Sadly, mental illness is almost never adequately discussed or even thought about in any culture I know of. Quite possibly what mental illness reveals about how the brain works (the part that interests me most thanks to the scientist in me) may well make most people uncomfortable because it shows us that our brains aren't the unified "self" we imagine it is. And that is disturbing to many.

One of my favorite writers who deals with mental illnes is Oliver Sachs. Sometimes a bit overblown in his verbiage, but a compassionate and engaged observer of people as people and as functioning brains.

Also sadly, Culture Kitchen seldom develops into a discussion site. People post extrordinary stuff and it often gets well read. But little discussion ensues. I have learned that this doesn't mean people aren't interested. I just means they are too busy absorbing than discussion. I think it was Leo Igwe's stuff that first clued me in. People always seemed very interested in what he has to say (when he has internet access) but seldom have enough of a connection with his situation to make a comment. This topic may be similar.

Regarding the topic, I have known people who cannot function without medication, but are brilliant scientists and physicians when medicated. I also have known people who slowly learned to recognize the signs that they are entering a bad line of thought and know to go to their doctor to work on their medication. On the other hand, I remember stories told by Oliver Sachs of patients who found that their life and personality became flat and dull on medication so prefer to accept the illness. As with all brain stuff, it all will depend on the individual.