People Say I'm Crazy Updates

Your Film

heatherqberry — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:59:10 +0000

Wonderful Job, John!

i just watched your film. It's very emotional for me because my son didn't make it through his schizophrenia. This film has helped me understand his struggle in a deeper way. I have always blamed myself for his suicide. This illness is devistating and I think he left because it was too painful to live with this illness...not because I wasn't a good enough mother.

My daughter, Alex's sister, also enjoyed watching this very much. I appreciate the courage it took you to document your pain and your plight to help others. Read more »

I use to be crazy

tokey_tha_bear — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:57:20 +0000

a former crazy "tell the 'crazy' do his or her thing" Hip-Hop.

I was crazy from October 2005 through June 09, of 2010. Which is almost five years.

I am no longer crazy, and I would like to say, when the "craziness" goes, you'll know. Read more »

I love the film

vcars10_1 — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:13:41 +0000

I love the film - I am ordering a 2nd copy because my first one has skipped since I purchased it a year ago and it is difficult to view with the skipping. Verna Carson

Schizophrenia

caseyngray — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:23:31 +0000

Casey Gray 22 yr recoverd schizophrenic

I am a real hip hop fan and was influenced by the rappers smoking marijuana. i started smoking the stuff through waterpipes every day and this lead to a mental illness called schizofrenia. The only thing is that i didn't know i had schizofrenia for many years.

i was having thoughts of suicide and self loathing for a long time. i just kept going with my butcher apprenticeship and kept these thoughts to myself. these thoughts soon turned homicidal. I wanted to commit suicide with a monsterous passion and these sick thoughts put me right on edge. Read more »

Schizophrenia

caseyngray — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:18:48 +0000

Casey Gray 22 yr recoverd schizophrenic

I want to help my brother help others

jennyoconnor — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:27:57 +0000

Jenny O'Connor

When my brother experienced the onset of schizophrenia last year my family immediately started looking everywhere for help. At first it seemed like there were many institutions and programs available. But then as we looked closer we found that the programs were all underfunded, or overcrowded and not actually available to help him. He was in a crisis care center for a week when they determined him "ready" to be released which was followed by a psychotic episode that landed him in jail. Read more »

how media portrays schizophrenia

bushrahuq242 — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 03:22:30 +0000

curious high-school student

this is a great film that portrays schizophrenia through the eyes of one who is actually diagnosed. After watching this film, i am actually really curious of how the media portrays schizophrenia to the public and peoples thoughts of the issue.

WOW!

mrsbee1 — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:49:03 +0000

A Friend Named Cathy

WOW! So many things I want to say about your video. I feel close to this disease as I had a very close childhood friend whose mind started deteriorating during our teenage years (that would be about 50 years ago). I remained somewhat close to her until her death this past summer. Back then treatment was anything from nothing to shock treatments to medications to make her sleep most of the time. I'm so sorry you are going thru this and am very grateful for the newer treatments that you have been able to use. Read more »

Film "People Say I'm Crazy"

rowan1125 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:54:50 +0000

Therapist/ & Mother of a Son with Schizophrenia

I found the film informative , and most of all moving. I am a Forensic Therapist and work with clients from the criminal system who have a mental illness. Additionally, my 23 year old son was diagnosed with Schizophrenia at age 17. I watched your film, cried laughed, and took notes. I would have liked to show your film to the clients in a group therapy session, but the commercial version is too $$ for me. I did talk about the film, described it and printed out pages from your "John " section as well as the recommended reading. Read more »

my passion- from service user to carer

spotlightonschizophrenia — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:13:01 +0000

Georgie Wakefield

I have suffered from bi polar and I am also a carer to my son who suffers from schizophrenia, I am desperate to purchase Johns film and can send a cheque if someone can tell me how I go about it. Please visit our website at www.georginawakefield.co.uk where you can view my published books and read some of my poetry. My family has taken part in 8 films relating to Schizophrenia including a BBC TV Documentary. Read more »

People with schizophrenia are not crazy

katie — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:47:43 +0000

Ashley

I have just graduated with a degree in mental health counseling in Rochester, NY. I saw your film and , I wanted to thank you for taking the time and energy to put your experience into film for the whole world to see!

