What could we expect.

[MissyM]

Ok, when I read some stuff, I keep going back and thinking this. Is it any wonder that Elvis's life turned out as it did. Here was a boy (an I say boy because popularity came at a pretty young age)who became a sensation fast. He grew up in a situation of poverty, not a lot of education, and worldly experience. Bring into the factor that there was a pre-disposition for addiction. (I won't name all the people who died of it in the family but it is way prevelant) Now, he is put in the spot light and as soon as he is people come out of the woodwork wanting to cash in on his fame. This was a man who's greatest desire was to play and sing, and give to other through music, to lift their spirits (as that was the function of it when he was young)and to share his gift. And what did he get in return...adoring fans who made living a normal life nearly impossible, money, which he lacked the ability to handle and put it in bad hands, and a watered-down version of his talent for years. Then when he got married, his wifes motives IMO were questionable. (look at his face and you will see that no matter how you think he acted in marriage) it was by far as close to a real life as he could have, and a family/Lisa brought him shear joy. Then that is all ripped away from him. Now, I know what some will say, lots of people go through a lot of stuff. But that's not my point, it is the make up of Elvis and the whole picture of what happened that makes me think, why be shocked at how it all turned out.

[riley]

beautiful said and so true, every word of it...

[presley31]

True but however marriages fall apart and sometimes it can get very ugly at times. I think elvis was lucky to be able to see his daughter. l have family members who lost all rights to there children after spitting up. just my thoughts anyhow.

[MissyM]

Perhaps he was only meant to be here so long. Sad but I think true.
True P-31 and that is always so sad and something I can not understand a parent doing without good reason. But I think the day to day stuff is important. You know like coming home from work and the kids running up to dad so happy to see him. Elvis needed Lisa alot.

[presley31]

Perhaps he was only meant to be here so long. Sad but I think true.

if elvis took care of himself he might still be with us today, He didn't take the steps to get better, so we lost a great men cause of that simple reason.

[MissyM]

Maybe taking care of himself was just to big a mountain.

[presley31]

Maybe taking care of himself was just to big a mountain.

Maybe, l wish l knew why elvis didnt take the actions to get himself better?

[Diane]

Depression will do that Jen. It takes away a person's motivation and I think Elvis was suffering with a heavy load of it.

Diane

[cameron]

I agree with you, Missy. I don't believe there's one person here that could have lived Elvis' life any better .He took a lot on , gave all he had and some just wanted more. {including some of his fans}
He wasn't perfect but, no one is. IMO, if someone comes to talk of Elvis and his "life" ,one should be ready to accept the bad and the good.
Not one of us know what his private life was, no matter what they say.
Some see only the public personna and expect him to continue that way.
One can only wonder how they will feel as they grow older and sicker .
IMO, we'll all be judged and compared to how we once were .
Let's hope we have someone around that loves us anyway.

[Rover]

I think you people got a point here...I was thinking, maybe he wasn't ready for what happened to him. He was just a poor young boy, and suddendly he could have anything he wanted, I guess he enjoyed it a lot at first, but then he must have got used to it or something like that and couldn't enjoy what he had anymore. Add to that the problems with his family...what a sad life :(

[MissyM]

I need to tell you a story so that maybe you get why I feel losing Lisa had such and impact on him. In about 1962,1963 my in-laws went to Memphis to visit family. Elvis opened the fair grounds for the friends and family. When my in-laws went up to say hi, Elvis (although they hadn't seem him about 5/6 years acted as if it was yesterday. After the handshaking and hugging Elvis grabbed my SIL, (who was about 4) and picked her up and started to play with her. She was the cutest little tiny blonde thing. He was a natural with kids and adored them. Not having Lisa there on a day to day basis had to be very hard on him. If he blamed himself at all, which we know he did, it had to be mighty hard to live with. I am a big part of my grandchildren's life. When I am down and see their faces, the run to me calling Grandmaaa! With glee, it changes my whole outlook and mood.

[cameron]

My children have always been an important part of my life.
I can't imagine living without one of them. Now, my grandchildren.
I'm sure it hurt him terribly.
Thank goodness mine were grown before they had to go through anything like that. It's rough on everyone.

[MissyM]

Very true Cam.

[SleepyJack]

Everything you have all written here is very true....and well expressed.It is a great pity that Elvis didn`t really recieve the love back that he had (and continues to..) given.Still despite all the sadness of it and the "What ifs",he brought more love and joy to this world than most of us could ever manage.

[marijaep]

Everything you have all written here is very true....and well expressed.It is a great pity that Elvis didn`t really recieve the love back that he had (and continues to..) given.Still despite all the sadness of it and the "What ifs",he brought more love and joy to this world than most of us could ever manage.

