One Man's Hopeful Struggle Bruce R. Patzer, M.A.
Foreword by
to Overcome Manic Depression
Michael D. Baker, M.A.
List Price: $17.95
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In trying to make sense of his twenty-year experience with manic depression, the author tells a powerful story of pain, loss, determination, healing and family love.
For the more than 17,000,000 individuals in the U.S. who suffer from depression—and the loved ones who support them—this book offers insights, truth and a patient's hard-won wisdom about how to survive and thrive, even when the adversary attacks from within.
Bruce also pulls together a valuable appendix of resources that may be helpful to other individuals and families struggling with the very real challenges of bipolar disorder.
The Pill Box is a memorable story about overcoming adversity with hefty doses of love, family support and personal courage.
“It was assumed that Bruce would be successful as a Music Teacher, have a wonderful family and live happily ever after. Stricken with Bipolar Disorder, maybe he has given more to us than he ever would have in that little cookie cutter American Dream world we expected him to live. Despite the lessons, it’s hard not to bitterly regret the years of pain and fear he and his family have faced.Sadly, mental illness carries such a stigma that there’s a sense it’s shameful and best ignored. At times, Bruce and Cyndee have invited us into their confidence, explaining what’s happened and talking openly about Bruce’s illness. But not everyone wants to see the pain. It’s often frightening or puzzling and many would prefer to pretend that it’s not there.
I recently went through a difficult time myself when I lost most of my usual competencies. Like Bruce, I was bombarded with anxiety attack after anxiety attack. As I fought for my life, I thought of Bruce often. I told myself, 'He’s been doing this for years! If he can do it, I can do it.' I came out of that experience with a far deeper appreciation for Bruce’s courage and suffering.
I tell you truly, a person fighting these dragons faces more challenge and requires more courage in one day than most of us require in a month of Sundays. So tell me please, why are these warriors seen as weak and shameful instead of as the heroes they really are? I believe that Bruce has ridden the wave of that change and is driving it. Bruce and his family deserve the best. They have been our teachers. We have learned and continue to learn from them.
Thank you Bruce."
—Karin Flodstrom, Psychologist, Cousin & Friend,
“When Bruce first gave me his manuscript to read, I felt two things. First, I was privileged that he and his wonderful wife Cyndee would let me have a look at a very private place inside of their life dealing with Bruce’s illness, and second, I was in awe. I felt this way because to do this kind of emotional digging takes a strength and courage that most of us could never fully understand. Those dark places are hard to revisit I’m sure.
I did not want to put this book down. I did not want this story to end. When I had finished reading it, I felt like I wanted to call Bruce up and ask him for more insights and stories. I saw the scenes in my head like a painting that is sometimes hard to look at because of the emotional pain that the artist suffered at the time. It touched me deeply. It helped me to understand better what really does go on when mental illness strikes and how much is lost.
Thank you Bruce. Please write more. We need stuff like this to keep our hearts and our minds open."
—Christine Mertz, Confidant & Friend
“Bipolar Affective Disorder, formerly known as Manic Depressive Disorder, is a disease that is estimated to occur in 5% of the general population. It is characterized by recurrent mood swings beginning in teens and lasting a lifetime. The Pill Box, authored by Bruce Patzer, provides the reader with a unique look at Bipolar Affective Disorder, through the eyes of the patient. Bruce has chronicled the events of his life, demonstrating the pain and suffering he experienced with this illness as well as with the mental health care system in obtaining appropriate diagnosis and treatment. As a word of encouragement, Bruce has been stable and out of the hospital for over six years."
—Michael S. Shapiro, M.D., Bruce’s current Psychiatrist
* If you would like to submit reader comments, we'd appreciate hearing your reflections on Bruce's story as told in The Pill Box. Please send your feedback to reviews@acornpublishing.com
List Price: $17.95
ISBN 0-9710988-4-0
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Bruce Patzer holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Oberlin Conservatory of Music (1974) and a Masters in Music Education from Northern Illinois University (1979).
He has taught in public schools as a band director for seven years, as well as working in the retail business and the graphic arts field. He has also written many songs over the past twenty-five years, but this is his first venture in writing a book. Many of us are hoping it will not be his last.
Bruce currently runs a percussion studio offering private lessons and plays drums with the Praise band where his family attends church.
His hobbies include biking, cross country skiing, bird watching and just about anything having to do with nature.
He and his wife, Cyndee and their two children, Justin and Monica, reside in St. Charles, Illinois where they have lived for the past 19 years.
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