My uncle has schizophrenia as well so I know some about the illness, as well as how many people who do not have experience with mental illness struggle to understand what it means to have one. Read more »

Schizo-affective disorder

wendysch — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:21:37 +0000

Grateful to be on my Meds and off the Street

Review of the film

thpyle — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:30:19 +0000

PsychOdyssey Services

PyschOdyssey Services, helping families in the maelstrom of mental illness, has posted a review of this fine film.

"For a supposedly crazy man, John Cadigan is quite sensible, as he portrays in his 2004 documentary about his life called, People Say I’m Crazy. No, he is not crazy. But he is sick with schizophrenia--and he is certainly sick and tired of its effects..." Read the entire review at http://www.psychodyssey.net/?page_id=393.

My Demon of Major Depression

david — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:39:20 +0000

David McCannon

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Read more »

paranoid schizophrenia

nick-brown — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:30:49 +0000

30 years of paranoid schizophrenia

My name is Nick and I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1980 at the age of 19. When I was 22 years old my mom told me she had thought something was wrong with me when I was in high school but she didn't know what it was. I had gradual onset schizophrenia but a bad LSD trip is what triggered my psychosis. I had smoked pot daily for my last two years of high school, drank every weekend and occasionally took acid. Read more »

Schizoaffective

christy_aitken — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:04:57 +0000

Mom in South Carolina

I am still in the throes of the illness at age 46. I was diagnosed with the schizoaffective disorder in 1999. As early as five I heard voices. I didn't speak in school, teachers hated me. We moved every year to make matters worse. My parents we missionaries, we moved to South America and were thrown into another culture. I have struggled with depression all my life. I can't remember a time when I haven't been depressed. My home life was pretty unhappy also. Read more »

Helpless

rcook001 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:59:12 +0000

Robert Cook, Correction Officer

I am a Corrections Officer in New York State. I often have to deal with inmates who have mental illness sometimes diagnosed and sometimes not. These inmates are housed in general population with little to no support system. Read more »

Bipolar Disorder: A History of Moods, Medication, and Mania

silverliningpublishing — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:02:24 +0000

Cynthia M. Sabotka, Author and Expert Patient

I feel like I have been running all my life. At full speed. Running away from something I didn't even know existed. My father ran from it. My mother ran from it. My brother has been caught, and my sister, well, I am not certain about my sister. Read more »

Bipolar Disorder

whootowl27 — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:06:59 +0000

Just Me

I am soon to turn 29. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 17. After spending most of the last 12 years denying and desperately trying to hide my illness, I have decided to be open with those closest to me and seek helpful, effective treatment. It seems to me my biggest obstacle is getting those whom I love and love me to understand the significance of this illness and the intensity of my struggle. They all tend to think it's something that a magic pill can regulate and I can dictate with a bit of self control. Read more »

Deeply moved. & they will find a cure

jlundgren777 — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:55:38 +0000

Judith Ann Overman

I watched the movie. I was very, very deeply moved by your gift to all of us and by your loving and committed family. I appreciate them so much.

Fuller Torrey will find a cure for this disease. I do not have a doubt in my mind that he will find the cure. Until then, the medicine is necessary.

Thank You- you made me feel normal

lee_copley13 — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:18:59 +0000

Through The Looking Glass

You made me feel "normal". I have OCD and depression, and I've felt like an outsider everywhere I've ever been. You made me feel like I wasn't alone, and I couldn't be more thankful.

John-you helped more than you could ever know.

Incarceration

Diane — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:31:54 +0000

What do you do when your son goes crazy? You read and learn everything you can.

What do you do when you are helpless to help your crazy family member? You wait until they harm themselves or others.

And this is OK.......

Wait, wait, wait, 10 years go by......

Mom shines a hot spotlight on the issue.

Dad is in total denial.

Brother is detached and sympathetic.

