Mental Illness

Mental illness is often more debilitating than many physical impairments or diseases, because it can render one unable to function productively. The biography of Diane Arbus is as much a study of the effects of mental illness as it is the story of a talented photographer who significantly influenced her art form. In the case of Diane, the diagnosis was depression, a condition which can manifest itself in inertia, fatigue, listlessness and feelings of inadequacy. Certainly, Diane suffered with this, and the condition was exacerbated by her bouts with hepatitis. As well, however, she experienced periods of mania, during which she seemed unable to curb the excesses of both professional and personal endeavors. Thus, she rode subways all night long in search of photographic subjects; thus, she engaged in promiscuous behaviors which she then recounted to friends and strangers in lengthy, rapid conversation. Ultimately, a severe episode...