Don't know if this has been discussed already, but?

90210. There is a character named Erin Silver and in the programme she is supposed to have bipolar. What do you think about the portrayal of someone with bipolar in the programme? Is it over the top or not enough? Under-researched or close to reality for some?

I guess I ask because I have bipolar and I'm nothing like this character (well, for the most part.) Everyone is different so... is anyone like her or is it an inaccurate portrayal?

I'm thinking of writing a paper on this to present to my biology class and just as a general handout for awareness at my college (I think it's time I gave something to the ignorant community there!)

Also, have there been any other portrayals of people with bipolar or schizophrenia in the media recently and have they been in any way accurate?

Thanks in advance!

Wow ... I haven't watched 90210 since the 5th grade (a long time ago) ... I don't know really regarding that character and program per-say ... but regarding your question on bipolars in the media, have you read the book In Her Shoes by Jeniffer Weiner? It's now a movie with Cameron Diaz. Well, although the book (or movie) really say it flat out that the mom and the 'pretty but dumb' sister are bipolar, they just touch on 'mental illness' instead and the behaviors are right on point!!

I met Jeniffer Weiner at a book signing and asked her ... she confirmed that yes, they are bipolar and asked how I knew. Well, I was honest and told her that the two sisters were mirror images of me and my own sister!! And that yes, I myself am bipolar.

She also said she researched it A LOT and recommended some books for me to read (I see we already have a thread on books, so I'm sure they're listed there) ...

If you're not much of a reader, the movie is great!! (already out on DVD) ... but in my opinion the book gets into MUCH more detail on their behavior.

P.S ... love your quote on the signature!!

I've never seen that show, so I can't comment on that. Off the top of my head, I can't think of much in the way of portrayals. At least in a way sufficient to comment intelligently! Accurate ones are rare, that's for sure! Most just perpetuate stereotypes. Frustrating stuff. I think it's great that you are thinking of writing a paper to better educate!

Hey Chlorophyll,

Ye I watched the 1st and 2nd series of 90210.... this was before I was diagnoised and my friends all said I was like her. I refused to believe this obviously. I stopped watching it but saw the episode where Dixion took her to the hospital and that made me sad. I think it shows the different sides to BP but as you say everyone is different. I am gonna watch the last episode on Tuesday their Graduation and see what happen's. When I watched the episodes back from when Silver was diagnosied and her Step-Sister Kelly was "babysitting" her I felt sad but at the same time thought this is actually what I need someone to take control for a while to get me out of the hole I am in.

I've only seen the first series. I struggle with media's protrayel. I have enjoyed movies like "Canvas" and "My Sisters Keeper" I think it gives a glimpse...but we are very complicated as we are much more then our highs and lows

I haven't watched that at all...But I know a film, 'Running with Scissors', which is supposed to be a true story from some guy's memoirs and his mother is Bipolar..It's a very strange film, so it would take a critical eye to make use of it but it's there...I don't think the portrayal of Bipolar is 'accurate' as such, but it's more 'realistic' in the sense that the character has a hell of other issues that can appear indistinguishable. There are is also Stephen Frye's documentary on the media side of things, specifically to educate people on Bipolar, after he declared publicly he is Bipolar himself (you probably know this though..)

Good luck!

Thanks for your responses guys!! I'll have to look all these up! It would definitely be nice to take note of the ones without stereotype, but now I know 90210 is not following stereotypes but actual research, I'll use it as well! And ScooterBug, thank you, I like my signature too

Cheers!

I think even when the portrayal is off, I appreciate that the illness is being acknowledged. We live in a world surrounded by people that get frustrated and confused with our behavior. Any reminder that we are not alone is welcome for me.

Usually the media focuses on the severity of episodes, rather than the stable times we have. They also miss out on the positive aspects of bipolar. We can be highly successful, entertaining, and energetic! Let's write our own script!

I like this! It is true, the media does often focus on the severity and forget that we are normal people aswell. I guess they offer an explanation to behaviour that people maybe have come across in others and not understood before. So that point is good. I do like decent portrayals though so people won't actually believe people with bipolar are psychos or something. But yeah, I think we as individuals and as a collective can change the viewpoints of others by our attempts to control who we are and not let it control us