Bipolar: The Id & The Ego

[KBob93]

For argument's sake, it's easy to use Eminem as an example for this. A plethora of his raps hold substance of beating and screwing women, killing people, mixing drugs, etc. But when sat down & interviewed, we see a much more stable side of him, a guy that we wouldn't expect to concoct just ratchet and politically incorrect lyrics. "I don't hate women, per se, they just make me angry sometimes," he downplays his lyrics when inquired.

While Eminem is the latter, calmer version of the world-reknown rap artist that virtually every American child has grown up on, the persona that paints these gasping images of dumping his wife's body in the woods he has dubbed "Slim Shady."

And there is psychological validation in all of this. Although Shady is allegedly his "alter-ego", the correct term for this would be his id, his primitivity and shamelessness coming out, whereas the passive stability when talking to him in person is his ego, the side of us molded by common ethical, moral, and social components.

But the extremity he conveys is still amazing, and only rationalized with knowledge of the diagnosis he's dealt with for years. If you don't know, surprise surprise, you know now that Eminem has bipolar disorder. Makes sense now, huh? Bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness, enhances the extremity of the id and the ego to the point where it's almost two conflicting mindsets within the same person. This will permeate bizarre, even frightening behavior at many times, followed with "normal" behavior when hovering over more stable zones. As a bipolar patient myself, I struggle with this all the time. I have three clusters of mindsets myself, which consist of:

1. Myself-Stable, well-mannered academic girl who's witty, tasteful and cordial.


2. Jade-hypersexual, ratchet bitch who exudes hate of self, others and society.


3. Twee-little kid persona; she has a high-pitched voice & slurs speech like a little kid when talking to people. Walks precariously the way a small child would.

Definitely weird. No, it's not multiple personality, because I'm aware that I'm the same body, same entity. It's just hard to balance between the id and the ego. While the first is my ego, the second two are forms of my id.

And of course, there's the super-ego, which defines one's spiritual and self-actualizing traits, such as religion, epiphanies, and outlook on life. I don't touch on super-ego as much as I do ego and id. I guess super-ego is arbitrary enough for each person.

How I got on this tangent, I'm not sure, but all I know is Slim Shady came up on iTunes so I took to here.

Peace <3

[AleDeEurope]

We taught this in my Psychology class and it was really interesting.

I sometimes think if I'm bipolar. I've never been tested, but I sometimes get this super hyped guy, who wants to eat the world, party hard, and all that, but the next day I may wake up depressed, suicidal and not wanting to get out of my room. I don't know if it's bipolarity or what, but it sucks xD

About Eminem: I really admire that guy. Yes, many of his lyrics may not be very "good-to-follow" but what he went through and where he is right now, it's something to admire. He's just giving what the people want. He created Slim Shady, who is his evil me, and people loved it, so why not keep going? Music is an entertainment business after all.

[been_waiting]

Cycling is usually much slower than a day to day basis- for example, mania for two weeks and depression for a month. However, rapid cycling bipolar disorder does exist.
You should get checked out, bipolar disorder should always be treated in some way (at least in my opinion)

[KBob93]

Yes, rapid cycling is out there. I was depressed for 9 months & manic for 6, stable for a week, then manic again for another four or five. I love being manic, but I hate the outcome.

[AleDeEurope]

@KBob93 I was depressed for almost two years, that's why I don't know if I'm bipolar or I still have some "remains" of depression, like I haven't gotten through it 100% as I try to think.

@Prof_Don I've thought of getting checked out, but I doubt I'll ever do it, I mean, I've gotten to where I am right now without any treatment, it's not been easy, but I'm here, plus, I don't want to be treated differently by friends and family, I don't wanna be seen as that guy that is bipolar.

[Prof_Don]

As long as your possible bi-polar disorder isn't ruining your life, I see no reason why u need to absolutely see a doctor or psychiatrist about this.

I feel there are way more bi polar people around, than you think!

[AleDeEurope]

Oh shit, I wasn't planning on mentioning you @Prof_Don I don't know why I did that xD I was gonna mention @been_waiting

Sorry about that.

[been_waiting]

@Prof_Don any family and friends who treat you different because you're bipolar are just assholes ^.^

[been_waiting]

Oops sorry ProfDon I accidentally tagged you too XD this was for @AleDeEurope. You're popular today!

