An Unquiet Mind

Jamison is diagnosed shortly after the approval of lithium as a medication for manic-depressive illness; over the course of the text, our understanding of the illness and its treatments, such as the correct dosage for lithium, evolves. How has our understanding of manic-depressive illness evolved since the book’s publication in 1995? 

To what extent has society’s understanding and treatment of mental illness evolved since the book’s publication? What improvements have been made? What challenges do we, as a society, still face in our understanding or acceptance of mental illness? 

Jamison frequently returns to concepts of tradition and social norms. To what extent is tradition necessary in society? How might traditions or norms impede society and its progress?

Within the discussion of tradition, Jamison examines sexism in her various institutions. In what ways does Jamison encounter sexism? How do Jamison’s various encounters with sexism impede her ability to manage manic-depressive illness?

What role do institutions play in Jamison’s life? As obstacles to her recovery? As agents of her recovery? 

Jamison suggests toward the end of the book that science has the ability to solve problems while simultaneously raising new questions about those same problems. How does science do so in the text, and, more broadly, in society?

What is the role of travel in the text? Discuss the ways in which Jamison’s time away from the United States has contributed to her progress and development.

What is the role of arts and culture in society? These play symbolic roles for Jamison, but are also inextricable from her experience. How can we use their role in Jamison’s life in order to situate their larger role in society?