Bipolar Disorder | Susan Olmetti - Stable Moods: An online resource for people affected by Bipolar Disorder

Susan Olmetti

Posted January 5, 2009

Susan Olmetti is an American abstract artist who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 15. She is now 35 years old and resides in Chicago and New York. Susan abandoned the public school system with an eighth grade education due to severe learning disabilities. At 28, she received her GED and continued on to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to study fashion; unfortunately she was unable to finish due to her learning disabilities. She then took to the streets of New York, drew from the inspiration surrounding her and started to convey her expression on the canvas.

1) When did you first get diagnosed with bipolar disorder and were you ever misdiagnosed previously?

Susan: I was diagnosed at the age of 15. No, I was not previously misdiagnosed. My father Joseph Michael Olmetti was also Bipolar.

2) How did you react to your initial diagnosis?

Susan: I was a bit confused, very insecure and ashamed at the same time.

3) Any advice for someone recently diagnosed?

Susan: My advice is to always stay on your medication; it does help with your quality of life and your living experiences.

4) Did you think you suffered from a mental illness before you were diagnosed or was it a complete surprise?

Susan: I knew there was something wrong with me in the third grade. I had trouble learning and was not very interested in school activities.

5) Did the people close to you think something was wrong with you or did you hide your symptoms well?

Susan: People knew me as a nice person and I had a lot of friends, but I was very much disregarded.

6) What techniques do you use to help manage your bipolar disorder, if any (medication, diet, exercise, therapy, etc.)?

Susan: I take my medication every day and work on my art.

7) How has bipolar disorder affected your professional life and relationships?

Susan: I work a part-time job and my employer is very supportive of me and my bipolar illness. If I ever need to rest because of any stresses that may occur, they are very gracious and give me the day off.

8) How has bipolar disorder affected your personal life and relationships?

Susan: It used to in the past, but not so much anymore with the friends I have now and a few of my long-time friends who are very supportive, accept me and encourage me to move forward. I only let people into my life that have good intententions for others.

10) Have you ever experienced negativity or stigma from people who have become aware of your condition?

Susan: Of course I have, I think anyone who is labelled with any kind of difference from what others consider normal will, but I think this behaviour shows low self-esteem on the other person's part: is a deficit in their personality and I pity them.

11) Do you think mental illness is generally looked upon differently now than it was 10 years ago? Better? Worse?

Susan: Better: more people are open and their families are more open and accepting of their illness.

12) What more do you think can be done to change the public's perception of mental illness?

Susan: Family support.

13) Do you consider bipolar disorder part of who you are, part of what makes up your character, personality and experience of self?

Susan: My bipolar is my best friend, we will be together forever. I could not live without it. The way I see it, you either grow to love your other half or grow apart. I could not exist without it, it's who I am and will always be.

14) With bipolar disorder having a lot of negative traits attached to it, is there anything positive that you associate with your personal experience of your bipolar disorder?

Susan: My Artwork.

15) If the medical establishment could offer you a pill tomorrow that would cure bipolar disorder and remove all the associated symptoms (positive and negative) would you take it and why?

Susan: No, I like who I am because I am bipolar, which makes me more unique. Ten percent insanity and ninety percent sweat makes you a really smart person.