October has been one of those months where I look back and think - how did this all happen? The month began with seeing an amazing production of "Raisin in the Sun" at the Dallas Theater Center. Incredible show, Liz Mikel as Lena gave an outstanding performance as well as Bowman Wright as Walter. Written over 50 years ago, this show tackles tough issues of poverty, family dynamics and competing dreams. Although it's constantly advertised as a show about race, I believe that narrow focus misses the point. This is a show about supression of dreams and resilience. What Hansberry (the late playwright) does so deftly is she writes a character that is flawed, but empathetic. This is great, great writing. I know I saw this movie years ago with Sidney Poitier, but the themes resonated so much more strongly seeing it as an adult.
After watching a stunning ND victory over ASU on October 5, I headed up to ND to give a talk about managing mental health at college. The ND student body had their first week-long focus on mental health - calling it the "Irish State of Mind." All sorts of activities spanned the week including my talk, a panel of students who talked about their issues with depression and leave of absence as well as glo-stick yoga. Here's an article from the Observer about the week: We've Got Your Back. Very cool t-shirts as you can see below:
A day after returning from ND, I headed to the Galapagos. Incredible trip, wildlife sitings unimaginable. I wrote a "Brain Change in the Galapagos" for Psychology Today which was selected as an "Essential Read." Gotta love that! Here are a few photos I could not fit into the blog.
Blue Footed Boobie struting his stuff
Galapagos Hawk
A hungry tortoise
Finally, Psych Central posted "The Biggest Lessons i've Learned about Managing Depression."They have a few quotes from me, but ones from several other people as well. Congrats Margarita Tartaovsky on a great article!
And believe it or not, one week in October left. Have a Happy Halloween and take care of yourselves!
Julie
In Struck by Living, Julie Hersh picks apart the irony of her life with humor and brutal honesty. Despite a loving husband, healthy children, financial security, Julie attempted suicide three times. With the help of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), Julie broke the deadly course of her disorder. Now well, Julie promotes the importance of mental health with collaborations with other artists and organizations.
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