Freud observed what he called the uncanny effect of epileptic fits, of manifestations of insanity. These effects, he observed, excited in the spectator the impression of automatic, mechanical processes at work behind the 'ordinary appearance of mental activity. I believe that The Uncanny applies to mental illness in at least these 3 ways: 1) From the spectator's point of view, as Freud addressed. Those who have witnessed someone in a state of mania report that the person seems to be "somewhere else" with a particular look in their eyes. Understandably, friends and family who witness a loved one during a manic episode worry about the person's safety and usually question the person's behavior and (lack of) rationale. 2) From the mentally ill individual's perspective; all the uncanny ideas, fears, beliefs, thoughts & compulsions. These vary, but can involve grandiose thoughts, delusions, detachment from reality, hallucinations, racing thoughts, heightened energy, euphoria, and feelings of invincibility. Often times, a manic individual believes supernatural messages are being communicated to them via various objects and media such as the radio or TV. As I develop this project, I plan to examine personal stories and experiences involving mania and the signs of mania. 3) From a scientific (and possibly Neurotheological) perspective which examines specific parts of the brain and universal processes. I will try to understand and relay various theories that deal with chemicals in the brain, imbalances, and various studies/theories which relate to my topic.
For my project, I choose to focus on this definition of Uncanny: "mysterious, arousing superstitious fear or dread; having or seeming to have a supernatural or inexplicable basis; beyond the ordinary or normal; extraordinary"
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