Very well said Jack (y)

[SleepyJack]

One night some years back I was baby-sitting my girlfriend`s little niece and nephew and we ended up watching "It happened at the world`s fair".They absolutely loved it...especially the little boy (Paul),who has down-syndrome.Anyway,it crossed my mind that many times it has seemed to me that kids can actually sense that playful,almost childlike side of Elvis,at least until they get a bit older and learn to be critics of cool!.........It did however result in Paul breaking into his version of "How would you like to be" for weeks after!

[Diane]

That's because little children haven't formed personal prejudices that adults do Jack. Too bad we couldn't have retained more of that clean insight children have.

Diane

[desiree]

IMO,it was his choice. He took the chance even if he knew about the darkside of the music business. Besides life is life you just got to live with it! I'm tired of feeling sorry for him, fame molded his life style and he just went on living it, not even willing to change it. That's what I'm sorry for. Bless him.

[Getlo]

Depression will do that Jen. It takes away a person's motivation and I think Elvis was suffering with a heavy load of it.

Elvis was down at times, and sometimes depressed.

But he was not suffering from a "heavy load of it". He was not a clinically diagnosed depressive, or even an undiagnosed one: the real signs of depression simply were not there.

And, overall, Elvis knew what he was getting himself in for. If it was getting too difficult nor dark earlier on, he could have backed off, and returned to truck driving.

His choices, his life, his responsibility.

And his only.

[Diane]

No Getlo, you're right, I don't think he would have been diagnosed as clinically depressed but I do believe he was more depressed than he let on to the people around him and that was enough to freeze him up in a lot of ways and turn to the pills.

Diane

[Rover]

[COLOR="Green".It is a great pity that Elvis didn`t really recieve the love back that he had (and continues to..) given.[/COLOR]
I think he did, when people were cheering when he performed on stage...well, I hope he did, because he deserved it :)

Talking about children, have you noticed how they react to Elvis? I think it's the ultimate proof he was a really kind human being

[riley]

true reactions of domestic animals and kids to a person reveal a lot of that person

[cameron]

IMO, he was "clinically depressed". There just wasn't that exact diagnosis so long ago.
IF you couldn't sleep, the doctor gave you sleeping pills.
IF you "felt nervous ",you got tranquilers .
IF you had no energy, you got something to "pep you up."

I've worked with patients to get them off some of the meds they were given.
Whose fault is it? The doctors that didn't know better ?
Or their patients that believed their doctors and "took another pill"?

In earlier years, a doctor was a "god" in that he made you well. He was not questioned. Today it's better, but it still goes on. Especially with the elderly.
To me; it's just sad .My empathy goes with the patient.

[cameron]

true reactions of domestic animals and kids to a person reveal a lot of that person

I agree about kids and animals .My 2 year old grandson is fascinated with Elvis on YouTube.;) (y)

[SleepyJack]

I hope this doesn`t take the whole topic off in a weird direction but...Maybe it is time we stopped trying to make sense of Elvis` life using the categories and rules of the every day man...To me there has always been something "Other-worldly" about Elvis....

[ksimms2]

I pretty much agree with everything said here......even you cameron about the depression. I know he wasn't diagnosed, but I think in today's world, he would have been. I think ultimately, he let others run his life and didn't stick up for what he really wanted - other than controlling the MM - maybe that is why he did so much - control the MM because he could not control anything or anyone else. Anyone think that? I think he got bored with his career and didn't know what else to do because no matter what he wanted, the Colonel wouldn't let him anyways.

As for the women - his fault -he was playing every one of them - including Priscilla from day one. Telling her she was special, yet writing home to Anita telling her the same thing. that part about Elvis I think is his worst feature - more so than the pills.

I've said before - if he would have went out in public more - and not closeted himself at Graceland - maybe the public would have been more used to him and not hounded him as much - just my opinion though.

[Diane]

Me too Jack, Elvis was born with a special quality that most people don't have otherwise these forum sites wouldn't exist 30 years after his death. We can ask the same question he did "why me" and never know the answer either why he was blessed with all he was. He did cause a cultural awareness and independence that maybe we badly needed....I sure did.

Diane

[SleepyJack]

I won`t even pretend to know why Elvis allowed so many people to control so many aspects of his life...that has always been a mystery to me.As to the women part- I sometimes think that for one reason or another there were two types of women that Elvis was divided over...the ones he felt genuinely attracted to as a man,and the ones that he thought Gladys would have approved of...not that it excuses anything..it`s just a thought.

[ksimms2]

I won`t even pretend to know why Elvis allowed so many people to control so many aspects of his life...that has always been a mystery to me.As to the women part- I sometimes think that for one reason or another there were two types of women that Elvis was divided over...the ones he felt genuinely attracted to as a man,and the ones that he thought Gladys would have approved of...not that it excuses anything..it`s just a thought.

I think you are right about that....the women part. I don't know why he allowed others to control his career either. I know it's well known that he never liked to confront a problem or hear of another's problem - he'd rather make it go away or ignore it. I mean people in his circle - maybe that is why - I think he was so used to his mom handling everything that when she died - maybe he just let others do it too.??? Just speculating of course.

[Diane]

Pretty good speculating there Kelly. :)(y)

Diane

[ksimms2]

Pretty good speculating there Kelly. :)(y)

Diane

I guess the more you think about it - the more it shows an adolescent rather than an adult? We've always said he was a boy at heart and never really grew up. He lived in his own world, with his own people in it. So he never really had to deal with the real world so to speak - other than being on stage.

I also think he wanted everyone around him happy too - maybe that is why he didn't want to hear anyone's troubles?

heck I don't know, once again just speculating. he for sure was a shining star in our universe - still is - no matter what.

[SleepyJack]

I consider Elvis to be an active part of my life,like a living friend,a real presence...I`ve pretty much felt like that for many years.I know that is a strange thing to say about an entertainer,and it would sound a bit over-the-top to most people but it`s the truth...he was very special. I will always accept him as he was....faults and all....I know he wasn`t perfect...and I`m far from perfect....and actually I don`t know anyone who is.Thank God for putting him on our planet,even for a short while.

[ksimms2]

I consider Elvis to be an active part of my life,like a living friend,a real presence...I`ve pretty much felt like that for many years.I know that is a strange thing to say about an entertainer,and it would sound a bit over-the-top to most people but it`s the truth...he was very special. I will always accept him as he was....faults and all....I know he wasn`t perfect...and I`m far from perfect....and actually I don`t know anyone who is.Thank God for putting him on our planet,even for a short while.

well said jack, and not strange at all. I've learned that yes, if we were to say these things to others who are not Elvis fans - it would be silly to them. But you making that statement about him being an everyday part of your life is not silly at all - I think he is to all of us on here - you can say that sort of stuff to other Elvis fans because they understand - non Elvis fans do not.

I've got such an urge to see Graceland during the christmas season, it's driving me insane. I actually want to cry because I'm not able to go back right now. But lord help me, I can't tell anyone else that, except maybe on here - ya know?

[SleepyJack]

It would be lovely to be there for Christmas....but still..Christmas can be magical anywhere if you want it to be.

[Diane]

Elvis did have that affect on his fans Jack. When he died I felt I lost someone close in my family or a close friend I loved. I can't imagine what life would have been like without him in it.

Diane

[SleepyJack]

It`s a pretty incredible thing though isn`t it?....I mean to have such an impact on people,it still amazes me sometimes.

[Unique Dog]

He surrounded himself with people who had their own agendas. Very few really cared about him--this had alot to do with what happened in the end.

[riley]

true Unique Dog

[Rover]

I agree with what you've all been saying...
Elvis never really grew up, he was an adult but could feel thing like a child do. He could be happy(it would explain the way he makes fans feel) or be mad with grief like a child (in the end of his life...I dunno if it's the same for everybody but I can barely watch some footage from his last concerts without crying)

[tocancun]

Elvis was down at times, and sometimes depressed.

But he was not suffering from a "heavy load of it". He was not a clinically diagnosed depressive, or even an undiagnosed one: the real signs of depression simply were not there.

And, overall, Elvis knew what he was getting himself in for. If it was getting too difficult nor dark earlier on, he could have backed off, and returned to truck driving.

His choices, his life, his responsibility.

And his only.

Again, your sources?

[Getlo]

Again, your sources?

Again, why don't you back off? :angry:

If you believe that Elvis was, in fact, a "clinically diagnosed depressive", then by all means please post your information here and educate us all.

[Getlo]

IMO, he was "clinically depressed".

Did Elvis have any of the signs of clinical depression, especially over the long term?

The excessive highs, the miserable lows etc etc?

[cameron]

Did Elvis have any of the signs of clinical depression, especially over the long term?

The excessive highs, the miserable lows etc etc?
What you're describing is called Bi-polar disorder.
Yes, he displayed some of those symptoms too, IMO.

[Diane]

Uh Uhn, not bi-polar. My sister in-law had that and Elvis' personality traits were nowhere near the same. His symptoms were drug induced. I also know a couple of "clinically depressed" people and Elvis laughed and still had a great sense of humor which clinically depressed people lose for the most part.

Diane

[cameron]

Uh Uhn, not bi-polar. My sister in-law had that and Elvis' personality traits were nowhere near the same. His symptoms were drug induced. I also know a couple of "clinically depressed" people and Elvis laughed and still had a great sense of humor which clinically depressed people lose for the most part.

Diane

Well, IMO, he did display some of those symptoms.

His later years ; IMO, was just flat out depression; for many reasons.

[Getlo]

Uh Uhn, not bi-polar. My sister in-law had that and Elvis' personality traits were nowhere near the same. His symptoms were drug induced.

For the most part, yes they were.

Sure, in his last month, he went a bit weird by spending most of his time in his room, but the symptoms of clinical or long-term depression, or even bi-polar simply were not there.

Everyone gets down and depressed; Elvis was no exception.

[presley31]

For the most part, yes they were.

