology
existential choice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does medication alter your view of a mental condition?
- What aspects of the illness might be seen as positive?
A Different Perspective
Without effective medication, the illness would be overwhelming and frightening.
![“...even though [my psychiatrist] understood mor than anyone how much I felt I was losing--in energy, vivacity, and originality--by taking medication, he never was seduced into losing sight of the overall perspective of how costly, damaging, and life threatening my illness was. He was at ease with…” quote by Kay Redfield Jamison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/57f/kay-redfield-jamison-1826_life_even-though-my-psychiatrist-understood-m_3399.jpg)
