Let me start by acknowledging what is well known: Manic Depression or Bipolar disorder can be a devastating illness. Affecting at least 1% of the population, it can, untreated, result in suicide, ruined careers and devastated families. Bipolar disorder is often accompanied by alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, criminal and even violent behavior. I acknowledge this, because I do not want to make light of the burden this illness places on people’s lives, their families and communities.

On the other hand, the history of the world has been influenced very significantly by people with manic depression (see my website www.wholepsychiatry.com for details)-from actors and actresses (Patty Duke, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams) to Politicians (Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt) to astronauts (Buzz Aldren), media mogels (Ted Turner) and perhaps even well known religious figures.

It might be helpful to consider a reconceptualization. Perhaps instead of it being a disorder, we can think of people with bipolarity as having access to unusual potency. This potency will find a way to be outstanding-either in a destructive way, or in a constructive way. If such a choice is presented to the person, perhaps it can open some doors.

Source:  http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/health-matters/201007/are-there-benefits-having-bipolar-disorder