Sure, in his last month, he went a bit weird by spending most of his time in his room, but the symptoms of clinical or long-term depression, or even bi-polar simply were not there.

Everyone gets down and depressed; Elvis was no exception.

agree getlo, Maybe elvis just give up.

[cameron]

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm

There are four types of mood episodes that can occur in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, or a mixed episode.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/depression/page4_em.htm

[cameron]

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm

There are four types of mood episodes that can occur in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, or a mixed episode.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/depression/page4_em.htm

"While Parker reveled in the merriment of Elvis' opening,the star himself wrestled with a serious case of stage fright ."{Vegas 1969}

"In the days before his July 31 debut , Elvis suffered debilitating panic attacks . " {page 253 The Colonel}

[Getlo]

"This is so important to me. Elvis was NOT the 'depressed' personality he's been painted out to be! Not even in his darkest final hours! He laughed and found a way to have Fun (with a capital "F" no matter how he felt. Of course, like any other human being who was dying, knew it, and felt ill, he would have moments of sadness. But these brief moments were totally normal! I don't know where these stories of this dark depressed person came from, except from someone who didn't see him often, but just happened to pop in at a moment when he wasn't feeling well." - Kathy Westmoreland.

[cameron]

Kathy Westmoreland said he had cancer . None was found, according to the pathologists and a Memphis Court that also refuted Grob's story of cancer .
{Taken from Thompson and Cole's book. }

[Getlo]

Kathy Westmoreland said he had cancer.

Not quite ...

Marty Lacker: He didn't have bone cancer.

Kathy Westmoreland: And he...

Larry King: He didn't?

Marty Lacker: No, he didn't have bone cancer. Let me tell you where that came from. After Elvis died, there was a lot of stuff being leaked out of Graceland. And Elvis' father asked Billy Smith to tell a couple of the guys that Elvis had cancer to see if it came out. And that's what happened. And I believe that's where Kathy...

Larry King: But she said Elvis told her he had it.

Kathy Westmoreland: He told me (he had it) when I first met him.

Marty Lacker: Elvis had a good imagination, Kathy.

[Sonny]

His depressions and so called "uptimes" were a result of the medication he used.

Same thing with alcoholics in fact. They have an uptime when under influence, and can be very depressed after the effect runs out.

And maybe, when in such a downmood he could imagine having a serious illness, but that feeling could have been caused by the fact that the meds he took over the years changed his body, the way it works, and the way the mind works.

Sonny

[Diane]

(y) Rene, I agree with your post. I do think Elvis was depressed some of the time, we all are, but it was normal depression until the drugs took over.

Diane

[cameron]

His depressions and so called "uptimes" were a result of the medication he used.

Same thing with alcoholics in fact. They have an uptime when under influence, and can be very depressed after the effect runs out.

And maybe, when in such a downmood he could imagine having a serious illness, but that feeling could have been caused by the fact that the meds he took over the years changed his body, the way it works, and the way the mind works.

Sonny

There are some in the medical field that would disagree with you.
{ as far as I know their seminars are not on the Net}
The body "make up" he was born with. The medical doctors did not know as much then as is known today.
{I don't know why EP was chosen as a topic. Maybe he was a good candidate for their study}
I agree the meds did not help him, but his body chemistry was inherited .

I often wonder what Elvis would think if he could see his life being discussed so freely today. I hope with his age would come wisdom and the ability to laugh at everyone that diagnoses his past .

[Donut]

I often wonder what Elvis would think if he could see his life being discussed so freely today. I hope with his age would come wisdom and the ability to laugh at everyone that diagnoses his past .

We wouldnt need to discuss it if he was alive. We would have heard it from his mouth eventually had he been able to straighten himself and get healthy again.

[cameron]

We wouldnt need to discuss it if he was alive. We would have heard it from his mouth eventually had he been able to straighten himself and get healthy again.

Of course, I agree. But, Elvis' life was discussed almost from the beginning.
There wasn't an Internet, but fans kept in touch with Newsletters and each other . Most loved Elvis and his music then. They followed him from concert to concert and each new "romance" he supposedly had .
Everyone was fascinated by Elvis.

[Donut]

Everyone was fascinated by Elvis.

True, and we still are. That´s another reason for all this dissection in my opinion ;)

[Diane]

Elvis may have inherited a tendency to depression from his mother but I believe it was a "learned" thing and not clinical. I also believe that Gladys suffered from post partum depression and you can't pass that on.

Diane

[Sonny]

The question is not if your body is a good one, or if anything is inherited.

The most healthy person will kill his body functions in time, and his moods first, by using large amounts of alcohol or meds over a long period of time.

[Diane]

I don't think anyone can argue with that. (y)(y)(y)

Diane

[Joe Car]

Elvis was down at times, and sometimes depressed.

But he was not suffering from a "heavy load of it". He was not a clinically diagnosed depressive, or even an undiagnosed one: the real signs of depression simply were not there.