[CoverGuy]

Oops, I accidentally downvoted this. Sorry. I actually would've upvoted this upon reading your third paragraph. I'm in agreement there.

[Prof_Don]

@AleDeEurope @been_waiting

I don't mind some Saturday night popularity! :-D

by the way i'm not bi-polar (as far as I know!) :-P

[AleDeEurope]

@CoverGuy Dammit man!!! xD I'm just kidding, it's ok ;)

[been_waiting]

I am bipolar myself.
Every case is different- some people are the most optimistic, high energy, creative beings when manic while some are irritable, volatile, and on a rampage of partying and sleeping around, and of course there's many in betweens. Everyone's mania and depression is different.

For many bipolar people, I don't think your take could be any more accurate.
For others, perhaps not.

[KBob93]

You got me girl <3
So true. Especially with Type I & Type II. Eminem is Type I, as am I. So what totally makes sense to a One will probably be way far from a Two.

[been_waiting]

The primary difference between the types is severity, right?
Also- do you experience psychosis?

[KBob93]

Yes ma'am to both. The other night while on the phone with my mom, I was watching the cars so that they didn't drive away. When I'm manic, I smile extremely wide and my eyes pop a little. My mom says I look like Cheshire Cat.

[been_waiting]

That must be tough :/ but I'm glad you seem to be doing well! Its so hard to be as functional as you like when you're a new person every other week 😂

[Tirana]

I'm not bi polar, but I am borderline personality, which has similarities. I do occasionally have extended depressive cycles, but more often than not I "cycle" constantly all day depending on the environment and people I'm associating with.

Many would say that all "normal" people do that, but they don't. I can seriously go from happy, competent, all American girl to suicidal bitch in seconds, then back to happy within an hour. It depends on the stimulation and environment.

I don't process emotions the same way most people, "normals", do. Many times its referred to as feeling too much, other times as not understanding the emotions. I consider it to be both. I tend to be way too over analytical about the reasons someone said or did something, if it was something I said or did that caused them to say or do, if there's something I should do to fix what I may or may not have done to cause them to say or do... you get the point.

I also tend to come across as extremely self centered, have even been called an asshole, for things I've said when in truth I'm protecting my vulnerabilities behind my causticity. Relationships are difficult because not many people can cope with my constant ping pong emotions for very long.

Borderline personality is often diagnosed with other things, including bi polar, but they've had no luck with medication. Therapy is the best they say... but I hate psy-ists, and refuse to go to one. I've managed 5 years by myself and I'll manage the rest. My particular brand of borderline was diagnosed as having sociopathic tendencies. That psychiatrist was an ass, and I hated him.

[Alexzktra]

Ahh, yeah, that psych sounds like a dick. Sorry about life being tough, friend, truly. Some docs think I have BPD, myself. [sigh] <333

[Tirana]

He was a Navy psych. I had to visit him after my first suicide attempt to determine if I should be processed out or committed. I still maintain that if the fucking military had just let me be a damn electrician instead of switching me to Cook because my hearing was better suited for a "quiet" job I wouldn't have tried to off myself. Psychs are just quacky bullshitters. "And how does that make you feel?" Like punching you, you douchecanoe...

It still makes me angry, even if I did get what I wanted, which was out.

[Tirana]

Oops, @Alexzktra

[Alexzktra]

Yeah, psychs are all fuckers tbh. You joined the military? Can I ask why?

[Tirana]

@Alexzktra
I joined the military before being diagnosed. I was going through a divorce from a cheating husband, needed a change and just... wanted some space from all that, but had no money to pick up and move. So I joined the Navy for the difference in life, the structure, and the travel. But they fucked it up by forcing me to take a job I could not care less about doing. The audiologist passed me to be able to do electrician, but the paper pushers got in a tizzy and forced me to choose between two other jobs, basically ship's bitch or cook. Assholes.

I am apathetic towards cooking, so I was unhappy in that job despite being top in training, I had no friends, so I jumped into a relationship. I found out I was pregnant right after I got released from the hospital after fucking up my liver and kidneys with about 37k mgs of prescription meds and alcohol.

I got involuntarily separated, general but honorable conditions, no separation pay and no vets assistance, just a suggestion that

[Tirana]

I go see a counsellor to help me. Assholes.

My boyfriend, the babies father, was a dick that cared more about his first kid than ours, even moved the kid and his mother into our apartment.

