Imagine having clinical manic-depression and persevering to
achieve a PhD in clinical psychology, getting tenure at one of the elite
academic institutions in the country, and writing numerous journal articles and
book chapters while conducting research and running a clinic all at the same
time? Enter the world of Dr. Kay
Redfield Jamison whose struggles led her to suicide attempts, moments of
exhalations, followed by deep depressions.
Dr. Jamison risked a great deal by telling her true life story, starting
from her youth, through her success as a doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She was a pioneer in so many ways, now 70
years old, she not only broke a barrier for women entering the field, but also
living with the illness by taking lithium, which can be a very dangerous drug
to take. In her story, Jamison shares
the moments she first noticed the struggle, which is hereditary, (her father
also suffered from the illness), and the struggles at work, in love, and in
friendship. Her divorce, lost loves, and
finally finding her life partner were all explored. This is a brave woman, who has role modeled
how to overcome the odds, which were certainly stacked against her. Jamison shared the highs and lows and opened
her heart to the pains that caused her near death on a number of
occasions. What a brave woman. For anyone who has experienced mental illness
to someone close to them, this story opens up wounds, but knowing that there
may be answer warms the heart. Thanks
for sharing your journey Dr. Jamison.
Worth a read. Quick but
powerful.
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