independent and unofficial
Prince fan community
Welcome! Sign up or enter username and password to remember me
Forum jump
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Could P have had bipolar disorder (Sorry for my armchair psychology)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Page 2 of 4 <1234>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
Reply #30 posted 04/09/17 11:59am

anangellooksdo
wn

benni said:



purplerabbithole said:


He died alone at 57 years old and never had personal relationships that lasted more than 10 years. People were constantly baffled by his behavor. Cant ignore the obvious that the guy had some issues. I imagine after Mayte's book there will be a whole industry of books trying to decipher this guy's mental issues.



There is no shame in saying he had some issues. It is better than saying he was a callous svengali like people in the other threads are doing. He was functional (as many people with mild bipolar are.) Hell, Abe Lincoln might have bipolar II and he was fully functional after finding a way to cope..(he was suicidal as a young man though. He wrote suicidal poetry as a young man and asked people to keep guns out of his possession because he worried he would use the gun on himself)







benni said:


You guys are really taking this too far.

Prince had a traumatic childhood, but it was not as traumatic as other people I have known (myself included). I can see Prince having self-esteem issues early in his career related to the trauma. I can see that he had depression, which I believe others close to him have mentioned, which could be a result of the trauma of his childhood. I can see him being self-conscious in front of groups of people (such as interviewers) because of the trauma. I can see him having a hard time getting to sleep, as a person that had a lot of trauma in my childhood I have a difficult time sleeping and in the past have taken jobs in which I could work overnight so that I didn't have to sleep at night. I always slept better during the day. There were times when I had to function on 2 to 3 hours of sleep and I've always been able to do so. There were also times when I functioned on none, until I would finally crash. I could probably have kept up with Prince's schedule, easily. So, I have always understood his need to be up all night and sleep during the day. I also understood his "may u live 2 c the dawn" in a different way because of my trauma. For me, it was a literal meaning because of the trauma I endured. I can remember being awake all night, until I saw that first grey tint of dawn appearing and knew I had survived another night. I can see Prince having definite trust issues related to the trauma and those trust issues would make it extremely difficult to be in a relationship with him, and would make relationships troublesome for him.

No, I do not think Prince had bipolar disorder. I think he had some depression, just as everyone does. I think he was driven (as quite a few people who have had traumatic childhoods become, because they decide they are not going to let anyone hold them back ever again). I think he wasn't so much shy as he was self-conscious during interviews because talking in front of people is much more intimate than performing for him. While he was performing, he was Prince the artist, Prince the performer, but when he had to speak and answer questions, he was suddenly Prince the person and it's much more difficult to be the person for him than it was to be the performer. When he performed, he could be whoever he wanted to be, but as an individual, well, we've seen his acting abilities, it was much more difficult to hide. And maybe he had some PTSD, but I've not seen any evidence of it outright. I also know he had abandonment issues. Most individuals that have experienced childhood trauma, do have abandonment issues. He may have dissociated at times, too. For me, dissociation appears at the oddest moments and takes the form of being in a conversation with someone, really into the conversation and suddenly it as if the other person is speaking a foreign language because I can't make out a word of what they are saying. I'm there, but I'm not there. It's a weird experience.

All in all, Prince was a highly functioning human being who suffered trauma in his childhood, but he overcame that trauma and was able to be successful in life. His relationships would often suffer, but that never prevented him from trying again. I think he overcame a lot in his life and that shows in who he was.



[Edited 4/9/17 9:46am]






I am 52 years old (or will soon be) and I am alone. I have my children. Again, yes, I'm sure he had issues related to his childhood, any person would have. This does not mean he had some undiagnosed bipolar or other condition. As I stated in my post, many of what people look at Prince and try to say that it's related to this condition or that one, could be a direct result of some unresolved issues from his childhood. For myself, I look at Prince and some of his actions over the years (good and bad) and I see myself in them, see the results of having a traumatic childhood.

Working in the clinical field, as my DSM -IV instructor told us, "You will read this book and you will diagnose everyone you come across, thinking they fit this criteria or that for each disorder, but the key to true diagnosis is does this criteria cause "significant distress in their daily life"? If it does not cause signficant distress to that individual, then one must discard that criteria."



Yup. We all have places where we missed growth.

Exactly. I do away with the psychiatric titles unless someone is obviously very mentally ill.

I had the unresolved childhood issues too, which is why my strong feelings for P, emotionally.

