The Truth from Ruth
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Thoughts on Lincoln and other famous folks with depression
By the way, this is me in Austin, TX being snapped by my friend Ricky after an extremely bizarre breakfast with our field instructor, Squirrely Shirley. I might have had a FEW Bloody Marys, but this is the only pic I have of myself, so LIVE WITH IT!
Topic for today: Lincoln and other famous persons with depression, stolen from About.com (http://depression.about.com/od/famous/):
Abraham Lincoln:
Lincoln was reported to suffer from "melancholia", which we know today as depression.
Adam Ant:
A brush with the law in 2002 revealed that Adam Ant, a British musician, had bipolar disorder.
Amy Tan:
Chinese American writer Amy Tan has said that her mother witnessed Tan's grandmother committing suicide. She believes that she, her mother and grandmother all have suffered from depression.
Anne Rice:
American writer Rice has suffered from depression due to long-term illness and the loss of her husband.
Billy Corgan:
American musician from the band The Smashing Pumpkins, reported to have suffered from deep depression while working hard on the band's albums.
Billy Joel:
At a low point in his life, Billy Joel attempted suicide by drinking a can of furniture polish.
Boris Yeltsin:
An article about the Russian president Boris Yeltsin, his depression, and his rumored alcohol problems.
Brian Wilson:
Beach Boy Brian Wilson suffered a breakdown in the 1970's due to mental illness and drug abuse.
Brooke Shields:
Brooke Shields was heavily criticized by fellow celebrity and Scientologist Tom Cruise when she revealed her struggles with postpartum depression and how antidepressants helped her cope.
Buzz Aldrin:
American astronaut and the second man to set foot on the moon, Aldrin reported in his autobiography Return to Earth that he suffered from alcoholism and depression following his NASA career.
David Bohm:
American physicist who experienced bouts of depression thoughout his life.
Dick Cavett:
American talk show host Dick Cavett has spoken openly about his depression, which began when he was in college. He was sued in 1997 by a producer for breach of contract when failing to show up for a nationally syndicated radio program. Cavett's lawyer confirmed to the Associated Press at the time that Cavett left due to a manic-depressive episode.
Drew Carey:
Comedian Drew Carey discussed his bouts with depression at Johns Hopkins University.
Harrison Ford:
Harrison Ford may be known best as the action hero "Indiana Jones", but few realize that as a child he was beaten and bullied.
Jim Carey:
Although known for his comedic versatility, Jim Carey revealed in a CBS interview in 2004 that he has suffered from bouts of depression.
John Denver:
When Denver's career fell into a slump in the '80s, he found himself alone without a wife, and began developing a serious problem with depression and alcohol.
Kurt Cobain:
Best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the grunge band Nirvana, Kurt Cobain died of a gunshot wound at the age of 27. The official cause of death is listed as suicide.
Marie Osmond:
Marie Osmond was one of the first celebrities to speak out about the reality of postpartum depression.
Mike Wallace:
Newscaster Mike Wallace showed us that even men, who often believe they must be strong and not show vulnerability, can become depressed.
Princess Diana:
Princess Diana revealed to the world that a fairytale life doesn't guarantee happiness.
Rodney Dangerfield:
Although diagnosed later in life with clinical depression, Dangerfield believed that it began early in his life due to a father who abandoned him and a mother whose cruel remarks made him feel worthless.
Sheryl Crow:
American musician who has said in press interviews that she suffered from depression.
Tennessee Williams:
American playwright who was reported to have a fear of becoming insane like his sister and went into a decade-long depression after the death of his lover.
Terry Bradshaw:
American Quarterback diagnosed with depression after his divorce who has been outspoken about the illness.
Trent Reznor:
American musician from the band Nine Inch Nails who says he suffered from depression in the late 90's. In a 1999 interview for Rolling Stone magazine, he said that "It just took me time to sit down and change my head and my life around. I had to slap myself in the face: 'If you want to kill yourself, do it, save everybody the fucking hassle. Or get your shit together.'"
Winston Churchill:
An essay about the depression of Winston Churchill.
Just goes to show YOU'RE NOT ALONE!
