Cont'd:
After checking your links
@layman, and doing some additional research and refamiliarizing with
The Washington Post article on Debi from 2016 (which is the source of Wiki's Bipolar Disorder mention), I see nothing to change the fact that "we don't know timing of the onset or specific genesis of Debi's mental problems." And my earlier 'ignorant' guess about the unique ways individuals may experience Bipolar Disorder, is confirmed. References also indicate that misdiagnoses can occur.
In addition, it pays to keep in mind that Wiki is not considered an authoritative source. It's necessary to check cited references.
The Washington Post reporter (his article is Wiki's source for the BD claim) cites a Medical Board report which indicates Debi Thomas was evaluated at a hospital in April 2012 and diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Debi was told to get assistance from a 'distressed physician' program, but she couldn't afford it (the WP article explains). Subsequently, Debi lost her medical staff membership and clinical privileges for failing to comply with the order. She later contested the Bipolar Diagnosis at a hearing. She claimed the original evaluation was rushed, and she presented a separate evaluation of her mental health that diagnosed 'depression.' The separate evaluation was conducted by a physician Debi had obtained. As Debi's medical license had expired by the time of the hearing, the board decided to take no action.
I am bringing this up only in response to your post, as my original post was specifically focused on discussing my impressions of the competitive pressure and anxiety Debi was clearly experiencing in the lead-up to the 1988 Olympics.
The Washington Post article quotes a
Rolling Stone interview Debi gave during that period in which she said about the Olympics:
"I want it to be over with... Last week I thought I was going to throw myself out the glass windows at the rink." I don't recall hearing about or reading that interview, but it's surely a red flag signalling the substantial pressure Debi was feeling and having trouble managing. Apparently, at the time no one recognized it as a warning sign of any kind. Maybe she was thought to be joking.
Again, I'm not sure what it is you disagree with in my original post. I don't think there's any question that Debi was having trouble dealing with the pressure of expectations from her coach, her mother, herself, and fans. And being seen as the 'first' African-American figure skater to win a World championship and to contend for an Olympic gold medal undoubtedly added to the tremendous pressure she was feeling. It's too bad Debi did not recognize the need to get help dealing with her thoughts and emotions.
Debi was fortunate to perform well in compulsory figures and in the sp at the '88 Olympics. But going into the fp, she admittedly had in her mind that she needed to be perfect. By telling herself she had to land the 3/3 perfectly, there was no way it was going to happen. She completely deflated after two-footing and slightly stumbling on the landing of the second jump. A 3/3 combo that she could do in her sleep. Sadly, Debi did not get help dealing with her emotions after the Olympics either. I think it's telling that even these many years later, she still seems to be in denial about how she was affected by what happened. From a February 2018 article in the
New Zealand Herald, Debi is quoted:
"People who are still so focused on my skating career, I'm just like, 'Come on, that was thirty years ago. Why does it matter?' I'm not proud of how I performed in the Olympics at all ... The biggest disappointment isn't that I didn't win the gold, it's that I didn't skate my best."
So once again, it seems to me that Debi never resolved the letdown and the difficult emotions surrounding the Olympics competition. Added to that the WP article states that during her career, Debi was encouraged to alter her appearance by U.S. fed officials, which led to her getting two nose jobs and enlisting assistance from a ballet instructor in 'feminizing her aesthetic.' If indeed, Debi's Bipolar Disorder diagnosis is accurate, these difficult experiences that occurred during her competitive career surely were not helpful. Here's an article that discusses the role that traumatic events can play in developing bipolar disorder and/or depression:
http://ibpf.org/article/traumatic-events-and-mood-disorders
"Studies show that trauma can change the actual chemistry in the brain. In fact, a severe external event can bring on depression..."
Here's another article on the history of Bipolar Disorder:
https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/history-bipolar#19th-and-20th-century
As I said, my original post was concerned only with my impressions of Debi's emotional reactions and behavior surrounding the build-up to the Olympics, and its aftermath. As laypersons, we can't make any definitive judgments about the specifics of Debi's mental condition then or now. The saddest thing is that she has AFAIK decided not to get professional help. She is the one who has to make that choice.
It's important to realize that doctors and researchers are still in the process of learning about the brain and mental disorders. At this point, we can be thankful that more awareness has been raised regarding the prevalence and impact of depression and mental health issues among all population groups. I'm glad that the sport of figure skating is beginning to recognize the serious impact of the mental stresses many athletes experience, and that this problem needs to be addressed with more openness and sensitivity.
My figure skater son gets around it by also playing hockey. That's the "OK" way for boys to be on the ice, evidently.
