Hello World. I Have a Mental Illness

I climb the walls of my mind just like I’m climbing on a jungle gym. I am more than content with the
state of mind I am in ’cause I am crazy just like you
I am crazy just like you.

According to results of a study released today, women with a history of migraines are up to 41 percent more likely to develop depression than those lucky enough to avoid the plague of debilitating headaches.

I was in bed by 8 p.m. last night. The migraine hit hard. So I drugged myself up and hit the sack. This morning I saw the request that ABC was looking to speak with a woman who suffers from migraine and depression.

Why the heck not?

I shot off an email. I have suffered from migraines since approximately 1995 and was diagnosed with depression in 2001. I spoke to a very nice ABC News reporter about my life. And apparently she liked my story. (See above link.)

Did I mind if she quoted me? Not at all! Did I mind if she shared my information with World News? Not at all. I’d be happy to share my story.

Five minutes later World News called me. I spoke to a second lovely ABC News reporter about my life. And apparently she liked my story. All in all a good experience. And then the nice World News lady inquired about the possibility about sending a film crew to profile me for the news.

I’m sorry?

Film crew?

Me?

World News Tonight With Diane Sawyer? Like, the NATIONAL NEWS?

I work in PR. My job is getting OTHER people camera ready for interviews.

<Panic! Overthink this opportunity! Will my family be concerned that I’ve just told the United States of America that my family has a history of depression? Do I really want to go on the NATIONAL NEWS and share that I’m crazy?>

But, as my people tell me, you don’t say no to ABC (especially when the nice reporter who asked you to participate in the first place said your kids are adorable, you’re gorgeous and this very blog is hilarious). What can I say? Flattery will get you almost anywhere. And also, depression isn’t a personality flaw. It’s a disease. And it’s treatable.

The film crew showed up at my house and turned our living room into a studio. I hid on the sidelines and snapped photos. (I will geek out however I so choose in my own house thankyouverymuch.) Then, utilizing all the new Silicon Valley iTechnology available to us, we propped an iPhone on a set clamp and hit speaker phone. Once again I told my story.

We needed some background shots. You’ve seen those news profiles; the subject speaks and then there’s the serious stroll around the neighborhood while the interviewee looks introspectively inward. Yeah. So we did that. The neighborhood gossips are going to be out in full force about why a guy with a camera was moving all the trash cans into the middle of the road (it was trash day okay?) while I slowly strolled down the block, stopped, trotted back to the front of the block and slowly strolled again.

Then I sat for the pensive on the porch shot. This pretty much involved me just sitting there. (Pensive on the Porch would totally make an awesome band name.)

And for the final fun bit, we headed to the backyard to film a game of fetch.

“Um, this all happened a bit fast. So I haven’t had a chance to pick up any of the dog poop. Watch out for that.”

“Shit.” Literally. <Ten minutes later.> “Damnit. Again? I think I’m going to have to go out the side gate and not back through your house…”

Now, I may be new to this camera subject game, but I’m pretty sure the first rule of filming fight club is DON’T CRAP ON THE CAMERA MAN. Nothing good can come of this.

My segment got bumped from today due to late-breaking news. But I’ll keep you posted on when you’ll want to glue yourselves to ABC World News. And in the meantime, don’t miss the article that started it all.

Migraines Linked to Depression in Women
ABC News
By Katie Moisse

And for those of you thinking, “Soooo, you’re sad when your head hurts.” Not quite. And I may be crazy, but really – aren’t we all our own special brand of crazy?

16 Comments

Filed under Current Events, Hospital

16 Responses to Hello World. I Have a Mental Illness

  1. Holly

    Race you to crazy land! Can’t wait to see the spot; how exciting. It is a GOOD thing to shed light on this. It will help other people who may be discouraged. We all need help if you ask me!! =D

  2. Nancy Welker Caracciolo

    Tricia,
    I commend you for sharing – it is not always easy, and can take some bravery. I am glad to see you are getting the recognition you deserve! Keep up posted on date of airing.

  3. Nancy Welker Caracciolo

    typ0 – make that “keep us posted”

  4. Great Aunt J

    You go girl!! I’m so proud of you. And, as a fellow woman afflicted with depression (let’s continue to keep it in the family!), let me just say to all the people who say inane things like “just think happy thoughts” – it doesn’t work like that!!!!

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  6. Holy smokes, girl! When it rains it pours!! This is unbelievable!! Keep that cup of yours open ’cause clearly it’s all flowing your way!!

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