And, overall, Elvis knew what he was getting himself in for. If it was getting too difficult nor dark earlier on, he could have backed off, and returned to truck driving.

His choices, his life, his responsibility.

And his only.

The real signs of depression were there, either Greil Marcus or Peter Guralnick, wrote about it this past August. If I find the article, I will post it. As somebody who has had a few close family members suffer from depression, no there's no doubt he definitely was effected by it, I would say off and on from 1973 until his death. A few Memphis Mafia guys have said as much, Joe Esposito comes too mind. Now I'm not saying that Elvis wasn't responsible for some of his problems, because he was, just as we all are for ourselves.

[Alessia]

The real signs of depression were there, either Greil Marcus or Peter Guralnick, wrote about it this past August. If I find the article, I will post it. As somebody who has had a few close family members suffer from depression, no there's no doubt he definitely was effected by it, I would say off and on from 1973 until his death. A few Memphis Mafia guys have said as much, Joe Esposito comes too mind. Now I'm not saying that Elvis wasn't responsible for some of his problems, because he was, just as we all are for ourselves.

Guralnick has talked about this in more than a few interviews. Here's one:

http://www.goelvis.com/2007/08/10/no-easy-answers-on-tragic-ending-drugs-deepening-depression-heredity-failed-relationships-and-creative-dilemma-share-blame/

[ricardo b. prospero]

I agree with Diane, Elvis life was more like a roller coaster ride with lots of downs and few ups. Perhaps, he had more than enough of his fame, fortune and glory that life become so boring and unbearable so he decided to move out. The pain and misery of his unsuccessful marriage and the presence of wrong company further added more pressure that pushed him to the limit. He is just human as you and I, and the law of gravity tells that what goes up must come down.

[Diane]

(y)(y)(y)

Diane

[cameron]

Guralnick has talked about this in more than a few interviews. Here's one:

http://www.goelvis.com/2007/08/10/no-easy-answers-on-tragic-ending-drugs-deepening-depression-heredity-failed-relationships-and-creative-dilemma-share-blame/

Thank you ,Alessia.
This explains more of the truth than anyone's said so far .
From a friend; but also a researcher into Elvis' life for the man.
Much appreciated !!

[Joe Car]

Guralnick has talked about this in more than a few interviews. Here's one:

http://www.goelvis.com/2007/08/10/no-easy-answers-on-tragic-ending-drugs-deepening-depression-heredity-failed-relationships-and-creative-dilemma-share-blame/

Thanks for finding that article for me. I think Peter Guralnick had an excellent grasp of what helped cause EP's demise.

[KPM]

Ok, when I read some stuff, I keep going back and thinking this. Is it any wonder that Elvis's life turned out as it did. Here was a boy (an I say boy because popularity came at a pretty young age)who became a sensation fast. He grew up in a situation of poverty, not a lot of education, and worldly experience. Bring into the factor that there was a pre-disposition for addiction. (I won't name all the people who died of it in the family but it is way prevelant) Now, he is put in the spot light and as soon as he is people come out of the woodwork wanting to cash in on his fame. This was a man who's greatest desire was to play and sing, and give to other through music, to lift their spirits (as that was the function of it when he was young)and to share his gift. And what did he get in return...adoring fans who made living a normal life nearly impossible, money, which he lacked the ability to handle and put it in bad hands, and a watered-down version of his talent for years. Then when he got married, his wifes motives IMO were questionable. (look at his face and you will see that no matter how you think he acted in marriage) it was by far as close to a real life as he could have, and a family/Lisa brought him shear joy. Then that is all ripped away from him. Now, I know what some will say, lots of people go through a lot of stuff. But that's not my point, it is the make up of Elvis and the whole picture of what happened that makes me think, why be shocked at how it all turned out.
Red West made a statement much to the same effect in the Book "Elvis UP Close" I posted it once in another thread but basically he says "How else could all this have gone?"

[utmom2008]

Guralnick has talked about this in more than a few interviews. Here's one:

http://www.goelvis.com/2007/08/10/no-easy-answers-on-tragic-ending-drugs-deepening-depression-heredity-failed-relationships-and-creative-dilemma-share-blame/
Thanks for that post...very interesting reading.(y)

[Diane]

I don't see how anyone could argue about Elvis not being depressed about his life, career etc. I don't believe he was "clinically depressed" but he still suffered some heavy bouts of it and I believe it contributed to his addiction. We all saw it in photos, in concerts and it was mentioned in many books. Money and fame doesn't buy happiness.

