Thank you for writing this story. I have a similar one, but my first visit was in 1977. I was diagnosed as being in a manic phase of what is now called bipolar disorder. I was on top of the world, I had one hallucination that was a revelation.
My life since then has been mostly good, with a few episodes in ten year intervals, but none for many years now. I have an excellent doctor and I take care of myself.
I do believe that the brain is still something of a mystery as far as these types of mental illnesses. Mine is considered to be a chemical imbalance, and the med that works for me is used primarily as an anti seizure drug.
I have been intimately associated with this topic and lived with it in my family all my life. I knew of some of your history. You courageously sharing your story opens the door for others to do the same. I have followed in my family's difficult genetic history myself. Fortunately, as a nurse and counselor I've had the opportunity to work towards opening the door for mental health in Des Moines. My own family history has made it a personal passion for me.
Julie, Tks for ur candor. We have know each other for years but not really. U have always been special and toMe and somewhat untouchable. Now u seem touchable . Love 💕
I just remembered, didn’t Jim Autrey have an experience remarkably similar to yours after his “open heart” surgery? (I just love the irony! The poetry of that.)
There are a number of spiritual writers who line up with at-one-ment, St. Francis of Assisi, Matthew Fox, and Richard Rohr to name a few—Exceptionally kind and loving people. You probably know that when Native Americans refer to their ancestors, they mean Every Living (or past living) Creature. Lewis Mehl-Medrona, M.D., in “Coyote Medicine” asks why not study the miracle healings? They may be outside the realm of our normal experience, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real. In his eyes, all healing involves the spirit. Regardless of your beliefs, thank you for being vulnerable and so honest. There’s a balm!
This is very powerful testimony, Julie. Thank you for telling us about you. It simply confirms my belief that you will always be one of the most genuine people I will ever know. Thank you for being you.
As CBH said, some of this I knew, and some I didn't. Your story is amazing and I'm so thankful that you shared it in such detail. Keep hitting "publish." Love you.
Julie, what an important piece at an important time. Thank you for sharing something so personal and poignant and helping us all better understand the experiences of those with mental illness in such an approachable, relatable way. Beautiful.
Julie, this was just amazing. Some I knew, some I didn’t. And some day I’ll tell you about locking eyes with a young black boy sitting in class at Robert E Lee (I kid you not) elementary school while I was in a car going to the dentist. I must have been 16 or so. I love your writing, I love who you are.
You continue to amaze, impress, entertain, educate and in the end, reiterate each of us are human with your varied writings. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly.
Thank you for writing this story. I have a similar one, but my first visit was in 1977. I was diagnosed as being in a manic phase of what is now called bipolar disorder. I was on top of the world, I had one hallucination that was a revelation.
My life since then has been mostly good, with a few episodes in ten year intervals, but none for many years now. I have an excellent doctor and I take care of myself.
I do believe that the brain is still something of a mystery as far as these types of mental illnesses. Mine is considered to be a chemical imbalance, and the med that works for me is used primarily as an anti seizure drug.
Thanks for the candor, wisdom, and memories of Gordon Gammack and Harold Hughes.
I have been intimately associated with this topic and lived with it in my family all my life. I knew of some of your history. You courageously sharing your story opens the door for others to do the same. I have followed in my family's difficult genetic history myself. Fortunately, as a nurse and counselor I've had the opportunity to work towards opening the door for mental health in Des Moines. My own family history has made it a personal passion for me.
What an incredible and brave piece. Thanks for sharing it!
Julie, Tks for ur candor. We have know each other for years but not really. U have always been special and toMe and somewhat untouchable. Now u seem touchable . Love 💕
Good for you, Jules, for sharing this!
I just remembered, didn’t Jim Autrey have an experience remarkably similar to yours after his “open heart” surgery? (I just love the irony! The poetry of that.)
There are a number of spiritual writers who line up with at-one-ment, St. Francis of Assisi, Matthew Fox, and Richard Rohr to name a few—Exceptionally kind and loving people. You probably know that when Native Americans refer to their ancestors, they mean Every Living (or past living) Creature. Lewis Mehl-Medrona, M.D., in “Coyote Medicine” asks why not study the miracle healings? They may be outside the realm of our normal experience, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real. In his eyes, all healing involves the spirit. Regardless of your beliefs, thank you for being vulnerable and so honest. There’s a balm!
This is very powerful testimony, Julie. Thank you for telling us about you. It simply confirms my belief that you will always be one of the most genuine people I will ever know. Thank you for being you.
Your comments dispel the reasons for hesitation I had before publishing this column.
Thank you. Thank you. And especially thank you to those who are sending me private messages of your own experiences. Wow. Just wow.
Girl no longer interrupted?
As CBH said, some of this I knew, and some I didn't. Your story is amazing and I'm so thankful that you shared it in such detail. Keep hitting "publish." Love you.
Wow. Excellent telling of your struggles. ❤️😘
Julie, what an important piece at an important time. Thank you for sharing something so personal and poignant and helping us all better understand the experiences of those with mental illness in such an approachable, relatable way. Beautiful.
Julie, this was just amazing. Some I knew, some I didn’t. And some day I’ll tell you about locking eyes with a young black boy sitting in class at Robert E Lee (I kid you not) elementary school while I was in a car going to the dentist. I must have been 16 or so. I love your writing, I love who you are.
You continue to amaze, impress, entertain, educate and in the end, reiterate each of us are human with your varied writings. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly.