I want your fellow bloggers to know that on Sunday morning, June 8, the 1st Annual Taking Strides Against Mental Illness Walk will take
place at the Wild Duck Pond Ridgewood Avenue in Ridegwood, NJ. NJ Senate President Richard and Mary JO Codey (she has spoke out publically about her own battle with post partum depression.)
My 35 year old daughter, Rebecca Ehrlich is the founder of The Taking Strides Against Mental Illness organization. Last year when she and I were completeing a walk for breast caner, she asked me why there wasn’t a walk for mental illness. My response was “Yeah, right.” That was the seed that provided the motivation to creat her organization and walk.
To learn more about the walk, check out

http://www.againstmentalillness.org.

You can download an application. Registration is free, everyone will get a t-shirt, there will be DJ entertainment, refreshments and prizes.
I hope to come back to your blog from time to time in the next 3 weeks to remind people about the walk.
Thanks,
Harryet Ehrlich

The phone lines were buzzing between NJ, Connecticut and Florida on Sunday morning as I called my mom and she called my brother and later on, your mom called my mom! I always read the Style section of the NYT first and I was so excited to see your picture and read the article! I even forgot to read the Modern Love section! I am certain that your humility and candor touched so many people through that article and hopefully will help them realize that they are not alone in their journey and that it does not have to define them as a person.

As a member of your extended Jewish family, I too was feeling that familial pride on Sunday and couldn’t wait to tell 10 of my closest friends (alright I only have 3), that my cousin was featured in the NYT.

Much love,
Susan

Or should I now refer to you as the renowned and famous Ms. Liz Spikol bowing before your feet and diaper clad figure in humble servitude {laughing}? I’m so confused now ( I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy {smirk}). So when did you start heading MAD anywise Liz? ( I hate that reference to Mental Health Issues since it always reminds me of Alfred E. Newman of MAD Magazine{Snicker}). MAD is that “Mothers Against Disorders”? This is just plain insane trivial babble journalism. I’ve been reading and commenting here for a while now; and I have to say this article was amateurish, and thought it wasn’t a complete hammer job in scope; the subject matter was not very well researched and gave such a limited view of what is really happening in the blog world related to mental health Issues and how it can and will eventually effect the established model now set in abusive stone.

I did love those narrow minded quoted statements made by the Stanley Foundation Psychiatrist that made my skin crawl and the hair stand up on the back of my neck though. I honestly would be a little insulted they selected arbitrarily pieces from your fine work I would not consider to be the most flattering, or accurately portray the diligent and fine information you provide here on this blog. They focused on your mental disorder more than the powerful outcome of sharing such personal information in this treasured and informative format; and the positive effects it has on others dealing with mental health conditions. I guess these so called normal’s (whatever the heck normal actually is? I know it’s some statistical equivalent of plastic humantron socially obtrusive and acceptable behavior and thinking patterns {Smirk}) they just don’t get it, or will I go under any assumption that the so called normal’s will get the slightest clue in the near future! If this didn’t have such serious cogitations and consequences in again stigmatizing those with mental health Issues; I would have to say it was more of a puff piece, rather than hard factual investigative journalism. But of course that’s just my own personal opinion on the article. Your friend and old school chum over at ABC news was much more kind and thoughtful in his analysis of your triumphs and accomplishments. At least he didn’t stutter around on issues he knew nothing about.

Though in thinking deeper about this whole MAD movement thing; I must admit the concept of organized insanity does have its appeal on a purely whimsical imaginative hypo-manic level. I’m actually happy that you were featured in a national publication such as this, even if the NYT’s doesn’t have much of a respectable reputation as of late. I just hope it has the effect of opening up other avenues of interest where you can actually get the whole true accurate story out to the masses in a boarder, more intellectual and professional manner.

Yours Truly
Stan

Kudos for the fabulous NYT article –- due recognition for your so long fighting the good fight!

A few years back you wrote a wonderful piece about “Hearing Voices (Speaking in Tongues)” –- my one-man play about my mother’s recovery from schizophrenia.

I’ve been touring with it since, but you and all the “mad pride” folks are really on the front lines of mental illness education — speaking so fearlessly about your own struggle.

Bravissima!
Michael Mack

Well Liz, Ive seen some of your Videos…
No, youre not Crazy, it just what it looks…
I suppose you healed yourself…
Thats the better treatment…
Love You…

/Roger

I guess there’s a hill behind your brick house as the gutter flows to the front. Does a Mac mean you’re more creative than Pc people like me? I can’t afford a Mac and never could. I guess I’m not creative.

Why didn’t you mention to us that you were interviewed by the NYT ? I am so, so proud of you! What an accomplishment.

The article was nicely crafted, plus you look so healthy and gorgeous in the photos. I especially like this blog “outtake” — kind of like TTWS takes on the world!

Big hug: ((((LIZ)))

Dennis

Mental disorder is a lonely business until you hear the same sorts of experiences and feelings from others in the same leaky boat. And *bing* there pops up your wonderful site. Thanks.