Diane

[MissyM]

We all get depressed. I used to suffer from PMS something aweful. And then depending on the challenges and crisis's we have in life, that depression is exaggerated. I had 5 deaths in my family in three years. (2 suicides) I thought I'd never feel happy again. I just went through life like a zombie, I tell ya. And I am normally a very up person. And love to laugh, dance and have fun. But I didn't have the number of people depending on me, a grueling schedule, or some of the challenges that Elvis had. I so wanted to turn to something to numb the pain. And often all I wanted to do was sleep, as that was an escape too. So, I do see the emotional instability some in Elvis's family had and then life just happens. (doo doo happens!) And everyone gets sad because life is not all that easy. So I guess my point is that there is a fine line between having clinical depression and being sad over life. And sometimes those two things cross over. That's why /where it gets complicated.

[Getlo]

From a friend; but also a researcher into Elvis' life for the man.

"Tickets", as we say here in Australia ...

[KPM]

Uh Uhn, not bi-polar. My sister in-law had that and Elvis' personality traits were nowhere near the same. His symptoms were drug induced. I also know a couple of "clinically depressed" people and Elvis laughed and still had a great sense of humor which clinically depressed people lose for the most part.

Diane
My ex-sister in law was diagnosed Bi polar(manic depressant)- but she did have periods of extreme highs where she had all the energy in the world and was pleasant to be around-the time length for these good periods varied, couple days couple weeks. The she'd be down for weeks and not want to see anyone, no energy, slept alot etc. She and my brother divorced when she would not go to her doctor anymore and quit taking the medicine.
Got this from a site on Manic Depression:
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/6975/1/Manic-Depressant.html
There are different types of depression that a person can experience. Manic depressant or as the medical community calls it bipolar disorder is one such depression type. Depression disorders like manic depressant are mood disorders. They need to be treated with medical advice and medication coupled with therapy.

In manic depressant there are two poles of extreme mood swings. There will be a phase of euphoric high or mania followed a brief spell of normalcy then feelings of complete and utter worthlessness and sadness. The manic depressant mood changes are episodic. As these mood disorders originate from the brain manic depressant is also considered as a neurological brain disorder. Untreated, manic depressant will end up becoming a manic illness. There are three different phases of manic depression. They are hypomania, acute mania and delirious mania.

The symptoms of manic depressant can include sadness, low self esteem, excessive sleep, insomnia, lack of interest in daily activities, trouble focusing, thoughts of death or suicide, inability to concentrate, feeling worthless, changes in appetite, lots of energy, grand plans and thoughts, thoughts of self importance, quick thinking and speech patterns, irrational behavior, fearlessness, spending excessive amounts of money, alcohol and drug abuse, loss of self control and good judgment and prolonged periods without sleep.
Hypomania is the phase of manic depressant where activity and thoughts of the person are speeded up. As there is an intense feeling of euphoria there is less need for sleep. However the person in the grip of hypomania will also feel irritated with other people. Their thought process while it is quick is still logical. While they may feel in control over all aspects of a situation, they are unable to see the consequences. The hypomania depressant person will refuse to seek help and medication.

Personally I think Elvis's actions at times falls under this description.

[utmom2008]

We all get depressed. I used to suffer from PMS something aweful. And then depending on the challenges and crisis's we have in life, that depression is exaggerated. I had 5 deaths in my family in three years. (2 suicides) I thought I'd never feel happy again. I just went through life like a zombie, I tell ya. And I am normally a very up person. And love to laugh, dance and have fun. But I didn't have the number of people depending on me, a grueling schedule, or some of the challenges that Elvis had. I so wanted to turn to something to numb the pain. And often all I wanted to do was sleep, as that was an escape too. So, I do see the emotional instability some in Elvis's family had and then life just happens. (doo doo happens!) And everyone gets sad because life is not all that easy. So I guess my point is that there is a fine line between having clinical depression and being sad over life. And sometimes those two things cross over. That's why /where it gets complicated.
Very well said MissyM! (y)(y) When you go through things like that and life gets you down, you don't care if it's clinical or non-clinical. All you know is that you and your so called life feel like the pitts....(n)

[KPM]

For the most part, yes they were.

Sure, in his last month, he went a bit weird by spending most of his time in his room, but the symptoms of clinical or long-term depression, or even bi-polar simply were not there.

Everyone gets down and depressed; Elvis was no exception.
I seem to recall there were periods in the 60s where he would stay in his room for 3 or 4 days at a time. It seems like Billy Smith has said he would stay in his room for days on end at times. Now I do not remember where I read or heard it-before someone jumps me to "VERIFY" the statement. But never the less I recall hearing or reading it. Now if someone does not believe it and they want to hunt through the 60 books I've read and start hunting interviews with insiders to verify or disprove it-its fine by me. I just recall something to that effect somewhere along the way. I also recall Lamar saying something about being Elvis being couped up in his room all the time with the air conditioning so high you could hang meat in there.

One other thing in order to be diagnosed properly you have to go to a shrink- so the fact that there is no official diagnosis of Elvis for any psychiatric disorder-does not rule out he had one.

[Cryogenic]

There have been some very compassionate responses in here and I have enjoyed reading them. Great work, guys.

