Stephen Fry: "An Uppy-Downy, Mood-Swingy Kind of Guy" | Big Think

Summary

In this insightful transcript, Stephen Fry shares his personal experiences with bipolar disorder, discussing his diagnosis, the challenges of living with the condition, and the societal stigma attached to mental health. He compares moods to weather, uncontrollable and real, and addresses the highs and lows of manic depressive episodes. Fry also touches on the complexities of medicating children with bipolar symptoms, highlighting the potential risks and benefits of early intervention.

Takeaways

• 📝 Stephen Fry was first diagnosed with a possible mood disorder at fifteen, but only learned about it later in life.
• 🌈 He describes his condition as psychothymic, also known as 'bipolar light' in America, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder.
• ☁️ Fry compares mood to weather, emphasizing that it is real and uncontrollable, and should be acknowledged rather than denied.
• 🔄 Bipolar disorder involves both depressive and manic phases, with the manic phase characterized by high energy, optimism, and sometimes reckless behavior.
• 🚫 The public often finds the manic phase more difficult to handle than the depressive phase due to its disruptive nature.
• 💔 Fry has had several suicide attempts, highlighting the severity of the depressive phase in bipolar disorder.
• 💊 He discusses the use of substances like cocaine and alcohol as a means to self-medicate and manage his mood swings.
• 🎬 Stephen Fry made a documentary called 'The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive' to explore his condition and raise awareness.
• 🤔 He addresses the stigma associated with mental health and the difficulty society has in discussing and accepting such conditions.
• 👶 The script touches on the controversial topic of medicating children with bipolar disorder, noting the potential risks and benefits.
• 🧠 There is a debate about the impact of early intervention with medication on a child's developing brain, with some arguing it prevents further issues, while others see it as potentially harmful.

Q & A

When was Stephen Fry first diagnosed with a possible mood disorder?

Stephen Fry was first diagnosed with a possible mood disorder when he was about fifteen, although he was not aware of it at the time.

What is the term Stephen Fry uses to describe his mood disorder?

Stephen Fry refers to his mood disorder as 'psychothymic,' which is also known as 'bipolar light' in America.

How does Stephen Fry compare mood to weather?

Stephen Fry compares mood to weather by stating that both are real and cannot be controlled or wished away, and that one must learn to treat moods like the weather.

What does Stephen Fry believe about the relationship between depression and external circumstances?

Stephen Fry believes that depression is not about reason or external circumstances, but rather something that happens internally, similar to weather.

How does Stephen Fry describe the manic phase of bipolar disorder?

Stephen Fry describes the manic phase as a state of elevated mood where one can be grandiose, extremely optimistic, creative, energetic, and may engage in behaviors such as going without sleep, being sexually promiscuous, or becoming a shopping addict.

What challenges does Stephen Fry face when dealing with the manic phase of his bipolar disorder?

Stephen Fry mentions that the manic phase can be frustrating for people around him, as he may be unmanageably annoying, constantly talking, and unable to sit still.

What are some of the risks associated with the manic phase of bipolar disorder according to Stephen Fry?

Stephen Fry states that the risks of the manic phase include the potential for dangerous behavior, such as substance abuse, and the inevitable crash that follows the high.

How did Stephen Fry cope with his mood swings before understanding his condition?

Before understanding his condition, Stephen Fry coped with his mood swings by using substances like cocaine and alcohol to intervene with his moods and energy levels.

What impact did Stephen Fry's bipolar disorder have on his career?

Stephen Fry's bipolar disorder had a significant impact on his career, with instances of him running away from commitments and having to confront his diagnosis publicly.

What is Stephen Fry's view on the stigma surrounding mental health disorders?

Stephen Fry believes that the stigma surrounding mental health disorders is a major problem, as people are uncomfortable discussing it and often avoid those who suffer from such conditions.

What is Stephen Fry's opinion on medicating children for bipolar disorder?

Stephen Fry finds the practice of medicating young children for bipolar disorder to be tricky and expresses concern about the impact of powerful drugs on a developing brain.