There's a way to heal all this though.
[Edited 4/9/17 16:13pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #31 posted 04/09/17 12:20pm

Wlcm2thdwn3

avatar

I think that sometimes Prince just didn't want to be bothered with bullshit and he didn't have to be. geniuses are like that sometimes.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #32 posted 04/09/17 12:44pm

rdhull

avatar

Just because someone has night hours and chooses those hours to create doesnt make one bipolar. Does anyone know of mania/manic phases and what that entails? lol. People who are bipolar are not creative like Prince, able to tour, keep appointments etc. Their lives are a chaotic mess and ultimately need hospitilizations and rx. For life.

Keep armcharing though and telling yalls personal business equating that too Prince etc having a legit diagnosis.

"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #33 posted 04/09/17 12:52pm

benni

rdhull said:

Just because someone has night hours and chooses those hours to create doesnt make one bipolar. Does anyone know of mania/manic phases and what that entails? lol. People who are bipolar are not creative like Prince, able to tour, keep appointments etc. Their lives are a chaotic mess and ultimately need hospitilizations and rx. For life.

Keep armcharing though and telling yalls personal business equating that too Prince etc having a legit diagnosis.


I agree. Prince does not have bipolar. However, that does not mean he didn't have unresolved issues from his childhood, which was my point. And yes, I will share my personal story, because it is only in silence that sh*t like that can continue. But, no, I'm not trying to diagnose him at all. The man was a musical genius, driven, and had passion for his art (which is what drove him). And if you read what I said, the night hours made sense to me, but agree that it does not make him bipolar.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #34 posted 04/09/17 12:55pm

rdhull

avatar

benni said:

rdhull said:

Just because someone has night hours and chooses those hours to create doesnt make one bipolar. Does anyone know of mania/manic phases and what that entails? lol. People who are bipolar are not creative like Prince, able to tour, keep appointments etc. Their lives are a chaotic mess and ultimately need hospitilizations and rx. For life.

Keep armcharing though and telling yalls personal business equating that too Prince etc having a legit diagnosis.


I agree. Prince does not have bipolar. However, that does not mean he didn't have unresolved issues from his childhood, which was my point.

Agreed. But I wouldnt be givin these jokers here any of that personal business/life info.

"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #35 posted 04/09/17 12:59pm

benni

rdhull said:

benni said:


I agree. Prince does not have bipolar. However, that does not mean he didn't have unresolved issues from his childhood, which was my point.

Agreed. But I wouldnt be givin these jokers here any of that personal business/life info.


But maybe if they see that what they are trying to say is mental illness can merely be explained as unresolved issues, they'll stop trying to pigeon hole the man as this or that. Prince never liked to be pigeon holed in anything. And to be honest, it pisses me off that people that have had traumatic experiences as a child, have to deal with misinformation and people trying to make them out to have something else. The fact that Prince could come from the childhood that he did and make himself out to be the success he was, that should be admired, not relegated to armchair psychologists trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Many people experience trauma, but they go on to lead full, successful lives. It's the stigma that others associate with it that cause them to want to misdiagnose and redirect. And that stigma needs to stop.

[Edited 4/9/17 12:59pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #36 posted 04/09/17 1:00pm

anangellooksdo
wn

True bipolar disorder os marked by at least 72 of highs (like not sleeping and thinking you are the ruler of the world), followed by at least 72 hours of an extreme low where you're suicidal, etc...and swinging back and forth between these humongous extremes.

Most people who think they have bipolar disease don't; they just need a way to bring the highs down and raise the lows, and meds do it for a while (usually mood stabilizers and or a cocktail of anti-depressants along with anti-anxiety meds), but this is just a bad-aid.

When they have an effective enough way to work through their feelings, everything straightens out.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #37 posted 04/09/17 1:03pm

rdhull

avatar

benni said:

rdhull said:

Agreed. But I wouldnt be givin these jokers here any of that personal business/life info.


But maybe if they see that what they are trying to say is mental illness can merely be explained as unresolved issues, they'll stop trying to pigeon hole the man as this or that. Prince never liked to be pigeon holed in anything. And to be honest, it pisses me off that people that have had traumatic experiences as a child, have to deal with misinformation and people trying to make them out to have something else. The fact that Prince could come from the childhood that he did and make himself out to be the success he was, that should be admired, not relegated to armchair psychologists trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Many people experience trauma, but they go on to lead full, successful lives. It's the stigma that others associate with it that cause them to want to misdiagnose and redirect. And that stigma needs to stop.

[Edited 4/9/17 12:59pm]

Dude, your preaching to the choir here. I am all for removing the stigma of mental health issues and sharing to educate an help others who are listening etc. But in this forum/website? I mean youve been here a while or read it for a while haven't you? This isnt exactly what you would call a safe place.

