mental illness — How To Write A Solo Show.

The Power of Standing Up to the Stigma of Mental Illness. (Reprinted from "Take The Lead Women")

I guarded the secret like it was a magician’s trick because crazy and unstable does not get to work at the Goodman Theater, does not get invited to fabulous parties. All that crazy and unstable get is judged.

mental health, workshops one person showArlene MalinowskiApril 28, 2022mental health, mental illness, solo show, one person show, one person show coaching, writing, Coda, solo show workshops, one person show coaching playwritingComment

Singin’ The Winter Blues

A decade ago I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety disorder. The shorter days of less sunlight in the winter months terrify me because of the reality that is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Ed AndersonDecember 14, 2021black hole, Depression, disability, dispair, great husbands, language, meds, mental illness, nami, narrative essay, pyschiatrist, secrets, shame, suicide, survivor, writingComment

Into the Blue

I’ve always prided myself on being a “happy, optimistic and motivated person.” I’ve even bragged about it but out of nowhere Depression just crept in through a basement window and I found him sitting there with his feet up on my nice, new mushroom colored couch and he decided to stay.

Ed AndersonJanuary 16, 2020black hole, Depression, disability, dispair, great husbands, language, meds, mental illness, nami, narrative essay, pyschiatrist, secrets, shame, suicide, survivor, writing

Offensive Comments About Depression and Suicide

Suicides of Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade and Robin Williams generated negative and insensitive comments. TV personality Briana DeJesus, Actor Val Kilmer and Punk Rock icon, actor and writer Henry Rollins viciously criticized those who commit suicide after battles with depression. The follow up responses from these celebrities were varied and telling.

Ed AndersonJanuary 6, 2019antidepressants, black hole, Depression, disability, dispair, language, med, mental illness, nami, narrative essay, public shaming, pyschiatrist, Robin Williams, secrets, shame, suicide, survivor, writingComment