Reply #205: it's a little yes and a little no

[mopinko]

i believe the statistics are that there is a high rate of depression and suicide among the gifted and talented. but there is also a very high percentage that are just more highly sensitive and emotional. when you combine this with the kind of jealousy that is often directed at them, and the isolation in which many find themselves, you have a high rate of existential, or reality based, depression. it is not usually possible to change your reality with medication. you have to change your life. you can't always.
i think the big difference is that this is more of a stable personality trait than something that can "run downhill". if it is recognized, and the talents that come with it are nurtured and fulfilled, and the person can find a "tribe" where they are the norm, they can be happy and fulfilled. but they need these things badly.
but i do think there is a fine line between genius and madness. or maybe it is a porous border. my family tree is full of artists and geniuses, and bipolars.

(they shouldn't look for that tribe on du, tho. read my journal to see why.)