Behavior Quote by Kay Redfield Jamison
“the intensity, glory, and absolute assuredness if my mind's flight made it very difficult for me to believe once i was better, that the illness was one i should willingly give up…moods are such an essential part of the substance of life, of one's notion of oneself, that even psychotic extremes in mood and behavior somehow can be seen as temporary, even understandable reactions to what life has dealt…even though the depressions that inevitably followed nearly cost me my life.”
About This Quote
The quote reflects how intense moods shape identity and perception, making it hard to recognize improvement during mental illness, yet acknowledging that extreme states can be temporary reactions to life’s challenges, even when depression feels life‑threatening.
In simple terms: Moods heavily influence self‑view and can mask recovery, but extreme states may be temporary responses to life’s hardships.
Key Takeaway
Recognize mood swings as signals, not definitions, and seek help during lows.
Themes
mental health
identity
resilience
psychology
emotions
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serious
Type
personal
psychological
cautionary
When to use this quote
- clinical therapy
- support groups
- personal journaling
- medication management
Key Concepts
mood disorders
self‑concept
coping mechanisms
psychotic episodes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you differentiate between a temporary mood episode and a lasting change?
- What strategies help you stay grounded during intense emotional states?
A Different Perspective
Moods can be overwhelming and may obscure progress, making self‑assessment difficult.
![“...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)
