I had this sense that I was part of, sort of a lineage of artists and writers through history that have had mood disorders.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I was more than just a moody artist.
I think I was affected quite a bit by musical and creative influences that go all the way back to my childhood.
I felt I had an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of great soul musicians of the past, who made a lot of social and political commentary through their music.
I've learned over the years that people are human and have mood swings, regardless of how talented they are. Today, I'm looking at life from a realistic point of view instead of the way I would want things to be.
I was raised to be some kind of artist.
I grew up in the heart of the Depression.
I'm always drawn to melancholy personalities.
There was a sadness over me, a melancholy. That's always been a part of me - those are some of the things that lead you to the arts.
I think melancholy is part of the natural condition, you know. Anyway, I think it's the artist's function to have their melancholy and not hide it, you see.
When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder the year I turned 50, it was certainly a shock. But as a journalist, knowing a little bit about a lot of things, I didn't suffer the misconception that depression was all in my head or a mark of poor character. I knew it was a disease, and, like all diseases, was treatable.
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