Being "mad' to me is a strong term--much like being "insane." And, yes, I have been both during my lifetime w/bipolar 1 disorder. I was "mad" & "insane" when I had my suicide attempts. I wasn't thinking rationallly, but despite being dxed w/bipolar I don't think I am "mad" all the time.
I work very hard not to be! I tell you being "mad" to me is being out of control & not in my rational mind so I don't think it is a "permanent" condition of depression or bipolar...
I can be very depressed yet not "mad" enough to attempt suicide.
I totally agree that the word Depression doesnot accurately convery what many sufferers, particularly of severe ongoing depressions, bipolar etc., have to endure. I have been told by so many 'We all get depressed' and that's true, but a real depressive episode, and ongoing moderate Depression with anxiety is Madness. Recently I lost my lover of 2years because of my Madness, the respect of his family [he's a widower] because of a crazy agitated outburst. Athough goaded, I wouldnot have done this, had I not been so angry and agitated and totally overcome by this madness that is full of backness and rage and impulsiveness, I sold my home many years ago during an awful bout of Depression, the results are life changing and I suffer daily from that mad action and many more to boot. Lets call a spade a spade, madness is surely when our thinking is distorted, warped, when we see no light, no hope, it is insantiy, and that is madness, add to this the physical and emotional pain and youve got a very very painful and isolating illness - Madness is real, it exists.
Rose Martin