Iām so sorry for this deep depression and hope the medications can be tweaked effectively. I hope you can access the beautiful parts of yourself that emanate in your stunning and powerful work. šļø
Dear Richard: As a fellow sufferer of mental illness, I thank you for your courage and deep display of vulnerability. I think it is so important to openly discuss mental health/illness. Those of us who have suffered from it need to know weāre not alone. We can build strength, community and needed awareness about this subject that is still not talked about nearly enough. I wish you the best during your lifeās journey.
Lori, thank you so much for your wise and insightful comments. I agree with absolutely everything you said. Again, thank you. Wishing you the best during your life's journey as well.
Richard, thank you for writing this piece which was surely incredibly difficult. I'm also grateful to your supportive family and professionals who are helping to keep you safe. So grateful!
So sorry to hear of your struggle, Richard. Diana and I are sending you big love from Maine and wishing you patience, peace and an abiding sense of the warm light that shines from you and into the hearts of so many -- including us.
Thank you, Jeff for your kind words of love and support. I deeply appreciate you taking the time write, and I hope all is well with you and Diana. Sending love back to you both.
So sorry to hear this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Have you considered ketamine? It has been a miracle for me. In a doctor-controlled setting, of course.
Thank you, Carolyn, and thank you for sharing your positive experience with ketamine. My understanding is that ketamine is not usually prescribed for bipolar patients, but I will look into it further.
Major depression has to be among the worst conditions that any human being should be forced to bear. My dad suffered from Panic disorder, and my mom has suffered from major depression for decades. These are horrible conditions to witness in a loved one. Despite the genetic predisposition, Iāve not been afflicted. I remember dad calling me many years ago before he passed away with a warning that if I didnāt do something to help him with his uncontrolled emotional state that āhe would take care of itā. Scary words to hear from someone you love deeply. And mom could not be a kinder and more gentle and generous soul to bear the indignity of decades of crushing clinic depression. I understand you and your story. Hang in there! As you quoted, the happiness we experience in life canāt truly be appreciated without the experience of its counter.
Thanks so much for sharing your family experience, Paul. Though you personally aren't afflicted (thankfully!), your story illustrates the unfortunate ripple effect the disease has. My grandmother and two uncles were bipolar, while my mother and my two siblings were spared (I'm the lucky one). But EVERYONE's life was affected.
Thought Iād share this painting that Iām thinking of acquiring. Itās by an Alsatian artist named Lucien Weill. It reminds me of Grant Woodās American Gothic, which itself was inspired by Northern Renaissance paintings that Wood saw during his trips to Europe!
Thank you so much for sharing your deep personal story! My father has bipolar disease, so I am very familiar with what you describe and the struggle you are going through. I think it's wonderful that you can so clearly write about your state of mind and what you are and have been going through! Hope you can feel creative very soon. I so admire your work!
Richard, Iām so moved by your ability to observe and describe your experience with such insight and eloquence. Thank you for taking the risk to reveal your vulnerabilities and the harrowing inner odyssey youāve been on. Writing is an act of reclamation. Your words also help to connect us as humans in our darkest, most isolated places. Have you read Kay Jamesonās memoir, An Unquiet Mind, about her experiences as a psychiatrist with bipolar 1 disorder? Itās exquisite and may offer a source of validation and compassion. May you experience more hours of ease that turn into days that turn into months. May your creative instincts help heal you and guide you. Iām proud to call you family and Iām rooting for you. Sending care and love, Eva
Eva, thank you so much for your incredibly kind and eloquent words. I'm kind of blown away. I read Kay Jamison's memoir many years ago, but thanks for reminding me it's due for a rereading. Thank you also for your warm, wise words of encouragement. I am so touched, and of course also incredibly proud to call you family as well. Sending much love back to you, Richard
Sorry to see this. Hope you recover soon and are back to your creative self. I have experience with bipolar disorder having been married to someone who lives with it and all that it entails. Wish you the best.
Iām so sorry for this deep depression and hope the medications can be tweaked effectively. I hope you can access the beautiful parts of yourself that emanate in your stunning and powerful work. šļø
Thank you, Wendi, much appreciated.
