Mark Vonnegut: Just Like Someone without Mental Illness

Mark Vonnegut talks about his new memoir "Just Like Someone without Mental Illness Only More So." Mark spent his childhood as the son of a struggling writer in a house that eventually held seven children after his aunt and uncle died and left four orphans. After he was released from a mental hospital, Mark found his family forever altered. At the late age of twenty-eight - and after nineteen rejections - Mark was accepted to Harvard Medical School, where he gained purpose, a life, and some control over his mental illness. This lecture was presented by the Harvard Book Store and recorded on 10/13/10. View more lectures at: / wgbhforum

[@garyhosty]

been a psychiatrist for nearly thirty years - fully agree with Mark's comments about the weakness and preoccupation we doctors (and many of our patients, most of their families and more than anyone our managers/funders) have with the desperate need to reduce and simplify the confusing world of mental illness into quick categories. The world is mysterious and the mind a particularly mysterious corner of the place.

[@eddysokoloff8738]

I encountered "Express" when at Southern Illinois University. During this voracious reading, I fell into the grip of the author's portrayal of the illness, and sank into the abyss. Since then, I dropped out but participated in creative realms, and after a bout of homelessness, I worked until I was sixty (having quit because of a hostile work environment). I am living in Jersey City, and once even wrote an adaptation of the "Express" story. I often quote from this book. I owe the gas company one grand, living in fear that I'm going to be shut off...with love -- Eddy Sokoloff
Thank you.

[@zflynn2]

Mark Vonnegut's "The Eden Express" had more impact on me and coming to an understanding of myself than any other book. It was the most profound, enlightening and frightening book I ever read.

[@LizArgall]

It is a wonderful book. It's so nice not to feel alone. Psychosis is so common, and yet so seldom spoken about.

[@LizArgall]

I'm half way through Just Like Someone With Mental Illness and I highly recommend it.

[@zflynn2]

@@LizArgall Yes, it's really excellent to hear more of his story. He had another break but this one was a little easier for him to handle; his wit is wonderfully cathartic for him and the reader, and his resilience is impressive.

[@LizArgall]

@@zflynn2 Indeed, I've been really enjoying going down a bit of a TH-cam rabbit hole. I love how he talks about the value of the arts. Going through psychosis can really take your voice away from you. I know drawing comics helped me heal and come out of the closet. I hope his books have helped more people be comfortable in their own skin, and come out of the closet when safe to do so.

[@klbgay9161]

The Eden Express is so well written from the viewpoint & standpoint of "cracking up" mentally. Suggested reading.

[@scott-nicc8733]

Years ago.... around 1979 or 1980, I heard Kurt Vonnegut speak in Boston, and I remember he made a comment during the question and answer period, that his son, Mark, had recently gone crazy and written a book about it... but "he hasn't done anything funny lately." It prompted me to look up "Eden Express."

[@rurugby]

Incredibly important truth telling about how truly bizarre health care is in America today.

[@loisamcnulty]

Encouraging, refreshing.......thank you. But why the anti-cannabis comments? I'd like to know more. I have ordered your book. Maye I can learn more about your views on/experience with cannabis there.

[@41yearoldnewdriver]

I wrote a memoir I call Ayesha's Story the SZ memoirs. I wrote a schizophrenia memoir in college at NJ City University. I am trying to have a book by next year.

[@vatovega]

How might I write Mark Vonnegut a letter?

[@larrymcneely1283]

eden express is an excellent book. my opinion

[@virgdunmire]

+HarryMorgan he is my doctor.

[@vatovega]

Hi Virginia, he sees adults as well as children?

[@virgdunmire]

I'm only 16

[@vatovega]

That's so cool he's your doc! I really would like to write him a letter. He has a lot of wisdom and a more humanistic outlook on mental illness than most.

[@megavide0]

" #Hippie , son of a #counterculture #hero , a B.A. in #religion with a genetic disposition to #schizophrenia ..."
36:07 "[When] You're working with patients [...] You are moving forward without absolute knowledge of where You're going and I think that's the most satisfying kinda medicine."

[@megavide0]

dichotomy Schizophrenia/ BiPolar --> dementia praecox ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraepelinian_dichotomy