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A Cage, a Star, and my own Depression

By birdbreather Thursday, October 01, 2009

I haven't posted in a while. I thought I would touch on a few topics.

 

Personally, I have been going through a horrible depression. I haven't left the house in two weeks. I know that many of you here can understand how brutal these depressions can be.

 

On another note, I recently viewed a great film about Bipolar disorder. Its called "A Summer in the Cage". The film was shot over a 7 year period and it follows a former college basketball player who is overcome by bipolar when he turns 30. I recommend it to anyone who has biploar or is caring for a loved one with bipolar. Its the best film I have seen on the disorder.

 

And then there is Delonte West. A star shooting gaurd for the Cleveland Caviliers who has dealt with bipolar very publicly. Recently, while driving his motorcyle in Maryland, he was stopped for speeding and it was discovered three loaded weapons including a shotgun that he was carrying in a guitar case that was strapped to his back. He will face gun charges at some point in the future. Now he has missed the first two days of practice which has created a stir in the local media covering the team. Even if you don't like sports Delonte is a guy you can admire for his courage. My thoughts and prayers go out to Delonte, whom I admire as a ball player and for how he dealt with everything so publicly. But, what has really been encouraging, is the reaction of his teammates and the orginazation. They have all come out to support him publicly and have said they will welcome him back with open arms. I view this as a potentially positive step in the way that Bipolar is viewed by the public.

 

I would love to read your thoughts on this.

Brain Injury and Bipolar
Anonymous
tabby
10/ 1/09 1:57pm

I do not know of this Delonte for I don't follow sports but I do find it encouraging that he is public with his personal illness and that his teammates are supportive to him when so many, in society, are so prejudiced and prone to stigmatizing those with any form of mental illness.

 

As for you... I am so glad to see you again. 

I have often wondered about you and how you've been.

So many come, offer so much to this website, and then quiety disappear liken into the night and I do wonder about folks I've come to know over time...

 

I'm sorry about the depressive episode... I do so completely get where you are at

 

10/ 2/09 8:28am

I am glad to see you, too.  I've been browsing the site, wondering where you've been.  I'm on the sad side of town myself.  September has been brutal.  Welcome back!

By birdbreather— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/01/09