I do believe there is some reason to believe that it is possible Joseph Smith had bipolar, although I do not believe the evidence is so overwhelming that anyone should feel compelled to believe as much. I think others have made a very persuasive case that Joseph Smith did have some form of narcissism, although narcissism is part and parcel of bipolar mania. I think some of the narcissism was so extreme, liking having himself crowned “king”, that it is more indicative of bipolar mania than simple narcissism. In addition, the fact that, while supposedly having to be forced to practice polygamy at sword-point, he married a high number of young women in a very short period of time could indicate the hyper-sexuality and poor decision making that is also hallmarks of bipolar mania. Moreover, his youngest son, David, appears to have suffered from severe bipolar to the point of being institutionalized. Bipolar is hereditary.
It is more challenging to find instances of depression that could indicate bipolar instead of a logical reaction to a depressing situation. This would be harder to prove in any historical figure, not just Joseph Smith, because a bipolar depressed individual normally is barely capable of movement, and often masks the depression as a physical illness – and they do feel physically ill. It’s not just being down in the dumps, although some milder forms of bipolar could be described more in that fashion. So these people are fairly incapacitated, and aren’t going to be engaged in the type of notable activities that would become historical footnotes, while manic behavior would. But I did analyze Joseph Smith’s diaries and journals for any clues in that regard, and I think there are some. I put these together in previous posts I made on the subject and will share them here. by the way, my ex-husband and one of my sons suffer from bi-polar, so I sometimes refer to behavior I have seen in them, in comparison to Joseph Smith.
In Joseph Smith’ own handwriting he recorded this:
“November 19th/AD 1833/ From the 13th untill this date nothing of note has transpired since the great sign in the heavins. This day my heart is somewhat sorrowfull but I feel to trust in the Lord the God of Jacob. I have learned in my travels that man is trecherous and selfish but few excepted.” (From Faulring’s An American Prophet’s Records, page 14)
Joseph Smith certainly had many critics, sometimes violent ones, but he was also surrounded by faithful supporters and family throughout his life. Certainly his mind was in a dark state the day he declared that man is “trecherous and selfish but few excepted”. I remember very similar statements from both my exhusband and son during their dark periods. People with bipolar depression tend to catastrophize and exaggerate, so while a non bipolar depressed individual would be able to recognize that yes, he/she is currently having a rough time and may have been mistreated by someone, there have been other faithful friends and family around to help out, a person in a depressed bipolar state begins to see the entire world as a dark and threatening place, and appears incapable of remembering or recognizing evidence that shows there have always been some people who support and love that individual. So a person with bipolar would be very inclined to make generalizations such as “man is treacherous and selfish but few excepted”.
And yes, of course, human beings feel depressed when things go badly. But most human beings also do not claim to be visited by heavenly beings, to hear the voice of the Lord, to see angels, crown themselves king, run for president, and marry thirty odd women. We have to look at these evidences in the context of his other behavior.
I read Scott Faulring’s An American Prophet’s Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith. Most of it was dreadfully boring, as most journals/diaries are, but I was taking notes of events/statements that could be indicative of either bipolar mania or depression.
Of course, I will state one more time, that this will always remain purely speculative. We are talking about a dead man, and have no access to his friends or families to clarify these questions. But it’s still interesting, although speculative.
Some of the earlier records were actually written by Joseph Smith himself. These tended to be more revealing in terms of possible depression. This makes sense – writing by oneself gives a feeling of intimacy and privacy that is no longer present when dictating to a scribe. Once scribes became involved, possible evidence of depression became more indirect. For example, noting periods of illness with vague or no symptoms listed. In my personal experience, it is quite common for sufferers of bipolar to attribute their inability to function during depressions to vague illnesses. Of course, why would they even try to explain what’s going on in their heads to a third party?
So, in my opinion, the best evidence of possible bipolar depression comes from the early records, written by Joseph Smith himself.
“November 19th/AD 1833/ From the 13th untill this date nothing of note has transpired since the great sign in the heavins. This day my heart is somewhat sorrowfull but I feel to trust in the Lord the God of Jacob. I have learned in my travels that man is trecherous and selfish but few excepted.” (From Faulring’s An American Prophet’s Records, page 14)
Here Joseph Smith actually tells us nothing of note has transpired, so there is no circumstantial trigger for depression.
