My Newsletter

McMan's Depression and Bipolar Report

Knowledge is Necessity.

I'll Let My Readers Do The Talking

A sampling of unsolicited reader comments:

"This newsletter has been a blessing. I'm so glad that you are well enough and have the energy to do it. It means a lot."

"It is the most intellectually informative news I receive on mental health. I wait impatiently to read each issue ... Your emails are much more than what I receive from any related newsletter."

"I often copy articles for use at the support group."

"I just had to hospitalize my eight-year-old son for the fourth time this past Wednesday. He is bipolar, and your newsletter really informs me and helps me out."

"As always I find your newsletters not only informative but they also seem to evoke an emotional response in me."

"I want you to know what an educational, insightful, professional and compassionate e-newsletter you write and edit. Despite the gravity of the subject matter, your humanity and sense of humor shine through and I applaud all your efforts to educate, support and inspire."

Okay, My Turn

In June 1999, six months after I was diagnosed, I published my first Newsletter. My intention was to learn as I went along, applying my skills as a financial journalist to my own illness. Although financial journalism was extremely satifying, the people I was writing about and writing for were not real to me. That changed when I started writing about my illness. This time, my very life and well-being depended on what I was able to find out. Research became me-search and we-search.

In no time I was on a mission.

My early Newsletters were mainly short summaries of current research and popular press stories. Gradually, as I learned more, I was able to spot patterns in my research and connect dots. Over time, my reporting morphed from summaries to in-depth articles. From merely passing along information to putting it into some kind of context.

In 2004, I received my first public service award for my Newsletter - from NAMI-CT, the CT Psychiatric Society, and the Ct Dept of Mental Health.

In 2007, I was extremely gratified to receive the Mogens Schou Award for Public Service from the Seventh International Conference on Bipolar Disorder, attended by the world's top bipolar experts. The Awards were named in recognition and appreciation of the late Danish psychiatrist, Mogens Schou MD, Dr Med Sci, whose groundbreaking research and tireless efforts more than 50 years ago opened the door to lithium treatment, thereby changing the face of psychiatry. Dr Schou's work is universally acknowledged in saving the lives of millions and in allowing many millions more to lead productive lives.

“This year’s Mogens Schou Awards continue the strong tradition of honoring those heroes who are making major advances that bring hope to those suffering from bipolar disorder,” said David Kupfer MD, chair of the department of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

My fellow honorees from 2007 included the University of Barcelona powerhouse team of Francesc Colom PsyD, PhD, and Eduard Vieta MD, PhD who each received the Mogens Schou Award for Research. Their studies have been frequently cited in this Newsletter, especially in relation to the important field of psychoeducation. Dr Colom's and Vieta's innovations in this area represent ground-breaking advances in improved treatment adherence, illness management, and patient outcomes.

Rounding out the list of honorees was the Brazilian Association for Affective Disorders (ABRATA) for Education and Advocacy. Adriano Camargo, president of ABRATA, accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. The Conference cited the organization for its work in educating patients, their families, health professionals and the public, for patient and family support, advocacy, and encouraging research.

Past honorees have included Kay Jamison PhD, Husseini Manji MD, David Miklowitz PhD, and Jules Angst MD - all whose work is cited with great frequency on this Website and in my Newsletters.

I represent the first journalist to receive the award.

In my acceptance remarks at a special award function, I thanked the more than 300 people in attendance, whose research I have cited in my Newsletter and whose wisdom and insight has guided me over the years. "If it is important enough to tell your colleagues," I advised, "it's important enough to tell my readers - your patients."

The Newsletter is a free email service. Once a year, I conduct a fund drive, but there is no obligation to pay.

To sign up, email me and put "Newsletter" in the subject line.

Knowledge is Necessity

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