Dear Richard: As a fellow sufferer of mental illness, I thank you for your courage and deep display of vulnerability. I think it is so important to openly discuss mental health/illness. Those of us who have suffered from it need to know weāre not alone. We can build strength, community and needed awareness about this subject that is still not talked about nearly enough. I wish you the best during your lifeās journey.
Lori, thank you so much for your wise and insightful comments. I agree with absolutely everything you said. Again, thank you. Wishing you the best during your life's journey as well.
Writing this is a huge achievement, dear Richard. Looking forward to talking soon.
Dear Richard,
I hope that you get stronger each day.. your work is beautiful and inspiring ! It is calling for you ..šš»
Thank you so much, Hilary!!
Richard, thank you for writing this piece which was surely incredibly difficult. I'm also grateful to your supportive family and professionals who are helping to keep you safe. So grateful!
Thank you for your kind and supportive words, Cindy. They mean a lot to me!
So sorry to hear of your struggle, Richard. Diana and I are sending you big love from Maine and wishing you patience, peace and an abiding sense of the warm light that shines from you and into the hearts of so many -- including us.
Thank you, Jeff for your kind words of love and support. I deeply appreciate you taking the time write, and I hope all is well with you and Diana. Sending love back to you both.
So sorry to hear this. I wish you a speedy recovery. Have you considered ketamine? It has been a miracle for me. In a doctor-controlled setting, of course.
Thank you, Carolyn, and thank you for sharing your positive experience with ketamine. My understanding is that ketamine is not usually prescribed for bipolar patients, but I will look into it further.
Major depression has to be among the worst conditions that any human being should be forced to bear. My dad suffered from Panic disorder, and my mom has suffered from major depression for decades. These are horrible conditions to witness in a loved one. Despite the genetic predisposition, Iāve not been afflicted. I remember dad calling me many years ago before he passed away with a warning that if I didnāt do something to help him with his uncontrolled emotional state that āhe would take care of itā. Scary words to hear from someone you love deeply. And mom could not be a kinder and more gentle and generous soul to bear the indignity of decades of crushing clinic depression. I understand you and your story. Hang in there! As you quoted, the happiness we experience in life canāt truly be appreciated without the experience of its counter.
Thanks so much for sharing your family experience, Paul. Though you personally aren't afflicted (thankfully!), your story illustrates the unfortunate ripple effect the disease has. My grandmother and two uncles were bipolar, while my mother and my two siblings were spared (I'm the lucky one). But EVERYONE's life was affected.
Hi Richard!
Thought Iād share this painting that Iām thinking of acquiring. Itās by an Alsatian artist named Lucien Weill. It reminds me of Grant Woodās American Gothic, which itself was inspired by Northern Renaissance paintings that Wood saw during his trips to Europe!
(Look at your text for the image)
Thank you so much for sharing your deep personal story! My father has bipolar disease, so I am very familiar with what you describe and the struggle you are going through. I think it's wonderful that you can so clearly write about your state of mind and what you are and have been going through! Hope you can feel creative very soon. I so admire your work!
Thank you, Shari, for your very kind and thoughtful comments. Much appreciated!
Richard, Iām so moved by your ability to observe and describe your experience with such insight and eloquence. Thank you for taking the risk to reveal your vulnerabilities and the harrowing inner odyssey youāve been on. Writing is an act of reclamation. Your words also help to connect us as humans in our darkest, most isolated places. Have you read Kay Jamesonās memoir, An Unquiet Mind, about her experiences as a psychiatrist with bipolar 1 disorder? Itās exquisite and may offer a source of validation and compassion. May you experience more hours of ease that turn into days that turn into months. May your creative instincts help heal you and guide you. Iām proud to call you family and Iām rooting for you. Sending care and love, Eva
Eva, thank you so much for your incredibly kind and eloquent words. I'm kind of blown away. I read Kay Jamison's memoir many years ago, but thanks for reminding me it's due for a rereading. Thank you also for your warm, wise words of encouragement. I am so touched, and of course also incredibly proud to call you family as well. Sending much love back to you, Richard
Sorry to see this. Hope you recover soon and are back to your creative self. I have experience with bipolar disorder having been married to someone who lives with it and all that it entails. Wish you the best.
Thank you for your kind words. And yes, unfortunately bipolar affects everyone in its orbit, as you obviously well know.
Thank you, Paula!!