“November 28th [1832] This day I have spent in reading and writing. This evening my mind is calm and serene for which I thank the Lord.
December 4th This day I have been unwell and done but little, been at home all day. Regulated some things this Evening. I feel better in my mind than I have for a few days back. Oh Lord deliver thy servent out of temptations and fill his heart with wisdom and understanding.” (both page 10)
Here are the entries between these two entries, both of which indicate depression.
November 29th This day I road from Kirtland to Chardon to see my Sister Sophronia and also called to see my Sister Catherine and found them well.
This evening Brother Frederick G. Williams Prophecyed that next spring I should go to the city of Pittsburg to etablish a Bishopwrick and within one year I should go to the city of New York. The Lord spare the life of they servent. Amen.
November 30th 1830 [editor corrected to 1832] This day returned home to Kirland and found all well to the joy and satisfaction of my soul. On my return home stopped at Mr. King’s and bore testimony to him and Family &c.
December 1th I bore testimony to Mr. Gilmore/ I wrote and corrected revelations &c.
December 2th The Sabath, I went to meeting &c
December 3rd Ordained Brother Packherd with my own hands. Also Brother Umfiry [Humphery who] came to see me from the East and braught news from Brother Lyman Johnson & Orson Pratt, &c
Also held a conference in the Evening. Brothers Jesse Gause and Mormon and William McLellen was excommunicated from the Church &c
Once again, no circumstantial trigger.
I also noted statements or events that could be indicative of mania. One could argue that claiming to be a prophet who saw God Himself and continued to communicate with heavenly beings constitutes constant grandiosity, so I was looking for statements that seemed extreme even under that circumstance. Here are some of the more notable:
Feb 25, 1843
I am a Lawyer. I am big lawyer and comprehend heaven, earth, and hell to bring forth knowledge which shall cover up all Lawyers and doctors. This is the doctrine of the Constitution so help me God. (page 313)
March 4, 1843
I wish you had my soul long enough to know how good it feels. It is expedience when you strike at an enemy, strike the most deadly blow possible. (326)
June 30, 1843
Joseph commenced a lecture on the stand to many thousands by How do you do? I meet you with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God. I am well, healthy, [and] strong as a giant. While I was on the road I pulled up the strongest man. Then they got 2 men and they could not pull me up. I have pulled mentally till I have pulled Missouri here. (389)
I wish the Lawyer who say we have no powers in Nauvoo may be choked to death with his own words. Don’t employ any Lawyers for their knowledge for I know more [than] they all. (390)
Ran for president Jan 1844
March 1844 The Council of Fifty- having himself crowned “King”
Another interesting element is the pattern of his plural marriages. Although Joseph Smith married women at a frequent pace from 1841 on, there were periods when his marrying escalated, and when it involved younger women in particular, which could lead to the speculation that it was most likely connected with sexual desire.
One of these periods coincides with several of the above grandiose statements – March-spring 1843. The other period was early summer of 1842. I noted some of his records from August 1842 as possibly being manic as well, due to his effusive praise of his friends and family members. For example:
“Blessed is Brother Erastus H. Derby, and he shall be blessed of the Lord. He possesses a sober mind, and a faithful heart. The snares therefore that are subsequent to befall other men, who are treacherous and rotten-hearted, shall not come nigh to his doors, but shall be far from the path of his feet. He loveth wisdom, and shall be found possessed of her. Let there be a crown of glory, and a diadem upon his head. Let the light of eternal Truth shine forth upon his understanding, let his name be had in remembrance, let the blessings of Jehovah be crowned upon his posterity after him, for he rendereth me consolation, in the lonely places of my retreat. (246)
He went on to talk at length about his family members, how noble, virtuous, and pure they are, as well as lavishly praising other friends in the church.
Now, admittedly none of this “nails” the case, but it is evidence that I think should be considered.
Lawrence Foster also believes that there is evidence Joseph Smith may have suffered from bipolar, and states that there have been six descendants of Joseph Smith who have been diagnosed with the disorder, as well. Here’s a link to his comments:
http://www.signaturebooks.com/excerpts/prophet.htm
You have to scroll down to get to his comments.