Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. (NIMH, 2008)

PENDULUM

Written by Shannon Flynn
Clinical Community Counseling
Johns Hopkins University, National Institute of Mental Health

Swing by Paul Gonella, 2007(c)

1.        Why are my dreams never realized?
               Why do my brightest hopes fade?
           Why do my fantasies all turn to dust?
               Lost in life’s tears and blindness,
           Yes, lost in life’s tears and blindness.  

2.         Lonely, I look out my window -
               Dizzying dazzle of stars.
           Through falling crystal the wind sweeps,
                          in waves,
           Webbing the night with music.  

3.        Spin between never and ever -  
              Which future will come to pass?
           Riding the pendulum’s waxing and waning,
              Inner and outer space I cleave.
           Do I leave any footprints?

4.        Gentle blue light of the full moon
              Still can not shield me from shadows.
           Cavernous chaos and treacherous time -
              When will I see the morning?
           Oh, will I yet see the morning?

Author Shannon Flynn is finishing her post-Masters certificate in Clinical Community Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, and hopes to go on to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland.  Shannon also has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Art Therapy.  She works at the National Institute of Mental Health as a patient recruiter, and at Sibley Hospital as an art therapist on the Behavioral Health unit on weekends.  She lives in Montgomery County, MD with her wonderful husband and cat, who help keep her on an even keel, and also is lucky to have family and friends nearby.  Shannon is currently looking into obtaining a PhD in Psychology.