In 1995 I started working at a state psychiatric facility. Chronic mental illness can be terrifying, devastating, and tragic. I came with my own biases and prejudices about the life of a state hospital patient. The people were in fact sicker than any I had ever met. But while performing my duties, I found myself with the time and space to get to know those suffering with a mental illness in a way not possible in any of my previous clinical settings. I saw the same people, day after day, week after week, and in some cases year after year.
The work changed me. I was prepared for the pain, but I wasn’t ready for the vibrancy, the creativity, and the life lessons waiting for me there. I decided to keep a journal to document all the inventive, sad, touching, painful, daring, and stunning things the patients did and said.
I retired recently, after 26 years. Reading some of the entries, I relived how the experience guided me to a better, healthier life. Now with added years and distance, I'm discovering insights I didn't fully grasp back then. The deepest truths act that way in my life; revealing layers of themselves over time.
This newsletter will be a weekly (hopefully) celebration meant to entertain, demystify, uplift, and honor mentally ill patients and the staff who work with them. But also, since we are all at least a little insane, there will be noteworthy bits for everyone.
Can't wait to read more!