25 on the 25th OF TWO MINDS

of two minds; bi-polar disorder.  the film is created by a woman who's sister suffered with bi-polar to the extreme of suicide.  she wanted to understand the pain a person feels when they live in that world of extremes.  several people with bi-polar were followed and interviewed.  they actually are a collection of very talented and beautiful people, making the point that the highs of the manic phase are creative and powerful.  its the lows of the depression that create so much of the suffering.  several described feeling "so tired" and having to put on a good face.  these people are all successful, with support networks of family and friends.  many have kept lifetime journals.  most have considered suicide more than once, some regularly.  it seems scary.  many were relieved when they actually had a diagnosis to explain their struggle.  most made a point that they didn't want to BE bi-polar, just as a person with cancer is NOT cancer.  it is a medical diagnosis, it determines the way the person lives, but it isn't ALL they are.  the women and men in this film live productive lives.  they actually all seem to live very good lives, financially speaking.  one made the comment that she would like to be in a "normal" brain for one day; just as i might like to experience the good part of a bi-polar brain for a day; that other side, however, i think i will leave to the film.