Songwriters write about their lives since their lyrics are a reflection of their personal experiences. Often a coping mechanism for dealing with a problem is to bring the problem out into the open. The singer and songwriter of the alternative rock band Blue October, Justin Furstenfeld explains in a suicide prevention video that he "struggled with bipolar disorder, psychiatric tendencies as well as anxiety issues throughout his life and admits that he self-harmed as a teenager and has recurrent suicidal thoughts” (Freunde fürs Leben, 2010). Many of the songs he wrote talk about his mental illness and the issues he faced. In the song X Amount of, Furstenfeld clearly wrote this song about his mental illnesses. The purpose of this song is how Furstenfeld describes what living with bipolar disorder is and how it affects his relationships with those he cares about and how he copes with it. Despite its catchy techno sound, the lyrics stand in stark contrast and reveal the emotional roller coaster that affects people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder According to Butcher, Hooley and Mineka, bipolar I disorder is a major depression associated with mania. Bipolar I disorder is distinguished from bipolar II disorder because manic episodes and major depression last a long time; at least a week (Butcher, Hooley, & Mineka, 2014, p. 239). Symptoms of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder include depression, anxiety, guilt, suicidal thoughts, and periods of energy that include irritability, angry mood, and inconsistent judgment (Butcher, Hooley, and Mineka, 2014, p. Furstenfeld mentions in the song about being triggered into a relapse and becoming very nervous...... middle of paper ...... Mood disorders and suicide. In Abnormal Psychology (16th ed.) (pp. 211-262). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Freunde fürs Leben (April 27, 2010). frnd.tv - Blue October, Part 1 (without subtitles) [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkNfbfWc_fs&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL97E39E500CB56A94 Furstenfeld, J. S. (2005). X Amount of [Registered by Blue October]. United States of America. Langer, A. (August 17, 2013). A musical shift from self-pity to gratitude - NYTimes.com. Retrieved February 15, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/us/a-musical-switch-from-self-pity-to-gratitude.html?_r=0Ramirez, C. (14 June 2011). Blue October's Justin Furstenfeld opens up about his mental breakdown. Retrieved February 14, 2014 from http://noisecreep.com/blue-october-justin-furstenfeld-talks-about-mental-breakdown/