Posted on 07/31/2006 5:56:53 PM PDT by soccermom
I know it isn't popular, particularly in conservative circles, to excuse behavior by citing mental illness. Bipolar disorder, in particular, has been the excuse celeb cited by child-raping school teachers, so I understand why people may have little patience for the argument I am about to make.
That said, after observing Mel Gibson's behavior of late, I can't help but think he must have bipolar disorder and we should try to understand his behavior -- even if it can't be excused.
Someone close to me has bipolar disorder and, before it was diagnosed and treated, I saw some of the same self-destructive behavior in him that I see in Mel. In their manic phases, people with bipolar disorder are prone to excessive drinking or substance abuse, "motormouth", outlandish words and deeds. They do things that "normally" they wouldn't do in a million years. Those that are religious, like my loved-one and Mel Gibson, tend to be over-zealous in their faiths -- to the point that they are almost Messianic. Paranoia is not uncommon, as is a tendency to blame others. It is not uncommon for a serious world event to trigger a manic episode. In my loved-one's case, it was 9/11. He was suspicous of "foreign" coworkers. With Mel, if he is indeed manic, I would suspect it is the latest turmoil in Lebanon(on top of some personal issues?) that has sparked his mania.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose, particularly because those with the illness tend to feel great when they're manic -- oblivious when those around them think they're behaving like jerks. It is even harder for celebrities to be diagnosed because many of the symptoms of bipolar disorder --- excessive spending, drug/alcohol abuse, promiscuity and arrogance -- are prevalent in Hollywood anyway.
I guess what I'm saying is, even if his behavior was inexcusable, if he was mentally ill and didn't know it it is understandable. I suspect that Gibson will have to have some court-mandated mental evaluation. If so, that may be one of the better things to happen to him. I hope he does get help. Since my loved-one has been on medication, he has been his normal, kind, responsible self. I'll be praying for Mel and his family.
That could explain his behavior.
Shame on you. One day when you are contrite it will reappear.
"Rash statements by people with Bipolar disorder is about impulse control, it does not influence one's belief structure." I don't know if that is true. In the most extreme cases, they are speaking so fast they probably have little more control over what comes out of their mouth than does someone with Tourette's Syndrome. Even if we are to accept that what is said is a true reflection of one's beliefs,people in a manic state tend to exaggerate things. For example, my family member went in for a routine colonoscopy (sp?) as an outpatient procedure. He acted as if he were having major surgery and was outraged that no one sent him flowers or cards. It is apparently a part of Gibson's belief system that the U.S. should stay out of Israel's fight. I can see how, in a manic state, that could be exaggerated to something anti-semetic that in a lucid state he would never consider. I don't know what is in Gibson's heart. I do know that he has apologized. I also note that people in this forum have given pro-war supporters a pass over insensitive remarks they have made -- even though they didn't apologize. Finally, if what is said in a state of intoxication is fair reflection of one's true feelings, then there are a LOT of frat boys out there who are truly in love with the ugly they picked up in the bar at closing time.
"Just because you don't understand doesn't mean it doesn't matter." Exactly. I wish more people would take the time to understand. It is a shame that "mental illness" has been used as a way of undermining one's opponents. Then, when it becomes a legitimate issue, they don't understand.
I think that could be a reality. I've always sensed with Mr. Gibson that there was something slightly amiss in the head department. That's not necessarily a bad thing if you can control it most of the time.
Yes, and as Dark Skies mentioned, mania can have good aspects for creative people. Who else would have produced a movie entirely in Aramaic? Yet it worked! Some of the most brilliant people have mental illnesses.
I would just like to add this....I heard the arresting officer in a radio interview this afternoon. It was totally unprofessional of him to leak the substance of the tirade. He did say that he was Jewish. He also said, several times, 'I can't talk about this at all' before launching into all sorts of comments that should get him into hot water. I am not defending Mel Gibson, just looking at the uneven treatment he received. Do you think we would have known about any of the comments if he had been simply John Doe??
I agree, but that does come with the territory of public figures -- especially those that strive to be moral. There is nothing the press loves more than tearing down the religious ones. (Remember the raking Bill Bennet got?) Again, this is not to say his comments weren't reprehensible, but he was quick to apologize. How many people here defended Ann Coulter, despite her outrageous comments and her refusal to apologize? It seems to me that many people in this forum are angry at Mel for being critical of the war, so they are content to pile on the bigot bandwagon. But there is no such condemnation when Coulter calls for the killing of Muslims. No, I didn't condemn her for that either. It is interesting what we will tolerate as long as someone is on our side.
FYI -- I got a freepmail from someone advising me that it probably isn't a good idea to speculate about the mental health of a wealthy, powerful public figure. I have e-mailed the moderators advising them to read the content of my post and, if they feel it is a liability to FR, to go ahead and pull it. So don't be surprised if this thread disappears.
Gibson hasn't been convicted of anything, but fom his own apology its unquestioned that he said anti-semitic and sexist things to the police officers. Since mental illness is less damaging to one's reputation than being a bigot, you're speculation (which I personally think may be on point) is less damaging to his reputation than what he stands accused of being, in fact if he were diagnosed and treated for mental illness he would likely suffer very little career consequences. After all, when A Beautiful Mind came out, the fact John Forbes Nash (wasn't that his name?) was reported to have made anti-semitic statements wasn't held against him, the man was clearly mentally ill.
Neither of us (or at least I'm not) are psychiatrists, but from the way Gibson talks rapidly with darting eyes during interviews, he does seem manic. He wouldn't be the first artist who's form of madness was part and parcel of his artistic genius. But it could be our speculation is wrong and he isn't mentally ill and he's really just a drunk bigot. As a lawyer, I don't think Gibson is in a position to sue you or anyone for suggesting something that only makes him more sympathetic.
He's not quite libel proof (a heinous character, say a convicted murderer, can't sue for libel because his reputation is already so black nothing slanderous would make him worse than what he's already acknowledged to be) but he's too close to it to ever win a lawsuit on the basis of speculation of his mental health.
On top of that public figures almost never win libel suits because the burden of proof is much higher than it is for ordinary people.
Gee, you're sort of manic, aren't you?
Look, if you don't want to take this discussion seriously, then don't. But stop complaining about those who do. For someone who thinks this discussion is "idle prattle", you're spending an awful lot of time posting here.
Thanks for taking the time to understand.....sigh........
Oh Geez. What is this?
You'll have to be a little more specific.....
I have an immediate family member who is bipolar and I believe his illness does influence his religious beliefs.
He has had visions of demons, he quits eating pork when in a certain mood, and he believes he is the religious leader of our family and knows what is best for us when he is sick.
I don't know about Mel Gibson but many creative people have suffered from bipolar and depression.
Edgar Allen Poe and Charles Dickens among them.
Before my relative was diagnosed bipolar he was a rising star in his career field and he was always very intelligent and athletic.
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