Son is missing a part of life and wonders where his friends are. Blames MOM for all the events. Read more »

" People Say I'm Crazy" really tells the story: education & laws need to change!

Diane — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:05:45 +0000

A Mom in CA

Your life story is familiar to me because my son also an art student, at Pratt, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at the age of 27. When I look back on it; his symptoms were plain to see at the age of 23 and we just didn't know anything about the illness at that time. He was born in 1975. He is experiencing stages of recovery.

My son's story is a little different. His insight to his illness began only after an incarceration. Read more »

My first paranoid-schizophrenic experience

spiritus — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:39:08 +0000

Technology Professional in late 30s

I have since fully recovered.

I have since recovered from delusional thinking, although auditory hallucinations remain a minor problem - minor since I know they are not real.

Stigma

jessieclose — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:54:06 +0000

Jessie Close

My son, who has schizoaffective disorder, ordered your film and we've both watched it. John, seeing you struggle took me back to when my son was so very sick. I have bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features so could relate also. I thank you for the courage and persistence it took for you to make your film. And boy, you sure lost a lot of weight!! How did you do that? Both my son and I take Clozaril and I've been battling weight for years. Thank you again,

I'm in recovery, but it took 13 years to reach stability

lee — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:42:21 +0000

From a writer in Los Angeles

In 1994, I was a mother of two, a Montessori teacher, and writer who was suddenly thrust into a world of psychosis. I was a trained therapist who became an incoherent stranger to herself and a devoted wife who separated from my husband overnight and had two affairs that were as brief as my manic episode of that time. Mine has been a journey of forbidden happiness, grandiosity, paranoia as well as delusions, and at its worst, nearly fatal suicide attempts. When I was 34 I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a psychotic breakdown to a non-functioning state. Read more »

Story and Opinion on People Say I'm Crazy

antioxidantlit — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:25:28 +0000

Aliete Guerrero

thanks!

kayderrico — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:00:28 +0000

Kay Derrico, NAMI Contra Costa Board Member

John, I'm pleased to see People Say I'm Crazy offered at a very affordable price. Four or five years ago, you and your sister brought this powerful film to our NAMI affiliate in Contra Costa County. Our hearts were moved and our minds were changed. Read more »

You are a puppy about to leave the nest

stephen — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:45:10 +0000

Stephen Vardy (CA)

Took me 20 years but I have pretty well have moved on from the label. This is not a war, there is nothing to fight, nothing to beat - this is yourself you are talking about. Read more »

People Say I'm Crazy DVD Now Available for $29.95

jan — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:31:37 +0000

Thank you for your support of People Say I’m Crazy, John Cadigan’s first-person account of living with schizophrenia. We, the filmmakers, appreciate your support of our efforts to eliminate the myths and stigma surrounding schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Read more »

A Letter From Ira

ira — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:49:51 +0000

Hi Everyone:

This is producer Ira Wohl, and welcome to the new online home of People Say I'm Crazy! Thanks so much for visiting and for sharing your thoughts. Read more »

delete this test newsletter

lee — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:09:36 +0000

Enter and format the newsletter here, like you would any page.

a mother in Canada

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:47:23 +0000

a mother in Canada

I’ve never seen anything like your film. Astounding. First, personally - my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia many years ago and he is now 41. I have a professional interest as well. I am a counselor and group facilitator at a growth center. None of us have ever seen such a REAL film before. It’s like watching our lives. Thank you.

a mom

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:46:36 +0000

a mom

I just now watched "People Say I'm Crazy"--seriously just ten minutes ago. Wow.

So many people dramatize the facts of schizophrenia and end up delivering a very skewed view of it to the public. It just ends up furthering people's unfounded fear of mental illness and people afflicted with it. Read more »

a college student

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:45:06 +0000

a college student

I have a similar diagnosis and am as well classified "disabled" because of my problems... it is so hard to allow people to see your episodes let alone video tape it for the world... Read more »

a woman in recovery

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:43:18 +0000

a woman in recovery

I was originally diagnosed schizophrenic in 1993. The label has changed to bipolar. I have felt all the same things that John has felt to some degree. The film brought tears to my eyes.