"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #38 posted 04/09/17 1:07pm

benni

rdhull said:

benni said:


But maybe if they see that what they are trying to say is mental illness can merely be explained as unresolved issues, they'll stop trying to pigeon hole the man as this or that. Prince never liked to be pigeon holed in anything. And to be honest, it pisses me off that people that have had traumatic experiences as a child, have to deal with misinformation and people trying to make them out to have something else. The fact that Prince could come from the childhood that he did and make himself out to be the success he was, that should be admired, not relegated to armchair psychologists trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Many people experience trauma, but they go on to lead full, successful lives. It's the stigma that others associate with it that cause them to want to misdiagnose and redirect. And that stigma needs to stop.

[Edited 4/9/17 12:59pm]

Dude, your preaching to the choir here. I am all for removing the stigma of mental health issues and sharing to educate an help others who are listening etc. But in this forum/website? I mean youve been here a while or read it for a while haven't you? This isnt exactly what you would call a safe place.


Dudette, please. batting eyes

And yes, I've been around in one form or fashion since the purple and black days. (Does that age me?)

And the thing is, I didn't really share much of anything, except for the fact that I had a traumatic childhood and that of course there were issues I dealt with, that I saw in Prince, too. As for a safe place, much safer than where I came from. eek But point taken. Continue.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #39 posted 04/09/17 1:25pm

purplerabbitho
le

Don't be rude or I will diagnose with sociopathic tendencies. I am kidding.

Bipolar disorder comes in degrees. It doesn't mean you can't be functional. It depends. I am not saying if someone shares some tendencies with P that I am assuming they are bipolar. I am saying that Prince seemed to have lots of traits that fall under that category. My sister n law is bipolar. She has only had one manic episode that we know of.

rdhull said:

Just because someone has night hours and chooses those hours to create doesnt make one bipolar. Does anyone know of mania/manic phases and what that entails? lol. People who are bipolar are not creative like Prince, able to tour, keep appointments etc. Their lives are a chaotic mess and ultimately need hospitilizations and rx. For life.

Keep armcharing though and telling yalls personal business equating that too Prince etc having a legit diagnosis.

[Edited 4/9/17 13:27pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #40 posted 04/09/17 1:30pm

rdhull

avatar

purplerabbithole said:

Don't be rude or I will diagnose with sociopathic tendencies. I am kidding.

[Edited 4/9/17 13:27pm]

ASPD in the houseee

"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #41 posted 04/09/17 1:39pm

purplerabbitho
le

Keep in mind. Prince lives in a very very controlled and protected environment. It was chaotic to everyone else because they were complicit in keeping it safe for him.. But it was controlled. We don't know if he had private little hells that people like Kirk etc kept in check. We just know that he has some surprising nearly indecipherable behavior. Its his paranoia that I find most unsettling. I am not talking about the chemtrails theory in and of itself. I am talking about this constant tendency to believe in conspiracies, plots, (his dry cleaners were supposedly plotting against him.) I have seen far worse paranoia. But I do think he had a somewhat abnormal amount of it.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #42 posted 04/09/17 1:43pm

anangellooksdo
wn

.
[Edited 4/9/17 16:21pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #43 posted 04/09/17 2:19pm

fen

avatar

I’m not sure that there’s much to be gained from such speculation. I have deep misgivings about psychiatric designations such as these in any case and believe that most mental disorders probably exist on a spectrum of varying degrees (and influenced by all manner of external factors). The difference between individuals diagnosed with mental illness and those that share similar traits but are considered “healthy” is usually that the former cease to function socially and/or independently. I also find it slightly offensive that people seem to consider it a slight against Prince, as though it diminishes him. Many people with bi-polar are extremely highly functioning.

I can almost hear the collective sigh of cynicism as I type this, but I was given a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder a number of years ago and certainly recognise a few superficial similarities in Prince (only as far as I can judge of course, and there are many more differences). Enough that I can see why the OP might think this though. I’m not an idolatrous type of fan and have no interest in comparing myself to Prince...indeed, my own rather sizeable ego wouldn’t allow it. It’s quite a personal subject for me to talk about in a public forum, but I’d be happy to elaborate if anyone is interested. Just to clarify though, bi-polar is characterised by oscillating phases of mania and depression of varying severity. There can be a certain degree of disassociation and depersonalization, but multiple personality disorder is a different thing entirely. Just to be clear, I’m not saying that this was the case with Prince, but we should be completely clear about what it means.