[rachael19]

I'm bipolar and my moods/personality can switch within minutes. It's frustrating for me so I can understand how it can frustrate others. You sound similar to me. I've just lost a great guy because of my indecisiveness/impulse behavior/mood swings. I'd put off dates for 5 months because i was confused, I'd flirt one then be hostile seconds later. Want to be left alone. I'd initiate sexting due to hypersexuality then as soon as I came, tell him I don't like him anymore, I regret it. Then say he only sees me as a sex object? We'd agree friends but a few days ago I initiated it again and he's cut me off completely. I feel numb and

[rachael19]

... worthless. He said that I headfucked him, confused him and I can't use bipolar as an excuse. I'm a fuck up. I want meds as i'm constantly feeling worthless and insecure and confused which fucks up my own head and life. But i read they don't fix us bp people? ? :(

[Alexzktra]

<3333 Ah, I relate to this. A lot. I'm sorry things are tough 4 u. <3333
[I think it may have cut off?]

[Alexzktra]

Very interesting Take! But I think Eminem is, to be frank, an abuser. He sings about beating and murdering women, and afaik.. he abused Kim, did he not? She tried to kill herself in 2000 because of how he spoke about her in songs, referenced in later song 'When I'm Gone' when he imitates daughter Hailie, saying, 'Daddy, it's me, help Mommy! Her wrists are bleeding!' That's not a healthy relationship at all, not for any of them.

But abusers ALWAYS downplay their actions! Trust me, they do. STILL, an interesting Take, but I think you're misunderstanding the dynamics of abuse in your representation of psychoanalytic theory. Haha

[been_waiting]

She was also abusive

[Alexzktra]

Was she? Well, I don't know too much about it. But that's not to say he was not.

I am making the point that accused abusers are not reliable sources of information on the abuse they are accused of -- the fact he downplays his abuse of Kim, is hardly surprising. This is generally true, of all abusive people.

So I don't think it's an accurate comparison.

By the way, I'm not some abled asshole saying this. I'm schizoaffective

[been_waiting]

Oh yeah I definitely agree with you

[been_waiting]

He probably also has a personality disorder- they are really good at believing their own lies as it affirms their falsely perceived reality.

[Alexzktra]

:( I have beloved frineds w/ personality disorders, particularly schizotypal & Borderline and some of my psychs think I have BPD... you wound me, @been_waiting. People w/personality disorders aren't inherently abusive, tho.. they/we are often said to be!

[been_waiting]

I didn't say people with personality disorders are inherently abusive. I said that they typically believe in their own versions of reality- at least this is the case with some of the disorders.
Both my mother and brother have a personality disorder.

[Alexzktra]

I think.. abusive people with personality disorders are complciated. They dnt understand theyre being abusive, most of the time, and in my experience, are only emotionally manipulaitve/abusive, because they are in extreme pain (this really only applies to Borderlines, I think. Personal experience) + becme demanding/manipulaitve to seek help they feel they cannot otherwise get. For example, when I was in hospital, I would bang my head on the wall if things werent going my way. I wasn't doing so out of any anger (frustration - mayb), I was upset and wanted to hurt myself and get sympathy. I'm not proud of this, but.. y'know, it happened. It's a thing that happens w/ths kinds of mental illnesses, sure. And Tthe nurses of course, saw through this and told me off 4 doing it and I didn't get no sympathy, and I'm still bitter about this lmao. But this is not the same as performing a song about beating yr wife, whilst she in the audience! That's simply malicious. Ya feel me?

[Alexzktra]

Perhaps some people w/personality disorders are abusive, but I'm really upset by the stigma/misconception that ~al~l people w/PDs are! Sorry if I'm misunderstanding u, tho, in my defence, I've had a few drinks :PP

[CoverGuy]

Sorry for down voting; it was a mistake

[Alexzktra]

@CoverGuy, nice of u 2 own up, ahaha. Thanks for accidental downvote/which is really an upvote, in disguise ! :P

[Tirana]

I'm with you doll. I don't consider myself abusive. Sure, I'm not always proud of things I say or do, but I wouldn't classify them as abusive...

For instance, just because I really enjoyed being coddled by a good guy friend when I had a public breakdown doesn't mean I ever want to be put in that position again. It was embarrassing, regardless of how much I liked being the center of his attention. I could totally take advantage and do it again, making up a story and crying over it is easy... which would be emotionally manipulative and thus abusive. But I'm also aware enough of my actions that its not going to happen.

