Originally published Sept. 8, 2012 Over the last few days, I have learned some valuable lessons. First and foremost, I was reminded this week that I am extraordinarily blessed to have a diverse cadre of superior friends and family members. I also learned a valuable lesson about ladders, not to mention a very painful experience … Continue reading Shit happens
Category: MENTAL HEALTH & STIGMA
I have struggled with a significant mental illness (schizoaffective disorder) my entire adult life, including more than 20 hospitalizations (voluntary and involuntary) in five different states since 1982 and ECT treatments. Today, my illness is well-managed, and I an outspoken advocate for others who struggle with mental health challenges.
Conscience doth make Cowards of us all
Several months ago, I posted a blog entry that compared how people react to physical illnesses versus mental illnesses. In that post, I detailed the overwhelming support I received after breaking my arm in two places. I also bragged about how I refused to let it slow me down. Using only one arm, over a … Continue reading Conscience doth make Cowards of us all
Paper Thin
It was one of the worst places to watch the final game of the World Series. But it turned out that it was the best place to watch the final game of the World Series. I would dare say that watching the World Series from the confines of an in-patient psychiatric unit is about the most … Continue reading Paper Thin
Alpacas, Obamacare and the thin line
It's been a tough week for a lot of us. The days are getting shorter, the economy remains anemic and political rhetoric is intensifying in the face of a so-called government "shutdown." Just in the last seven days, our nation has witnessed some stunning and bizarre examples of citizen unrest. On Thursday, a woman suffering from … Continue reading Alpacas, Obamacare and the thin line
I think I’m turning Japanese
Two stories I found on the pages of the Portland Press Herald today: [Maine's] Riverview Psychiatric Center faces the loss of an estimated $20 million in federal funding because the federal government has decided that the hospital in Augusta has not solved staffing and governance problems." Full story The mother of a Connecticut woman who was … Continue reading I think I’m turning Japanese
Just Ask Superman
Why do some people refuse to address their own or a loved-one's mental health issues? Well, do you remember the 1978 movie Superman? Do you remember what happened to its leading stars? Superman was a cheesy adaptation of the famous comic book hero and television show, but its cast was stunning. Some of Hollywood’s most enduring and … Continue reading Just Ask Superman
Catch 22
There is a disturbing new trend in the U.S. military, and it's killing our troops with increasing frequency. No, we're not talking about roadside bombs or militant terrorists. We're talking about something that is much more frightening: suicide. The U.S. military's highest court is wrestling this week with whether it makes sense to punish service … Continue reading Catch 22
Balance and perception a.k.a. ‘Shit happens’
Over the last few days, I have learned some valuable lessons. First and foremost, I was reminded this week that I am extraordinarily blessed to have a diverse cadre of superior friends and family members. I also learned a valuable lesson about ladders, not to mention a very painful experience that drove home the importance … Continue reading Balance and perception a.k.a. ‘Shit happens’
The world beyond your front door
Predictably, in the days following a massacre in an Aurora, Colo. movie theater, there has once again been a rallying cry for tighter gun control laws. Sadly, this knee-jerk reaction fails to address the much larger issue: No sane person would willingly open fire on an unarmed group of civilians. It's not about guns. It's … Continue reading The world beyond your front door
Even better than the first time
The first time was 29 years ago, in October 1982. The next time was a few months later, in August 1983. From there, it was a blur of revolving doors, various medications and racking up some serious medical bills for the next two decades. My disease first landed me at the Maine Medical Center. But … Continue reading Even better than the first time
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 