By the way, this is me in Austin, TX being snapped by my friend Ricky after an extremely bizarre breakfast with our field instructor, Squirrely Shirley. I might have had a FEW Bloody Marys, but this is the only pic I have of myself, so LIVE WITH IT!
Topic for today: Lincoln and other famous persons with depression, stolen from About.com (http://depression.about.com/od/famous/):
Abraham Lincoln:
Lincoln was reported to suffer from "melancholia", which we know today as depression.
Adam Ant:
A brush with the law in 2002 revealed that Adam Ant, a British musician, had bipolar disorder.
Amy Tan:
Chinese American writer Amy Tan has said that her mother witnessed Tan's grandmother committing suicide. She believes that she, her mother and grandmother all have suffered from depression.
Anne Rice:
American writer Rice has suffered from depression due to long-term illness and the loss of her husband.
Billy Corgan:
American musician from the band The Smashing Pumpkins, reported to have suffered from deep depression while working hard on the band's albums.
Billy Joel:
At a low point in his life, Billy Joel attempted suicide by drinking a can of furniture polish.
Boris Yeltsin:
An article about the Russian president Boris Yeltsin, his depression, and his rumored alcohol problems.
Brian Wilson:
Beach Boy Brian Wilson suffered a breakdown in the 1970's due to mental illness and drug abuse.
Brooke Shields:
Brooke Shields was heavily criticized by fellow celebrity and Scientologist Tom Cruise when she revealed her struggles with postpartum depression and how antidepressants helped her cope.
Buzz Aldrin:
American astronaut and the second man to set foot on the moon, Aldrin reported in his autobiography Return to Earth that he suffered from alcoholism and depression following his NASA career.
David Bohm:
American physicist who experienced bouts of depression thoughout his life.
Dick Cavett:
American talk show host Dick Cavett has spoken openly about his depression, which began when he was in college. He was sued in 1997 by a producer for breach of contract when failing to show up for a nationally syndicated radio program. Cavett's lawyer confirmed to the Associated Press at the time that Cavett left due to a manic-depressive episode.
Drew Carey:
Comedian Drew Carey discussed his bouts with depression at Johns Hopkins University.
Harrison Ford:
Harrison Ford may be known best as the action hero "Indiana Jones", but few realize that as a child he was beaten and bullied.
Jim Carey:
Although known for his comedic versatility, Jim Carey revealed in a CBS interview in 2004 that he has suffered from bouts of depression.
John Denver:
When Denver's career fell into a slump in the '80s, he found himself alone without a wife, and began developing a serious problem with depression and alcohol.
Kurt Cobain:
Best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the grunge band Nirvana, Kurt Cobain died of a gunshot wound at the age of 27. The official cause of death is listed as suicide.
Marie Osmond:
Marie Osmond was one of the first celebrities to speak out about the reality of postpartum depression.
Mike Wallace:
Newscaster Mike Wallace showed us that even men, who often believe they must be strong and not show vulnerability, can become depressed.
Princess Diana:
Princess Diana revealed to the world that a fairytale life doesn't guarantee happiness.
Rodney Dangerfield:
Although diagnosed later in life with clinical depression, Dangerfield believed that it began early in his life due to a father who abandoned him and a mother whose cruel remarks made him feel worthless.
Sheryl Crow:
American musician who has said in press interviews that she suffered from depression.
Tennessee Williams:
American playwright who was reported to have a fear of becoming insane like his sister and went into a decade-long depression after the death of his lover.
Terry Bradshaw:
American Quarterback diagnosed with depression after his divorce who has been outspoken about the illness.
Trent Reznor:
American musician from the band Nine Inch Nails who says he suffered from depression in the late 90's. In a 1999 interview for Rolling Stone magazine, he said that "It just took me time to sit down and change my head and my life around. I had to slap myself in the face: 'If you want to kill yourself, do it, save everybody the fucking hassle. Or get your shit together.'"
Winston Churchill:
An essay about the depression of Winston Churchill.
Just goes to show YOU'RE NOT ALONE!
Friday, April 07, 2006
April Showers?
Ok, I know we had a spring-like January here on the Island, but please - SNOW and HAIL in April?
