This non-fiction excerpt was cut from my book, but it stayed on my mind. I’m sharing it, like most of my memoir, as per Virginia Woolf “In expressing it I explained it and then laid it to rest.” To learn more about my memoir, visit charisejewell.com/crazy. Most of the staff are strangers. Nurses, guards, doctors,Continue reading “Eat, Pray, Love, Nurse, Betray”
Tag Archives: mania
Book Club Questions
Thank you for choosing Crazy for your book club. If you would like me to virtually attend, contact me with the details. I would love to be there. Here are some questions to consider for your book club discussion. Click the ‘Download’ button at the bottom of the list for a pdf version. Feel freeContinue reading “Book Club Questions”
Reducing stigma
I was recently asked the excellent question: what can I do to help you feel less stigma? I replied with the first thing that came to mind, but the question stayed with me. It deserved more than an off-the-cuff answer. It deserved reflection. After my standard thoughtfulness, this is what I came up with. First,Continue reading “Reducing stigma”
Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad
When Charise Jewell decided to leave her career as a robotics engineer to pursue writing fiction, the 40-year old mother of three had no idea that she was embarking on a real life story beyond her wildest imagination. Without warning, and while preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day 2017, she rapidly descended into a severe mania,Continue reading “Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad”
Mania Explained
Most people I know have never experienced a manic episode. They are curious but respectful, so don’t ask for details about mine. They don’t want to upset me by dredging up painful memories. I appreciate their respect and concern, but I think that talking about hard things makes us stronger. My first mania,Continue reading “Mania Explained”
Spiralling out: a photo essay of mania
On May 15, 2017 I was hospitalized and diagnosed as having Bipolar 1 mood disorder after experiencing an extreme manic episode. Music and art were very significant to me during this time and both held great meaning. Once the dust settled and I looked through my camera I realized that it clearly showed my descentContinue reading “Spiralling out: a photo essay of mania”