[Diane]

I did not know that bi-polar and manic depressive was the same thing, just a modern name for the same problem??? I have to admit my ignorance about this. All I know about any type of depressives is what I have witnessed in knowing someone with the problem.

My husband's cousin was diagnosed as a manic depressive and if she wasn't on her meds, she would disappear for weeks, she made up tall stories, she lied and she looked perfectly normal when doing it. It was very hard to know whether she was telling the truth or not. We would find out from other members of the family what really happened.

I also worked as secretary for a lady who ran her husband's construction company and she was very similar, tall tales and outright lying. She would have me set up a new filing system and before it was done, would decide to have it done another way on and on. In the year and a half I worked for her, the filing system was still not complete. I dont even want to talk about what she wanted done with the payroll....I couldn't take anymore....I left. I liked her but dealing with her as an employee was impossible...we just stayed friends afterwards.

So knowing these people and dealing with them, I cannot see any resemblance to Elvis' personality. I guess he could have been a milder case, not for me to judge as I'm certainly not an expert.

Diane

[cameron]

While I do have some medical experience; I would never attempt to diagnose anyone without seeing them in person for a complete evaluation.

My opinion has come by observing the mans physical appearance, actions etc. that we've been allowed to see or hear about.
{and who can say if that's correct}
It's been over years of watching him, hearing others opinions that were around him that has let me have my tentative perception.
I became "an Elvis watcher" ,not necessarilly of just his concerts.
I just looked for more instead of accepting "the drug story".
The kinds of drugs found in that autopsy were not enough to
explain his life , IMO.

IF he had any psychological evaluation , it's been hidden and I have my doubts it will ever be known. For some reason, these types of illnesses were frowned upon then and were kept hidden .{even today} Mores the pity, as many could have been helped , both then and now.

I enjoyed the man , his laughter and his music. I'll just have to be content with that .

[Sonny]

In fact it is very simple.

And don't hate me for sayin this, cuz Elvis always was part of my life.

But he did it to himself. No matter what anyone says to an addict in any form, will help. In 99 out of 100 cases they think they know what they are doing.

In Elvis' case, the fast life, the having meds had no limit. On top of that he needed them (or thought he did) to perform.

That is what killed him.

[cameron]

In fact it is very simple.

And don't hate me for sayin this, cuz Elvis always was part of my life.

But he did it to himself. No matter what anyone says to an addict in any form, will help. In 99 out of 100 cases they think they know what they are doing.

In Elvis' case, the fast life, the having meds had no limit. On top of that he needed them (or thought he did) to perform.

That is what killed him.

I never hate anyone giving an opinion. How could anyone.
There is and always has been reasons for any addiction.
Be it drugs, sex, eating etc. Take your pick. ;)
It just wasn't widely known or accepted in earlier years.

Ultimately, it was his choice because it was his body....{or more realistly to me }, his belief that he had to take care of everyone around him, no matter the consequences to himself or his health.

[Diane]

I think it was simply a matter of Elvis feeling he needed the pills to be able to cope with his life and career, just as alcoholics do and both feel they are in complete control which of course they are not...they are controlled by the substances they use. Some addicts get a wake-up call, some don't and he didn't, at least not in time.

Diane

[SleepyJack]

I think it would have been difficult to get Elvis off the prescribed drugs,he justified them to himself too easily....he would have had plenty of good reasons for them(as far as he was concerned)....if he had been doing the "Rock`n`Roll" drugs,in a big way...then maybe it would have been easier to show him his problem...or let him have his own scares.Sometimes,I think people don`t realise how much he knew about drugs.....lots.

[utmom2008]

IF he had any psychological evaluation , it's been hidden and I have my doubts it will ever be known. For some reason, these types of illnesses were frowned upon then and were kept hidden .{even today} Mores the pity, as many could have been helped , both then and now.

I enjoyed the man , his laughter and his music. I'll just have to be content with that .

Don't faint and fall in the floor Cameron, but I agree with you!:xmas:

[cameron]

Don't faint and fall in the floor Cameron, but I agree with you!:xmas:


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/zorahday/out.gif

Too late, I'm a gonner .;)

[utmom2008]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/zorahday/out.gif

Too late, I'm a gonner .;)
:lmfao::lmfao: (y)(y)

[KPM]

I did not know that bi-polar and manic depressive was the same thing, just a modern name for the same problem??? I have to admit my ignorance about this. All I know about any type of depressives is what I have witnessed in knowing someone with the problem.

My husband's cousin was diagnosed as a manic depressive and if she wasn't on her meds, she would disappear for weeks, she made up tall stories, she lied and she looked perfectly normal when doing it. It was very hard to know whether she was telling the truth or not. We would find out from other members of the family what really happened.

I also worked as secretary for a lady who ran her husband's construction company and she was very similar, tall tales and outright lying. She would have me set up a new filing system and before it was done, would decide to have it done another way on and on. In the year and a half I worked for her, the filing system was still not complete. I dont even want to talk about what she wanted done with the payroll....I couldn't take anymore....I left. I liked her but dealing with her as an employee was impossible...we just stayed friends afterwards.

