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Comments

• [1] Anon from New York City, NY November 16, 2007 - 09:16AM

  My family's history of mental illness may not fall under the category of "severe" as the author's brother's diagnosis. But my life has been greatly affected by family members with mental illness. My father suffered from debilitating manic depression that led him to commit suicide when I was 7 years old. My mother suffered yearly breakdowns and hospitalizations throughout my childhood. And my youngest sister (3 of us) has struggled with severe bipolar disorder with pscycotic affect (seeing things/hearing voices) when she's in breakdown mode. I live with a constant awareness/fear that I might suffer the same. It's in the genes somehow right? I also have felt extreme guilt that my sister suffers with this illness to this day (she's 34, I'm 39 now) and why haven't I? My coping mechanism is to try to deal with things moment-to-moment, to not over-identify with my thoughts, to be as much in the present as possible, meditation, journal-writing. I used to drink & smoke a lot from an early age to cope, but it affected my health not long ago and switching to taking care of my health/body/mind has made a great improvement. I then am better able to handle what may come and I am in the process still of learning not to blame myself or to feel guilty. It's - put simply - challenging.

  
  
• [2] Carol Ingersoll from northern NJ November 16, 2007 - 02:17PM

  I was sorry to come in at the end of this segment as I am VERY personally affected by a similar life situation.

  I have ordered this book and not able to get to the signing. Does Mr. Pines have a practice near by the metro area and is he available via email or other for questions?

  
  
• [3] Susie Friedman from San Francisco, California November 18, 2007 - 01:28PM

  Paul's book pays tribute and honors his brother Claude. It helps all who knew the "Claudes" in our own lives to express our appreciation, love and respect to "them."

  Death ends a life, but not our relationship with that life.

  I learned a lot about how to talk honestly to a person when they are alive and are delusional. And I learned how to honor them when they are gone.

  Thanks, Paul Pines. I hope your book is a huge success.

  
  
• [4] Rob Wilson from South Pasadena, CA November 20, 2007 - 12:23PM

  Paul was my Literature professor in '93 and in retrospect he's become my favorite teacher. A generous heart, great mind, and all-around impressive guy. I'm glad to see this book is getting noticed.

  
  
• [5] Lisa Bond from new york November 23, 2007 - 04:15PM

  This is a very good interview. Paul Pines, who is an exceptional writer and human being, has written a deeply moving and exquisite book.

  
  
• [6] Rachel Bennett from NYC November 24, 2007 - 12:05AM

  How fortunate we are to listen to Paul Pines, who speaks with eloquence, intelligence,and compassion. It is painful to see those we love become isolated in a private, tortured world. Tragic that we, who love them the most, cannot free them from their depression and delusions. Many people turn away out of fear, frustration or anger. Yet, Paul Pines did not turn away. He opened, bravely, and suceeded in writing a book that honors Claude and the individual heart and reminds us that sometimes we don't get to understand completely, but can love instead. Thank you, Paul.

  
  
• [7] Kristy Wilson from Ellenville, NY April 08, 2008 - 03:03PM

  I genuinely pity anyone who did not have the wonderful opportunity to take one of Paul's classes, because the small, indispensable truths he offers here just hint at what his students were gifted with. Paul, I am so excited to read the book! And I agree with my brother, you were also the best teacher I had. I can't wait to learn more!