I generally dislike the snowflake especial, self aggrandisement of bipolar disorder, where it’s treated like some sort of wonderful gift or quirky personality trait.
It’s usually a thing that men do because famous men have so very much less to lose by being open about mental illness and bipolar disorder gets them their, “Tortured genius” badge, whereas it gives woman their “Tragic Slut” or “Psycho Bitch” one.
Carrie Fisher owned being a mad woman, being mad in a way only men are allowed to be (not quietly, and with a massive side order of coke and booze), and at a time when women shouldn’t be, and being totally fucking unashamed of it, as well as hilarious, human and seemingly bereft of self pity. If women are to be forgiven for their transgressions (mostly imagined), it is only by wilting quietly and apologetically. She didn’t. She bloomed and had her bollocks out and wrote so, so beautifully about ugly, funny, wonderful, painful things.
She was a hero to me and many, the kind of princess I wanted to be. There’s a lot more I can and will say another time but for now- goodbye, Carrie Fisher.
Filed under: Mental health |
The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive 
Today the post after yours on my facebook feed is http://thebloggess.com/2016/12/27/stay-afraid-but-do-it-anyway/
I am always amazed, amused, moved and humbled by the posts that both of you produce. With so much shit a derision in the world you two always give me a better perspective.
I’ll never forget her chatting with Stephen Fry, on the Documentary, where she said, ‘ I have a great idea, let’s go to India !!!!’.
You nailed all the wonderful things that made her a beautiful person. You lifted my heart a little and I thank you.