Is bi-polar disorder linked to creativity? many of my favorite artists have bi-polar and so do i

The : The link between creativity and bipolar disorder is widely accepted. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania and depression. During times of mania, some people feel as if they can do anything, an inspiring cycle where people can speak in rhyme and do and think things that direct them to living life to the fullest. On the downside, they feel very depressed and are in a state of despair, which can also lead to creativity. Some people will cope with this depressive state by directing their energy toward creative prjects such as painting or writing. The cycles are stressful to people with bipolar disorder, albeit there is definitely research that shows a link to creativity.

Touched with Fire: Dr. Redfield jamison, a clinical psychologist, is head of mood disorders at johns hopkins, a gifted writer for both lay people and experts, co-author of the definitive text on bipolar--and bipolar herself about which she has written with great passion, beauty and insight. Her book, "touched with fire" is a rigorous, yet poetic and moving exploration of the relation between bipolar and creativity.

Yes, but...: ...Not all bipolar people are creative, so we do need to be careful with generalizations. But if you are creative and have bipolar, you could use your creativity as a form of expression. Treating appropriately the bipolar disorder, will help you make better use of your creativity.

Bipolar: Yes, many who have bipolar disorder are extremely creative, and in order to maintain their creativity, they have to monitor their mood swings closely and avoid going off meds and ceasing therapy.