laureofanne - I enjoyed reading your post that contained this paragraph. It reminded me of my brother who was bipolar and some funny times when he was manic. One time it was late fall and cold outside - he bought this replica old model convertible and usually people don't ride with the top down when it's cold. He also bought the same day a fur jacket and I remember him riding down the main street looking proud as a peacock with the top down and his fur coat on..smiling ear to ear lol. My brother was also an artist and did his best work when he was manic.

In regards to your paragraph, I've often wondered if there was less mental illness in the days before modern conveniences. When we were busy all day fending for food just to survive and there wasn't time to sit and ponder anything. Think of how animals act when they're bored - they develop anxiety and pick at themselves...they get depressed. If they laid around all day they wouldn't eat. Just a thought.