Mental health

Birthdays of the Dead

by Bill Brenner May 3, 2010 Addiction

The author observes another birthday for someone who isn’t around to celebrate. Mood music for this post: “On With The Show” by Motley Crue: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyapJ9iCWxA&hl=en_US&fs=1&] I’m a lot better at remembering the day someone died than the day they were born. I guess that’s understandable. Birthdays come and go. Death dates for those who are close burn a scar into your brain that makes the moment feel like it only happened seconds ago. Even if…  [Read More]

Love Thy Anger

by Bill Brenner April 30, 2010 Mental health

The author finds a use for anger. Here’s how he uses it without the evil side-effects. Mood music for this post: “The Fight Song,” by Marilyn Manson: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GFI6Rf-IkI&hl=en_US&fs=1&] On the surface, telling people to love their anger contradicts everything this blog is about. I’m always writing about my Faith journey and overcoming mental illness and addiction, which is all about finding an inner peace. So what the hell is this about anger? In my mind,…  [Read More]

The Rewards and Risk of Service: A Cautionary Tale

by Bill Brenner April 29, 2010 Addiction

Service is a major tool of recovery. But it can also be dangerous. Mood music for this post: “Serve the Servants” by Nirvana: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtB6gEmr6ZY&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Last night was one of service. I drove down to Salem State College to talk to graduating seniors about their portfolios and resumes. It was the least I could do, after all that college did for my career. It was energizing to talk to the students, who are full of hope…  [Read More]

This is Your Brain on Restlessness

by Bill Brenner April 27, 2010 Addiction

The author has hit a wall with his recovery. But it’s not what you think. Mood music for this post: “Don’t Cry” by Guns N Roses: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRIbf6JqkNc&hl=en_US&fs=1&] I’ve moved past yesterday’s tiredness to a state of restlessness. By brain is at war with itself. One side wants to buckle down and tackle the editing and administrative tasks on the table. The other side wants to write a few more articles first. I have leftover material…  [Read More]

Somewhat Damaged

by Bill Brenner April 26, 2010 Mental disorders

Sometimes the author lives in overdrive. The result is pain. Mood music for this post: “Somewhat Damaged” by Nine Inch Nails: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY0NEQd3_co&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Some of you might have read my post from yesterday about enjoying life in the parental and professional fast lane. Well, this morning I’m paying for it. My back aches. My head is numb and coffee isn’t doing much about that. I got a dull knifing sensation in the gut. And I’m ready…  [Read More]

Newsroom Nightmare: A Sequel

by Bill Brenner April 23, 2010 Mental disorders

Another Facebook flashback strikes the author on his dirty newsroom side of the brain. Mood music for this post: “Mean Street” from Van Halen: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2R2KXNQR1M&hl=en_US&fs=1&] I thought I was done writing about my newsroom experiences with “The Crazy-Ass Guy in the Newsroom.” But Facebook has put me back in touch with another blast from my past, so here I go again. Meet Steve Lambert, editor of The Eagle-Tribune a decade ago. He hired me as…  [Read More]

MomDay Monday – School Daze

by Bill Brenner April 22, 2010 Children's issues

Every school has its issues. Issues with teachers. Issues with other parents. Miscommunication. Problems with other students. Every school. There’s no getting around it. We’re all human. We all have failings. And a school is, after all, made up of us imperfect humans. But at what point does a school have so many issues it becomes dysfunctional? Is it when the faculty talks out of turn to your child about their parents’ divorce? Or perhaps…  [Read More]

Happy and Productive in the Debris Field

by Bill Brenner April 20, 2010 Children's issues

The author used to come unglued around chaos. Now it floats past him. Mood music for this post: “Sons and Daughters” by The Decemberists: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5H8DwJI0uA&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Looking at the week ahead, it’s amazing I’m not hiding in a foxhole right now. I’m working from home the first part of the week while the kids are on vacation. Call it half a vacation, though I’m tackling a full plate of work each day. Sean’s birthday is this…  [Read More]

Windmill Hands

by Bill Brenner April 18, 2010 Mental disorders

Ever wondered what that weird thing is the author does with his hands? Wonder no more. Those who know me well have seen it at one time or another, usually when I’m sitting at a desk engaged in a project. My face gets slightly contorted and I start shaking my hands around like they’re on fire. I call it my Windmill Hand Syndrome. When I’m doing it, I don’t realize it, though I just noticed…  [Read More]

Skeptic Slang and Charles Manson: Six Degrees of Separation

by Bill Brenner April 17, 2010 Communication Skills

Skeptic Slang and a glimpse at mental illness in the making. Mood music for this post: “My Monkey” by Marylin Manson: A note about the music: Marilyn Manson put this on his “Portrait of an American Family” album, which was recorded in the Sharon Tate murder house. The title and chorus were taken from a Charles Manson song called “Mechanical Man.” Bits of Manson interviews are sprinkled throughout. It just seemed appropriate for some reason……  [Read More]

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