So knowing these people and dealing with them, I cannot see any resemblance to Elvis' personality. I guess he could have been a milder case, not for me to judge as I'm certainly not an expert.

Diane
Unfortunately it is so hard to know when someone is just "peculiar" or when they really have a problem such as this one we are talking about. But its safe to say when you are dealing with how the mind works and how it goes off kilter that it is pretty varied in its effect and severity from person to person.
I noticed some of the signs of Manic depressants were alcohol abuse and drug abuse, extravagance etc...some of these things would be right up Elvis's alley- so to speak. Dr. Nick had him on some form of anti-depressants for years , ELAVIL is one that I recall Nick saying he had him on.

[KPM]

In fact it is very simple.

And don't hate me for sayin this, cuz Elvis always was part of my life.

But he did it to himself. No matter what anyone says to an addict in any form, will help. In 99 out of 100 cases they think they know what they are doing.

In Elvis' case, the fast life, the having meds had no limit. On top of that he needed them (or thought he did) to perform.

That is what killed him.
I would never hate anyone for an opinion.:xmas:
But- IMO no one knowingly sets out to become an addict. Some people are prone to addictions and I have pointed this out in other threads with some medical quotes on addictions, some gene research which has found addictions can be traced to heritage etc. People who are prone to addictions don't set out to get addicted-it happens and they for the most part don't believe it -"I can quit anytime I want" is a frequent reply to questions about over use and abuse of substances.
So I think its something a blanket statement of any kind does not cover completely.

[Diane]

Oh shoot KPM, didn't know that either about Dr. Nick prescribing anti-depressants for Elvis and they themselves I've heard can cause a multitude of problems too...as in Prozac etc.

Diane

[cameron]

In all fairness ; I don't think any Elvis site would or could be up to discussing and examining the individual medications that Elvis was prescribed . Unless it was just set up for that purpose.
Of which, I belong to two and I tend to forget where I am sometimes , :blush:

[KPM]

Oh shoot KPM, didn't know that either about Dr. Nick prescribing anti-depressants for Elvis and they themselves I've heard can cause a multitude of problems too...as in Prozac etc.

Diane
Got this off the web:
Dr Nick prescribed all of Elvis's regular tour drugs. Elvis had 14 different drugs in him when he died. The list of what they found at autopsy was: Codeine - Morphine - Quaaludes - Valium - Diazepam - Placidyl - Amytal - Nembutal - Carbrital - Demerol - Sinutab - Elavil - Avental - Valmid
All of there I highlighted have something to do with inducing sleep or anxiety problems Elavil is an anti-depressant. I looked all of them up because I am not an expert on them either.
I have taken Elavil and it did not help my depression at the time-I did not like it at all.

[Diane]

Thanks for the information on the drugs KPM. I've only taken two valiums in my life late in my teens when the doctors were prescribing them for almost everything and I didn't like the sluggish feeling I got from them so dumped them down the commode. I've battled any depression I've had since on my own and it's never been fun but I hate pills and don't trust doctors so I just wait them out.

I've had 3 different prescriptions pulled off the market in the last four years and that's enough for me to take only what is absolutely necessary and I hate even to do that...I'm asthmatic and have been since childhood so no choice there if I want to breathe. Advil is my only other friend and I'm careful with it.;)

Diane

[KPM]

Thanks for the information on the drugs KPM. I've only taken two valiums in my life late in my teens when the doctors were prescribing them for almost everything and I didn't like the sluggish feeling I got from them so dumped them down the commode. I've battled any depression I've had since on my own and it's never been fun but I hate pills and don't trust doctors so I just wait them out.

I've had 3 different prescriptions pulled off the market in the last four years and that's enough for me to take only what is absolutely necessary and I hate even to do that...I'm asthmatic and have been since childhood so no choice there if I want to breathe. Advil is my only other friend and I'm careful with it.;)

Diane
I agree, for every benefit that drug companies advertise for their products there are a dozen side effects to weigh. Plus there is the unknown of what possible problems may be found 5 over 10 years down the line. I have had to take some regular medicines in the past, but for the last 5 years I am taking nothing. I have "white coat itis" so doctors and hospitals are my least favorite things.;)

[cameron]

Got this off the web:
Dr Nick prescribed all of Elvis's regular tour drugs. Elvis had 14 different drugs in him when he died. The list of what they found at autopsy was: Codeine - Morphine - Quaaludes - Valium - Diazepam - Placidyl - Amytal - Nembutal - Carbrital - Demerol - Sinutab - Elavil - Avental - Valmid
All of there I highlighted have something to do with inducing sleep or anxiety problems Elavil is an anti-depressant. I looked all of them up because I am not an expert on them either.
I have taken Elavil and it did not help my depression at the time-I did not like it at all.

Almost everyone of those meds. are depressants . Interesting ,huh ?