I personally don't like to glamourize the disorder so I don't have a favourite... I also think there's a lot of guess work and mistakes involved.. Like Van Gogh for instance

I do love to see people being a voice to educate the public re mental illness though

SunCloudJD how is that "glamorizing the disorder?"

Sylvia Plath - to remind me not to go overboard with my depression.

Steven Fry for sure.... he actually lives down the road from me (not literally but close enough) .... I loved the guy before I knew he had BP and I admire him even more now.... also Carrie Fisher too... I have read a couple of her books.. and her strength, wit and wisdom also inspire me

Rubyblue I agree, Carrie Fisher's books are a huge inspiration to me. I adored Wishful Drinking.

sorry I don't know what you mean? like making the illness enjoyable? sorry.

I don't think its glamorizing the disorder at all, I think it's a good question because anyone who suffers from this illness and still achieves greatness, is inspiring. I personally just get my inspiration from anyone who suffers from mental illness and yet they still reach great heights of success and are happy, famous or not.

I think it's helpful when anyone who is successful comes forward with their diagnosis and struggles. It's important for others to see that many things are possible!

I think people in all walks of life can achieve greatness... Why would people with bipolar not??

If someone wants to write a book to educate the public and for themselves I think it's wonderful.... Glenn Close is a wonderful advocate as well... I think advocacy is so necessary and such a wonderful thing

Unless a person wants to 'out' themselves with 'their' story I question what the general public wants to 'guess' as bipolar

Many people such as Robin Williams had mental health struggles during his life and very sad, sad end...I don't know what they were necessarily though as at one time at least he was into drugs with John Belushi ......These were both wonderful comedians with tragic endings

God bless them

I hear you sun cloud on glamorizing mental illness. My journalistic brain doesn't like certain aspects of disclosing mental illness when it's exploited in some way. I turn to mental health organizations, I'm a big fan of Glenn close's organization. Good things happening there.

This is just an example of what I'm saying... Robin Williams denied being bipolar however people guess that he was... The stigma really messed with his life unfortunately

http://www.psmag.com/health-and-behavior/much-stigma-mental-illness-harm-robin-williams-88589

Interesting question. I like to look for inspiration closer to home than through a "famous" person. I'm thinking of two fine ladies at the moment who have suffered great losses at the hands of bipolar and yet they give so unselfishly by hosting bipolar support groups. These ladies inspire me!

He could have just been Clinically Depressed. Not all suicides are due to Bipolar. My ex attempted...he was put on meds for a while and he never attempted again. Didn't even get depressed again.
Lucky bastard!

I love Carrie Fischer. Sharp wit and tough as nails. Loved her recent comments regarding her appearance in the new film.
I totally get what's being said about glamorizing the illness though.