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.

Once in a lifetime

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Of course it happened in Biddeford. Okay, so maybe it could have happened in Sanford, Lewiston or Rumford but really - - what’s the difference? I’m speaking, of course, about the so-called sting video that was meant to prove rampant abuse of welfare benefits in Maine. The undercover, amateur video was shot in the Biddeford … Continue reading Once in a lifetime

Janie’s Got A Gun

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

It was 12 years ago last week when two students at Columbine High School used a variety of weapons, including homemade propane bombs, a shotgun, a semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm handgun in a massacre that left 12 of their classmates and one teacher dead before both shooters committed suicide. In the days before the … Continue reading Janie’s Got A Gun

Pocketful of Kryptonite

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Although it was 30 years ago this week, I still remember the day like it was yesterday. I came home from high school and flipped on the television. The news was on, and that was strange because this was long before the days of CNN, MSNBC or Fox News. Back then, there was no such … Continue reading Pocketful of Kryptonite

Testimony in support of LD 364

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

A copy of the testimony I presented to the Maine Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and Financial Services on March 2, 2011 Re: LD 364, Resolve, Directing Updated Review and Evaluation of Maine's Mental Health Parity Law  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you … Continue reading Testimony in support of LD 364

Tucson shootings and the costs of stigma

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

(originally published in the January 11, 2011 Portland Press Herald) The horrific event that transpired in Tucson on Saturday has inspired more than ample discussion regarding the tone and spirit of our nation's political discourse. Despite all the fervent commentary, there is one piece of this puzzle that remains largely glossed over, however. And this … Continue reading Tucson shootings and the costs of stigma

Uncle Bert

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Originally posted on Dec. 22, 2005 on All Along The Watchtower. Last week, I thought today would be little more than a day of drinking and celebrating with my co-workers and those I developed relationships with during the last seven years as the Courier's editor. But God had different plans. So, instead I will be … Continue reading Uncle Bert