Sharon (Y&R) Spoiler

[chicklitsandfantasies]

I like it better than a tumor to explain things.

[Khan]

In a way, chicklit, I agree. It is better than saying "Sharon had a tumor!" and calling it a day. Nevertheless, I feel like any mental diagnosis cheats everyone, and especially Sharon, out of a good, long, gradual redemption arc.

[alphanguy74]

Yeah, but you gotta clean up the mess SOMEHOW.

[frequentsoapfan]

It is better than saying she's had an undiscovered tumor for years and gives an explanation for her crazy actions. Seriously what other reason would use use to describe some of the decisions she's made in the past few years?

[Juliajms]

Exactly! People can talk about a six month break for the character, but how is that really fair to Sharon Case? I'm not the biggest fan of Sharon Newman, but she has been built as one of the shows major characters for years. They took her too far down the road to crazy to turn back now. They have to go all the way and then try to bring her back, imo. I hope they do this story responsibly, but I do think it's a good way to go.

[rlj]

Yeah, I am not sure Sharon being bi polar can exccuse all the cray cray stuff she has been doing, she still knows right from wrong and is responsible for her actions ie burning down the ranch, but alas its a soap after all LOL!

[Cheap21]

At least if this was GH, it would be revealed that Sharon's alternate personality Karen has been taking over for years and doing all those awful things. She first got this after Cassie's father raped her and he would come to town with her twin who he's manipulated into hating Sharon

[frequentsoapfan]

And it would be even worse than this!

[Juliajms]

It doesn't excuse it, but at least it gives some reason for it. That's really all I ask.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Like other illnesses on soaps (let me make this clear however, bi-polar disorder is NOT a "mental illness"), I question if this will have any long-term impact on Sharon's character.

They can't just tell us Sharon has bi-polar disorder, show us one consultation with a doctor, prescribe some medication, and call it a day. It has to be fully ingrained into Sharon's character and her day to day behaviour/routine.

Are they prepared to follow through with this? I'm skeptical.

[chicklitsandfantasies]

Huh? It is according to NAMI

[Y&RWorldTurner]

There's a ton of debate on classification, it's a pretty controversial issue. NAMI isn't the be all and end all for classification. The causes of bi-polar disorder are still being debated within the medical community.

As long as it isn't too severe, those with bi-polar disorder can live functional lives. I know a lot of those suffering with it don't think of themselves as mentally challenged.

[DeeeDee]

Or his

[Juliajms]

I think there is a difference between having a mental illness and being mentally challenged. I've never heard of anyone with depression of any kind described as "challenged".

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Bi-polar disorder is often misdiagnosed as simply depression, but depression is only one element of the disorder. A lot of studies indicate social, environmental, and biological triggers. It's one big complex issue - with multiple components, which I doubt Y&R will deal with.