The Faces of Mental Illness: Isaac Newton

[merrr]

Isaac Newton, most famous mathematician of the 17th Century was responsible for many scientific discoveries we take for granted today such as the "corrected" Gregorian calendar date. Newton’s greatest mathematical discovery was the gravitational relationship between the earth and the moon, and of centrifugal force. Newton was well educated, had access to the best knowledge of his day and was wealthy in later life. He suffered from several “nervous breakdowns” in his life and was known for great fits of rage towards anyone who disagreed with him which some have labeled Bipolar Disorder which was unknown at the time. In 1705 Newton was the first Scientist to be knighted by Queen Anne for his great scientific contributions.

[bumblebee23]

I also had a "nervous breakdown" of sorts after DS1 was born. I was vomiting for weeks straight. Ended up in the hospital for a week and they couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I was afraid to be alone with him for fear that I would get sick and he would be crying. I was afraid to eat. At one point I just sat on the couch rocking back and forth crying and fighting sleep because I knew I would just wake up and have it start all over again. I called my physciatrist right away and he had me admitted for another week.

Still didn't find out until months later that it was my bc pills making me sick. Got that all worked out finally.

[sharon]

Wow Mo, how scary! I'm so sorry you had to go through that! And glad you found answers eventually.

Thanks for posting these, Merr. They are so interesting to read.

[merrr]

Mo - It is SO brave of you to share your story too and I applaude you for it! To get people talking about mental illness is to take the fear out of the unknown and help others know that they are not alone.

Sharon - I am glad you find these interesting, I do too! There is such a stigma around mental illness that more often than not the symptoms get swept under the rug. My goal with posting these is to find postiive role models who have a mental illness but make the best of life regardless.

[bumblebee23]

That's why I share my story too Merr! I didn't even know what it was when it first started happening to me....although I was just a kid. I didn't have anyone to talk to about it either.