Abusers like to justify their actions, with things like "she/he shouldn't make me angry" and stuff as a reason for what they do.

[sexygiraffe]

I'm bipolar also. My conflicting personalities are:
1. Normal Charles; I'm calm, easy going, witty, and intelligent.
2. Unstable Charles; I'm hateful towards everyone, including myself, takes a lot of risks sometimes even suicidal ones
3. Sensetive Charles; very emotional, and able to break down at any moment and cry. This is what self harm in, always depressed
4. Stoner Charles; lazy, unmotivated, talks like "dude, I just like scored some lettuce"
My friends notice me switching between them sometimes. Its always interesting

[DivineAliah]

I have the same things except for the stoner one!

[Alexzktra]

Is lettuce slang for weed? Or do you actually 'score' lettuce? :P

[sexygiraffe]

Lettuce is weed, but imagine if it wasn't. "dude I just scored some lettuce, lets get healthy up in this bitch! You got the dressing? This salad is the shit man!"

On a completely unrelated note, twee actually sounds adorable! Coupled with the way you look, almost sexy...

[AlexCab]

Where you diagnosed already? I mean, one thing is to presume one's bipolar, the other thing is to know it after proper diagnosis. Are you taking your lithium? As you know it's the best available treatment as bi-polarism is a consequence of an unbalance lithium corrects.

Quick tip: don't name your alters. Regardless of you knowing you're you, that pushes you one step closer to schizo.

[KBob93]

Yes, I take lithium, with two other meds. I used to take extended release, now I take constant release. Not much of a difference.
Are you BP?

[Alexzktra]

As an actual 'schizo': what the fuck does that mean lmao

[AlexCab]

No, I'm not but I have a very close friend who is, and I've been in her life long enough to see her explode without her lithium. I've walked it off with her, and was there when nobody understood. Or so she says of course :-)

[Kris85]

My father in law is bi polar. He has been very very difficult to deal with over the years and would have erratic alcohol and drug induced behaviour. He has been like this a good part of his life and I do feel bad that he has to deal with a mental illness, he has put my mother in law through hell and back and she's a stronger woman than I , as I would have given up on him years ago.

[Mesonfielde]

I don't have enough experience with bipolar people to make a proper assessment about what I think about the condition.

Sucks to be them, that's all I can say, I guess. i prefer to have near-perfect control over myself.

[kopperheadroad]

Well im pretty sûre most people struggle with this to some degree my favorite rapper by the way well kudos to him if he's at a point where hé can speak of this openly.

[YourFutureEx]

Thanks I learned something from it and I'm in turmoil now.

[Prof_Don]

Eminem being bi-polar, is one of the reasons why his music is so interesting. Many people can relate to him.

[T-shirtsandkneehighs]

It's the superego not the ego. The ego balances the Id and superego out.

[Marstalk]

What on God's green earth are you talking about.

[been_waiting]

maybe if you read it you'd know.

[Alexzktra]

@been_waiting he just saw a bipolar girl talking and said "I REFUSE to understand this, on principle! How dare the mentally ill SPEAK" [rolls eyes at him]

[been_waiting]

@Alexzktra I don't think he's thinking that! That seems a bit extreme..

[Alexzktra]

@been_waiting I am exaggerating for rheterical effect! :P But esentially, he's just being a dick bc OP is bipolar

[Marstalk]

Um, I am bipolar. So I am not sure for the hostility. Her use of the Fruedian terms is a bit of a stretch for bipolar. Given bipolar has nothing to do with these terms. Bipolar is chemical unbalance that cause the brain to not function on the norm.

[KBob93]

That's ok that you take a fundamental approach to bipolar. But I see it as more than a irregulation of my synapses and off production of my amino acids. I don't see how bipolar hasn't to do with psychology. My opinion, doesn't have to be yours.

[Alexzktra]

My apologies, @Marstalk, for assuming your neurotype. Well, I'm interested in psychoanalysis myself (nods at username).. and I believe an integrated approach is the best, myself. The biopsychosocial model (I am a psych student drop-out, lmao)

[Marstalk]

So what do you see it as. If not just the physiological aspect?

[Marstalk]

@Alexzktra thanks.