Staten Island 2011

Mental Illness

From: Radio Rookies
Series: Radio Rookies: Coming Up in 2011
Length: 09:16

I remember going to my first rock show, the Alkaline Trio, I was 12, a tall 12-year-old. I left there a mess. I had been hit in the face, my shirt was ripped. I was covered in sweat that wasn’t even mine—it was cool. I felt like I belonged there. That’s the kind of life I want. To be in a band and play shows where everyone has fun—but that’s not the kind of life I have. I tried having a band, but it didn’t work out. I wish I applied myself in school, but I don’t. Now I may not graduate. Maybe it’s because I’ve had a rough time. Or maybe it’s because I’m mentally ill. I don’t know what the problem is. The problem is… me. - Tim Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Mental Illness
From: Radio Rookies

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Over the years, Radio Rookie Tim has fought, sometimes physically, with his family and struggled to become who he wants to be. Since he was a child, he’s been diagnosed with everything from ADD, ADHD, PTSD, depression, to bipolar disorder. But he doesn’t think any of those labels fit him and he’s not sure if he’s mentally ill at all. Tim’s radio story prompted Harvard Professor Paula Caplan, a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care, to write in to say ask Tim to serve as an ambassador for the Founadation. In her letter she wrote, “We were struck by the clarity and power of how he spoke, and we feel that what he said could have far more impact than much of the dialogue and debate among professionals in the field.”

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Piece Description

Over the years, Radio Rookie Tim has fought, sometimes physically, with his family and struggled to become who he wants to be. Since he was a child, he’s been diagnosed with everything from ADD, ADHD, PTSD, depression, to bipolar disorder. But he doesn’t think any of those labels fit him and he’s not sure if he’s mentally ill at all. Tim’s radio story prompted Harvard Professor Paula Caplan, a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care, to write in to say ask Tim to serve as an ambassador for the Founadation. In her letter she wrote, “We were struck by the clarity and power of how he spoke, and we feel that what he said could have far more impact than much of the dialogue and debate among professionals in the field.”