As Nick grows older, his symptoms grow worse, and he becomes more and more depressed, even when times are "good." This is also common with the disease. Nick's brain did not see things the way others do, and he was like a confused child in many ways. Lithium helped the disease, which is also common, but it constantly has to be controlled, and so Nick endured highs and lows as the medication altered. He simply could not contend with the lows. The book very accurately portrays the life of a manic-depressive. It is clear to see how difficult it was for Nick, in the middle of it. It is also an accurate depiction of the progression of the disease, and how it affects everyone, from friends to family, and how difficult a disease it is to successfully treat.

Steel clearly indicates how difficult it is to live with this illness,...
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