Read More on The Bipolar Disorder Under Control & Churchill's Victory Over Tyranny....................................................................................................... Comments are more than Welcome and greatly anticipated, even if we are inundated.

Welcome to our blog, where we try to help those struggling, or are close to someone who is, with the Bipolar Disorder a.k.a. Manic Depression.  The condition is understood today by professionals and laymen far better than when I personally was diagnosed in 1995.

The purpose of this blog, with G-d's Help, is to bring relief and optimism into the hearts of those who are suffering from being Bipolar or are involved in helping those who are.  Parents, children, siblings, friends and family of those who are afflicted can also lean on another's shoulder and derive much encouragement and hope.  Countless Americans have conquered this illness by harnessing its great energy and creativity into a productive life.

Please read the articles at the top of our blog that profile the experiences of famous and important leaders who successfully struggled with Bipolar Disorder and may you derive much encouragement from their inspiring stories in overcoming the debilitating symptoms.  Churchill, in particular is an extreme example of a strong man who fought this illness without meds or therapy.  So today, when we have a plethora of help available to those trying to achieve equilibrium, it is ever so more incumbent for everyone to seek help for themselves or those close to them.

We welcome all comments and questions from our visitors and hope that G-d will bless this endeavor by healing many others who are yet at the point of feeling whole again.

Winston Churchill And Mental Illness

Robert Ye

This essay won 3rd Place in our 2015 Essay Contest and was written by Robert Ye, a high school student in Chappaqua, New York, USA. 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century, Winston Churchill is believed to have suffered from bipolar disorder. After observing numerous symptoms such as depression, suicidal intention, mania, and a decreased need for sleep, Churchill's doctor, Lord Moran, recounted in his memoir Winston Churchill: The Struggle for Survival, that he had diagnosed a middle-aged Churchill with bipolar disorder. Churchill often referred to his periods of intense and prolonged depression as his "black dog." During these fits of lengthened, manic-depression, Churchill exhibited little energy, few interests, losses of appetite, and trouble concentrating, according to his wife Clementine. On the other side of the spectrum, when his "black dog" had become docile, Churchill exhibited abnormally high levels of energy and restlessness, often beginning to work at 8 am and ending work at around 2 am. Unfortunately, these times of abnormal productivity receded as his "black dog" returned after just a few months of absence. Churchill, despite the difficulties brought by his crippling depression, disregarded his affliction and fulfilled a life of purpose and achievement. 

Churchill accepted his mental condition and helped to benefit the lives of many people. In 1911, Churchill pushed through periods of depression and began to prepare Great Britain for war. He established the Royal Naval Air Service after noting Germany's growing bellicose nature, anticipating an imminent conflict (World War I). Churchill's depression is believed to have increased his realism and empathy, helping him assess the true dangers that were otherwise overlooked by his colleagues. Similarly during World War II, Churchill's heightened skepticism allowed him to realistically evaluate the ever-growing German threat. In World War II, Churchill kept his "black dog on a leash" and kept British spirits high. Regularly delivering rallying speeches to Parliament and British citizens, Churchill soon became an iconic leader of the war effort against the Axis powers. Churchill's foresight and inspirational influences undoubtedly saved the lives of many people and may have even changed the courses of both World War I and World War II. Churchill inadvertently benefited from his depressive episodes and, his manic episodes. Granted with a rare surge of energy, activity, and restlessness, Churchill published 43 books while upholding his duties as acting Prime Minister. The acme of Churchill's career as a writer was his acceptance of the 1953 Nobel Prize in Literature, which honored a number of his published works. 

Churchill's unbelievable accomplishments are proof that, despite being challenged with bipolar disorder, individuals in today's society can still achieve great things. Churchill's adamant nature towards his depression and advantageous use of his mania can motivate individuals and show that it is possible to overcome impairments and pursue excellence. Churchill's hardheadedness to his disorder benefited the Allied Powers in World War I, the Allies during World War II, and his literary endeavors. Just like Buzz Aldrin, Theodore Roosevelt, Ted Turner, and many other historic figures who suffered from bipolar disorder, Winston Churchill overcame his manic-depressive illness and lived a life of fulfillment.