source: abs-cbnnews
MANILA, Philippines - Van Gogh is Bipolar is not your regular novelty restaurant.
Tucked on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, the restaurant was put up by travel photographer Jetro Rafael, inspired by artist Vincent Van Gogh's own struggle with manic-depression, to push his advocacy for cooking healthy cuisine.
Just like the name his restaurant goes by, Rafael himself is bipolar--a condition that comes with mood swings from both ends of the emotion spectrum, and between mania and depression.
Diagnosed with the disorder 3 years ago, Rafael was treated with mood stabilizing medications, and today continues to see his psychotherapist who helps him process his thoughts and emotions.
Many Filipinos, Rafael lamented, do not sufficiently understand what it means to be bipolar, giving rise to the social stigma and prejudice against individuals who are diagnosed with having the condition.
"When I ask people what they know best, akala nila may sayad 'yan, may topak, sira ulo," he said.
Mood swings
Research shows that people with bipolar disorder exhibit psychotic symptoms and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as having a serious mental illness like schizophrenia.
Studies have also shown that genetic factors contribute to the likelihood of someone developing bipolar disorder. Environmental factors can also influence it.
While the condition requires medication, Rafael said it's also important to be open to options, such as eating healthy to help stabilize the condition.
His own search for alternative medicine led him to mood-stabilizing food.
Today, interesting food combinations and mood-altering ingredients are scribbled on pages of a notebook he has kept, along with names for the items on his restaurant's menu.
But even as people may turn to the benefits of alternative medicine, he wouldn't recommend that those who are under medication deviate from their usual medicine.
Rafael's story
It is easy to dismiss Rafael's knack for quiet observation as an artist's disposition.
Citing research, he said it's unclear whether creativity is a result of being bipolar, or the condition a result of being creative. It's a a puzzle, he said, that continues to be a subject of study.
But even as a child, Rafael said he was also withdrawn and preferred to stay home than to be with other people.
Rafael said he always thought that he was different. He had a world of his own which no one could understand. He had untold fears, and was not aware what was going on inside him.
His mother said that as a child, Rafael complained of headaches, the sensation akin to his hair being pulled. He also had hallucinations: he spoke of beings trying to take him inside the ground.
An ideal child and role model, he remembers a streak of violence he had brought upon his father, not quite aware how violent he had become. In college, he remembers days when he went home to Isabela, and shouted out his demons as he withdrew to the hills.
Today, he can speak of it openly and can even make light of his condition, proof that beyond simply accepting it, he has overcome it.
From being averse or dismissive, today Rafael's family is also supportive of his food venture. He admitted that it's crucial to have a support system.
Happiness is a choice
Rafael said he has met many people who share the same disorder, some of whom have become successful in their careers, others who have lost hope. To those, he said life--as in healing--is a choice.
“Being bipolar for me is a gift. Some people consider it a curse. I consider it a gift.
“It's a choice: it's either you lose yourself or choose life and find yourself,” he said.
Once an art director in an ad agency, Rafael chose to pursue his passion differently and regardless of whether he would earn or not. Today, he has committed to explore ways to celebrate his interests and his talents.
“I'm very lucky I found my passion in life: cooking, photography, traveling. I think that was critical, that's why I'm very productive,” he said.
Rafael has also picked up running. He runs every day.
“It's a mindset. Even before opening my eyes, I've already chosen to be happy," he said.
Rafael may have given up on medical school when he decided to switch from psychology to fine arts at the University of the Philippines back in college, but interestingly some could see him still as practicing in the medical profession.
There are many clocks inside Van Gogh is Bipolar. They don't all tick the same, and Rafael, like or unlike many of us, is determinedly different. But instead of being consumed by his condition--its past or present, today he is determined to live happy and dictate the mood and pace of his days.
source: abs-cbnnews
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