"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.
I once had a manic depressive patient who believed she could fly an airplane. So, it temporarily does influence beliefs, especially if it makes you believe you have the answers to everything, and then you march off to implement them and convert people. A kind of Holiday Inn guest syndrome.
In the first stages of coming out of the depressed state, the patient may become rational enough to know what a mess they made of things and energetic enough to carry out a suicide plan. It is the most dangerous phase. Which is why stirring up discussion about this can be life-saving, not vicious.
I watched Mel do Hamlet, and I never saw any other actor so well evoke a depressed state of mind from Shakespeare's words. Which may have been more his life experiences at work than the timeless poetry. "O, that this too, too solid flesh would melt..."
When he said that, I knew that either Shakespeare or Mel had been there.
He can join Tom Cruise and Margot Kidder and Patty Duke among others. I suspect the acting field attracts more than its fair share for obvious reasons.