Exhibit 101: Why I regularly blog about my own mental illness and stigma You may remember him from his classic role as Lewis Skolnik in the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds. But what you probably didn't know was that actor Robert Carradine battled with bipolar disease for nearly two decades. Photo: Wiki Fandom This … Continue reading Revenge of Bi-Polar illness
Tag: stigma
Crazy, homeless people: What do we do?
Originally published in the Bangor Daily News, September 23, 2025 A homeless encampment in Biddeford that was cleared by the city in 2024 (Seaver) In a lot of ways, I am probably a lot like you. I am a middle-aged, married white guy with a mortgage and a modest home in a quiet residential neighborhood … Continue reading Crazy, homeless people: What do we do?
Voices Carry
I understand that tensions are high, and that feelings are raw on the national political stage, but I still think we can engage in robust discussion and debate without marginalizing millions of Americans who suffer daily with varying degrees of mental illness. Reading some of the social media commentary regarding the U.S. Senate confirmation hearings … Continue reading Voices Carry
Take Five
My wife, Governor Paul Lepage, Bill Nemitz, a charity auction and the in-patient psychiatric unit at Maine Medical Center. How did these random things become connected last week, causing a bit of a stir on my Facebook page last night? Let's start at the top. Last week, just days before the election, Governor Paul LePage joked … Continue reading Take Five
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 