Ruthie Update:
Employment:
Started training for my new job as Front-Desk person at the Sea Shell Motel! Those in the know will understand when I start talking about Dog Day Afternoons and such... The people there are really nice (family-owned), and since the place mainly caters to weddings, it should be a fun season. Wish me luck!
Transportation:
Just got the title for my (new) 94 Dodge Shadow - I got it for free from a fellow Navy vet who just happens to live next door to my DAV Commander, so thanks, guys for looking out for me! Have to get the new title, registration, insurance and inspection, so after a couple of paychecks I should be good to go!
Shelter:
Got the notice from the landlord that we're being evicted May 1, so I'm working on getting into a rental house/roommate situation for the season, and then a more permanent mobile home off-island in the near future. I will NOT get into the status of my sister, which should be a completely different blog - suffice it to say, I will not be living with her any longer.
And now for comments:
Feeling better now that the new meds are kicking in, and I got this job. It's seasonal, but it pays really well, so I'll be able to save up for the winter (kind of like putting on that extra layer of fat?!?).
I received an email from my old boss for a Program Manager position working with severely injured Iraqi Freedom vets - sending my resume and an expanded explanation of my experiences to the person who is hiring; it MIGHT mean that I'll be moving back to DC, but I won't count that egg until it's hatched. Good news there - I have a good friend who will put me up until I get settled. I will of course keep you all posted (sic) on that.
Nardi's is open, and the pink bus is running!
How am I feeling right now? Worried about finding a new place to live (at least I'm not in "whatever" land), but the good news is I can be ready to move in 3 hours! NOT a lot of stuff to pack, let me tell ya! Will find out tonight what the gig is on this house situation: one of the waiters/real-estate salesmen at Tucker's has a three-bedroom that he wants to share. My question to him was, "Ask the owner if I can have my dog(s)?!?" I should know the response tonight. Might have to give Kes back to her original owner, or put her up at the Popcorn Zoo or something until I can get my own place. I will NOT compromise on CJ!
That's about all there is right now: I'm treading water right now, which is better than drowning!
Ruthie Update:
Employment:
Started training for my new job as Front-Desk person at the Sea Shell Motel! Those in the know will understand when I start talking about Dog Day Afternoons and such... The people there are really nice (family-owned), and since the place mainly caters to weddings, it should be a fun season. Wish me luck!
Transportation:
Just got the title for my (new) 94 Dodge Shadow - I got it for free from a fellow Navy vet who just happens to live next door to my DAV Commander, so thanks, guys for looking out for me! Have to get the new title, registration, insurance and inspection, so after a couple of paychecks I should be good to go!
Shelter:
Got the notice from the landlord that we're being evicted May 1, so I'm working on getting into a rental house/roommate situation for the season, and then a more permanent mobile home off-island in the near future. I will NOT get into the status of my sister, which should be a completely different blog - suffice it to say, I will not be living with her any longer.
And now for comments:
Feeling better now that the new meds are kicking in, and I got this job. It's seasonal, but it pays really well, so I'll be able to save up for the winter (kind of like putting on that extra layer of fat?!?).
I received an email from my old boss for a Program Manager position working with severely injured Iraqi Freedom vets - sending my resume and an expanded explanation of my experiences to the person who is hiring; it MIGHT mean that I'll be moving back to DC, but I won't count that egg until it's hatched. Good news there - I have a good friend who will put me up until I get settled. I will of course keep you all posted (sic) on that.
Nardi's is open, and the pink bus is running!
How am I feeling right now? Worried about finding a new place to live (at least I'm not in "whatever" land), but the good news is I can be ready to move in 3 hours! NOT a lot of stuff to pack, let me tell ya! Will find out tonight what the gig is on this house situation: one of the waiters/real-estate salesmen at Tucker's has a three-bedroom that he wants to share. My question to him was, "Ask the owner if I can have my dog(s)?!?" I should know the response tonight. Might have to give Kes back to her original owner, or put her up at the Popcorn Zoo or something until I can get my own place. I will NOT compromise on CJ!
That's about all there is right now: I'm treading water right now, which is better than drowning!