That said, there is increasing evidence for a strong link between bi-polar disorder and creativity. It’s important not to romanticise mental illness though and bi-polar is one of the most dangerous psychiatric conditions in terms of suicide rates. Also, it goes without saying, but not everyone diagnosed with bi-polar is highly creative, and not every highly talented person is mentally ill. Nonetheless, there does seem to be some kind of verifiable link between the condition and heightened creativity. Google will lead you to a wealth of articles and study papers, but here’s a quick article:

http://theconversation.co...enius-8742



“Excellence in language or music was particularly correlated...”

“...established that a number of speech components occur in individuals when hypomanic: they are more likely to use alliteration, to rhyme, to use idiosyncratic words, and engage in a playful use of language.”

As I said, it’s all speculation and I have very little faith in these clinical designations anyway, so I wouldn’t waste too much time pondering it.

*****************************************************

My personal take is that certain types of creative personality are somehow predisposed to mental health problems and that these conditions exist on a spectrum (social withdrawal, introversion, eccentricity etc). This might account for the similarities that some see, but the apparent absence of extended periods of depression makes it doubtful that Prince suffered from this to any great extent.

[Edited 4/9/17 17:25pm]

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #44 posted 04/09/17 2:38pm

PeteSilas

rdhull said:

benni said:


But maybe if they see that what they are trying to say is mental illness can merely be explained as unresolved issues, they'll stop trying to pigeon hole the man as this or that. Prince never liked to be pigeon holed in anything. And to be honest, it pisses me off that people that have had traumatic experiences as a child, have to deal with misinformation and people trying to make them out to have something else. The fact that Prince could come from the childhood that he did and make himself out to be the success he was, that should be admired, not relegated to armchair psychologists trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Many people experience trauma, but they go on to lead full, successful lives. It's the stigma that others associate with it that cause them to want to misdiagnose and redirect. And that stigma needs to stop.

[Edited 4/9/17 12:59pm]

Dude, your preaching to the choir here. I am all for removing the stigma of mental health issues and sharing to educate an help others who are listening etc. But in this forum/website? I mean youve been here a while or read it for a while haven't you? This isnt exactly what you would call a safe place.

safe place, haha, good one dude, chuckle chuckle.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #45 posted 04/09/17 2:45pm

PeteSilas

purplerabbithole said:

Keep in mind. Prince lives in a very very controlled and protected environment. It was chaotic to everyone else because they were complicit in keeping it safe for him.. But it was controlled. We don't know if he had private little hells that people like Kirk etc kept in check. We just know that he has some surprising nearly indecipherable behavior. Its his paranoia that I find most unsettling. I am not talking about the chemtrails theory in and of itself. I am talking about this constant tendency to believe in conspiracies, plots, (his dry cleaners were supposedly plotting against him.) I have seen far worse paranoia. But I do think he had a somewhat abnormal amount of it.

ya, that was fucking bizarre, meaning the cleaners thing, fucking bizarre. It's strange though, most people in this society of america are paranoid, always thinking someone is coming after them, everyone, and I do mean everyone that I know just about. I think it's just part of the conscience of the country, it's in the air, it's in america's cultural dna. People don't think of it that way but the fear of the indians, fears of slave uprisings, fears of comeuppance which is a legit fear is a part of the country and it goes the other way too. Us indians and black folk see shit where we shouldn't, to the point of fuckking ridiculousness, otherwise reasonable smart people end up believing all manner of quackery.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #46 posted 04/09/17 2:58pm

PeteSilas

like i've said before though, lots of high achievers are like Prince, Donald Trump lives off 3 or 4 hours of sleep, Jay Leno said he never gets more than five, Malcolm X got 3 or 4. It could be they are chemically different in their brain but it could also be that they are driven too. I don't know. the delusion thing, well, all rock stars have a bad case of delusion, it's why the messiah complex has always been prevalent, starting with Elvis and going all the way on, it's always been a part of the rock schtick, sometimes being more articulated as in the prince song baby i'm a star and sometimes not really being consciously thought of but the christ/messiah thing has always been at play in rock and roll. Hell, Elvis thought he could heal people, move clouds in the sky etc.., the adoration those guys get is heady stuff and that alone can scramble some brains and make a man crazy.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #47 posted 04/09/17 3:57pm

luv4u

Moderator

avatar

moderator

canada

Ohh purple joy oh purple bliss oh purple rapture!
REAL MUSIC by REAL MUSICIANS - Prince
"I kind of wish there was a reason for Prince to make the site crash more" ~~ Ben
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #48 posted 04/09/17 4:04pm

PurpleDiamonds
1

luv4u said:


yeahthat
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #49 posted 04/09/17 4:09pm

rdhull

avatar

luv4u said:



Lol word
lol
"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #50 posted 04/09/17 4:24pm

purplethunder3
121

avatar

Uh, no. lol

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #51 posted 04/09/17 4:42pm

Tresha68

bibrose said:

"Gene for birth defects?" - we don't know this for a fact. He was never tested for it. Type 2 Pfeiffer Syndrome can also be caused by fetal alcohol and smoking syndrome on the part of the Mother.


http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875957209600693

Anyone that is 55+ is likely to have some joint problems. He suffered performance-related injuries and had hip surgery. P's name has been trashed enough. Now we have reached psychoanalysis and autism/savant etc.

