Four years ago this week, (the third week of February) I was discharged from Spring Harbor, a psychiatric hospital in Westbrook, Maine. It was my most recent hospitalization. I have been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for more than 40 years, sometimes on a voluntary basis; other times as an involuntary patient. I have … Continue reading The Dangerous Type
Tag: Stigma & Mental Health
Time out
We are all, it seems, struggling to come to terms with what happened yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut. As the awful news began to unfold, I urged friends and family members to pause and refrain from using this tragedy to further support political/policy agendas. I was unable, --am still unable --- to comprehend what happened. It … Continue reading Time out
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’
Pocketful of Kryptonite
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
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
(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
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 