Trapped Inside

My MVP choice for “Girl Interrupted.” is Polly. Polly was hospitalized at McLean hospital for schizophrenia and depression. For some reason she burned herself with gasoline all in her upper torso and no one could or was scarred to ask her why she did it. Polly was the one person all the girls felt comfortable with. She was very happy and unselfish who also had the most courage. Susana would say, who would have the guts to burn themselves.  Susana tried to commit suicide by taking fifty aspirin knowing she would walk out in public an someone would find her. However, Polly tried burning herself alone where no one could find her. That is why I chose Polly, her courage. Because she had the guts she was highly respected. Since Polly had schizophrenia, I believe she was trying to commit suicide by burning herself, voices in her told her to do it. Despite her not dieing she would always live inside a scarred body.  Polly was in the hospital over a year and would often see people cry and scream. Her presence would comfort them. One morning the girls heard someone crying, Lisa heard someone scream, “Aaaaaah!” and “Eeeee!” Then the words. “My face! My face! My face!” that was the first time Polly had seen herself. She realized what she had done for trying to burn her problems away. Schizophrenia is brain disorder that makes one hear voices other people cannot hear. It can terrify a person.  Polly was my MVP for her courage. 

Family of Correctional Officers

Family of Correctional Officers

On November, 1993 both my father and brother started the Richard McGee Correctional Basic Correctional Academy.  My father as 48 years of age and was the only provider for our family.  In addition, he left his current job to become a Correctional Officer with the condition if did not pass the academy he would return without a job.  The reason he wanted to be a Correctional Officer was so that he could provide a better lifestyle for our family . My family of six lived in a one bedroom home.  My brother left to the academy at the age of 21, he was married and had his first child on the way.  He would not be there when his first would be born and he also left his job knowing if he did not pass he would not have a job.  Despite their struggles, they both graduated from the academy.  As a life-long correctional officers, my father and brother inspired me to follow in their footsteps and to be part of that special bond they share.

Bipolar Demons

Mental illness and substance abuse is more common than most people think.  Depression and anxiety are moods that affect and interfere with daily functions.  When a major depressive episode occurs, one can swing right into a manic episode.  During the episode they turn to drugs and alcohol.  Bipolar is like living with millions of demons inside of you.

This photo goes to show how a person with bipolar endures life.  A young man standing with two demons inside him trying to come out through his skin.  At the same time he is hugging his own body as if he is trying to protect and comfort them.  

The protection is clearly understood.  During a manic episode, one feels as if they cannot control themselves and thoughts of suicide may occur, so he holds his body hoping the demons will not come out, also hopes and waits for his episode to pass.  The image shows how the use of drugs takes control of the body.  The man is so skinny that you can see his bones of his spine and is also able to wrap his arms around his body.

The designers of this photo wanted to show the bipolar population that during the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder can damage personal relationships and disrupt your daily life. Understanding the signs and symptoms and finding professional help are the first steps to feeling better, but it is also important to surround yourself with people you can count on and will be there for you on the good and bad.

Amy

Sonia Sanchez 

Amy Winehouse and Her Bipolar Disorder

COLLAPSE

Bipolar disorder is a manic depressive illness that has no cure. It causes the brain to shift in moods and the ability to do normal things throughout a regular day.  Symptoms are unusual emotional mood swings, changes in energy and over excited.  Sometimes the symptoms could be both, over excited and depressed at the same time.  Suicidal thoughts are another symptom of bipolar disorder.  Since there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is controlled with medication.  There is different types of medications and mood stabilizers that help the disorder.  Additionally, there is sleep medications and herbal treatments that could help.  In the case with Amy Winehouse, the disorder and drug abuse effected each other, it made her disorder worse. It became a deep and dark circle she couldn’t come out of and the result could be death.  Amy was born on September 14, 1983 in London, Southgate area of Enfield.  Her father, Mitchell Winehouse, was a taxi driver; her mother, Janis Winehouse, was a pharmacist.  She started music at the age of 10 and theatre school at the age of 12.  At the age of 16 she turned rebellious and was expelled from school, however, she started her professional career.  Her 2006 album “Back on Black” was a hit.  During the years she suffered from deep depressions and a painful relationship that led her to drugs and alcohol.  If both the bipolar disorder and substance abuse are not treated, the person will not be able to recover. Great quote from Winehouse, “I do drink a lot, I think it’s symptomatic of my depression, I’m a Manic Depressive, I’m not an alcoholic.” Manic Depressive is the older term for Bipolar Disorder.  She proved even though, you are bipolar you can still be talented and unique.

Amy’s ex-husband was the love of her life and was a big part of her drug abuse.  In The Guardian, Press Association talks about Amy’s ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, appearing on Jeremy Kyle Show to discuss his relationship with Amy.  He told of his regret at introducing Amy to hard drugs, such as, heroin and crack.  However, did not want to take full responsibility.  He said he used heroin three to four times before Amy did.  Blake’s admission, “I was smoking it on foil and she said can I try some and I said… I might have put a weak resistance - the fact is whatever I said she was did end up having some.” They used heroin together as addicts for like four months.  He felt bad for the damage he caused her family.  Amy’s father Mitch told Blake if he really loved Amy he should divorce her.  When Blake went to jail, Amy’s addiction had gotten worse.  She loved this man and could not cope being without him.  Blake and Amy both decided it was in their best interest if they divorced and eventually one day they would get back together.  Blake was in prison when he heard she passed away.