Let's give it a rest! Jeez!

laurarichardson said:

purplerabbithole said: --Everybody in Hollywood wears makeup except the dusty rappers. I do believe he had physical as well as mental issues. If he was abused as a child that alone would have given him problems. The story about seziures, migraines, gene for birth defects and joint problems dude had issues.

Before you start putting lies like the above out for public viewing, make sure your facts are right.

This has nothing to do with Mayte, so don't go there. It about educating yourself. Hatred pushes people to do stupid things, making others look responsible is one of them. Love Mayte or dislike her, get your facts straight.

Pfeiffer Syndrome is a GENETIC DISORDER, caused by improper fusing of certain bones during gestation. NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING to do with smoking or alcohol. NOTHING. It's trash like this that really pisses me off as a health care professional.

Your link is to Pfeiffer LIKE Syndrome OR Fetal Alcohol Sydrome. They are VERY different anamolies. One is NOT the OTHER. So your link is bait and facts are wrong.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #52 posted 04/09/17 4:54pm

ufoclub

avatar

Its obvious Prince suffered from superfunkycalifragisexi.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #53 posted 04/09/17 4:56pm

lotusflower000
0

THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I'M LOOKING RIGHT NOW

rogifan said:

17634637_10213020113198093_8009002747342740130_n.jpg?oh=402db41c298a6e357e56d42802050b9d&oe=595D8F18

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #54 posted 04/09/17 4:58pm

Purplestar88

neutral Really people.

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #55 posted 04/09/17 5:00pm

purplethunder3
121

avatar

ufoclub said:

Its obvious Prince suffered from superfunkycalifragisexi.

thumbs up!

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." --Plato

https://youtu.be/CVwv9LZMah0
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #56 posted 04/09/17 5:10pm

fortuneandsere
ndipity

purplerabbithole said:

I am not trying to disparage him here. IN fact, I am trying to show compassion. The fact is that Prince could be a doll or a dick. It was baffling to a lot of people. Enablers didn't help but neither did overreacters and vindictive folks. The dude needed honest people around him. There is a reason I think Morris Hays stuck around. He was willing to risk his career to ask Prince if he was okay and if drug rumors were true. Prince said "no" and may have been lying, but I think he appreciated the genuine concern...because he took a vacation right after the question and MOrris ended up being one of his longest performers.

Don't know when he asked Prince that? but Morris Hayes has always given off vibe of good guy. And he said once he listens to all kinds of music. Figures smile

The world's problems like climate change can only be solved through strategic long-term thinking, not expediency. In other words all the govts. need sacking!

If you can add value to someone's life then why not. Especially if it colors their days...
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #57 posted 04/09/17 6:32pm

rdhull

avatar

ufoclub said:

Its obvious Prince suffered from superfunkycalifragisexi.



Lmao
lol
"Climb in my fur."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #58 posted 04/09/17 7:52pm

PurpleDiamonds
1

ufoclub said:

Its obvious Prince suffered from superfunkycalifragisexi.


lol nod
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #59 posted 04/09/17 8:05pm

purplerabbitho
le

He said it in a audio interview after P died. I don't know where it is but I listened to the part I mentioned 3 times because it fascinated me.

fortuneandserendipity said:

purplerabbithole said:

I am not trying to disparage him here. IN fact, I am trying to show compassion. The fact is that Prince could be a doll or a dick. It was baffling to a lot of people. Enablers didn't help but neither did overreacters and vindictive folks. The dude needed honest people around him. There is a reason I think Morris Hays stuck around. He was willing to risk his career to ask Prince if he was okay and if drug rumors were true. Prince said "no" and may have been lying, but I think he appreciated the genuine concern...because he took a vacation right after the question and MOrris ended up being one of his longest performers.

Don't know when he asked Prince that? but Morris Hayes has always given off vibe of good guy. And he said once he listens to all kinds of music. Figures smile

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Page 2 of 4 <1234>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Could P have had bipolar disorder (Sorry for my armchair psychology)