How Smart Are You? A Personal Insight
When people ask me how smart I am, I often reflect on my experiences rather than trying to quantify my intelligence with a numerical score. Intelligence, for me, goes beyond the numbers and encompasses my ability to understand, learn, and contribute positively to the world. I rate my intelligence highly, around 130 on the IQ scale, but my personal experiences have taught me that intelligence is conditional and deeply intertwined with my mental health.
Medical Episodes and Intellectual Capacity
Several medical episodes have profoundly influenced my understanding of intelligence. Years ago, I had a housemate who never respected me. During his time living in my home, I noticed something unusual about his neck. A simple touch indicated that it could be a Goiter or Thyroid mass, potentially even Thyroid Cancer. I advised him to see an endocrinologist and have a thyroid scan, which he eventually did. His diagnosis later confirmed my initial suspicion, and he ultimately went through chemotherapy and achieved remission.
Another impactful experience was when my young sister developed a rare condition, Pheochromocytoma, affecting a mere 0.1% of the population. This condition often has a malignant component, and unfortunately, hers did. Identifying the right doctor and receiving appropriate treatment became crucial for her recovery. Through extensive research, I connected her with one of the top endocrinologists in the United States, who offered experimental chemo-radiotherapy. Today, she is in her seventh year of remission.
These experiences have solidified my belief that my intellectual capacity is not static but highly dependent on various factors, including my mental health.
Mental Health and Intellectual Capacity
Intellectual growth is not isolated from mental health. My journey with mental health conditions like Aspergers, ADHD, and Schizophrenia has taught me the importance of proper treatment for maintaining my intellectual capabilities. For about two decades, I had not taken ADHD medication, and the impact was significant. Without medication, my intellectual capacity waned, leading to eccentric behavior and vulnerability to substance abuse. Being in good mental health is not just a state of being; it is a complex web of conditions and treatments that can either enhance or hinder my intellectual potential.
I take ADHD medication to keep my mind sharp and stable, but my mental health condition also spurges me with a hunger for knowledge and a relentless pursuit of answers. My sister's challenges and my own experiences have shown me that a stable mental state is essential for intellectual engagement and success. The regularity and availability of appropriate treatment are critical, as my experiences taught me the risks of neglecting these factors.
A Personal Perspective on Mental Health and Intelligence
While I acknowledge my potential intelligence, I also recognize the conditional nature of it. My cognitive abilities ebb and flow depending on my mental health and treatment. This has made me acutely aware of the fragility of my condition and the importance of daily gratitude and vigilance in managing my health. It is a constant reminder that mental health is as vital as physical health, and both are essential for sustained intellectual growth and well-being.
My personal journey with mental health and the associated challenges have not only shaped my understanding of intelligence but also fostered a deep empathy and openness in discussing mental health issues. My experiences have shown me the power of knowledge and the importance of reaching out for help when needed.