Never have I met anyone who shares similar experiences as I have. I get paranoid, sometimes psychotic. I deal with a lot of anxiety. I get depressed. In the beginning I went into a catatonic and panic state. I've been to hospitals and half way houses. All of them were very different. Read more »

a student

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:42:12 +0000

a student

I'm 17 teen years old and a senior in high school and currently diagnosed with schizophrenia and have been for about 2 years. After I saw your film I decided I need to do a project for school about our illness. I’ve been collecting tips and advice to give to a younger generation like me about how to deal with it. I’m including some of the things you do – like checking out the reality of your thoughts, or telling yourself it’s not true. You’re so brave. I want to let people know that it can be overcome and that it affects more people than people think. Read more »

a mom from Ontario, Canada

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:40:47 +0000

a mom from Ontario, Canada

I just watched People Say I'm Crazy tonight on TV. Please pass on to John how much I appreciate him opening his mind and soul to the camera. I have two sons aged 21 and 29. The older one has bipolar affective disorder and the younger one has schizophrenia coupled with OCD and a touch of Tourettes. Read more »

peer-counselor & client in Dallas

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:39:25 +0000

peer-counselor & client in Dallas

The film was incredible! It put into words and images what it really feels like to have paranoia. People, including my family and supervisor, don't really understand what it's like to have thoughts that aren't rational and are so hard to control.

I love the scene where John is standing in his studio saying over and over, “it's not true." That is so real to life for so many of us. Read more »

a viewer in Missouri (a mom)

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:37:44 +0000

a viewer in Missouri (a mom)

I enjoyed the film very much. It made me understand my son, my mother and my sister - who all have schizophrenia. My son just came home from three weeks in the hospital and your film has given me new ideas on how to relate to him.

a daughter in the Midwest

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:36:58 +0000

a daughter in the Midwest

I laughed, I cried, and have a million other emotions and feelings that I'll have to figure out later. My Mom is in her 50's and she is paranoid schizophrenic. We are closer now than we have ever been but don't get to see each other often. I grew up with my uncle and aunt because Mom was unable to care for me and my brothers and sisters. I've seen her very ill, and have a couple memories of her being really happy and content. Read more »

a mom and member of her county Mental Health Commission

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:35:11 +0000

a mom and member of her county Mental Health Commission

I have never been so deeply affected in my life - it was like watching our own family's lives. My son, who will turn 25 in October, suffers from schizophrenia also; he even looks like John. Read more »

a writer in Connecticut

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:34:06 +0000

a writer in Connecticut

Your movie really had a profound effect on me. it was the most real film about mental illness i have ever seen. i'm bipolar but with a lot of psychosis, and i just recently graduated from university as a film major. my first psychotic break was at 19, after my freshman year. i was lucky though, after one year, i was able to go back to school, and i'm 23 now. Read more »

a viewer in Missouri (a mom)

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:32:38 +0000

a viewer in Missouri (a mom)

My son was diagnosed approximately two years ago. We have met this challenge with much love and many tears as well as laughter. The darkest times were when the medication wasn't working and he could not do his art. My son’s and John's art are very much alike and as a matter of fact, they look a lot alike. He watched your documentary also. He understood many of John's struggles and wanted John to know he was inspired. Originally, my son left college during the worst part of his illness. He just had his 22nd birthday and hopes to return to college in January.

a father in North Carolina

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:31:28 +0000

a father in North Carolina

My son too is an artist, a very talented musician who lost the ability to remember chords when his illness began about age 16. Not understanding his illness, his mother had him arrested and put in jail. Two years ago I brought him to live with me. He has been diagnosed with a schizoaffective disorder--he hears voices, has delusions and a mood disorder. Read more »

a brother in Vancouver

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:30:09 +0000

a brother in Vancouver

On Monday night I was lucky enough to view People Say I’m Crazy and I want to thank you for making the film. I am 34 years old and have an older brother who was diagnosed as schizophrenic over 10 years ago. As with John he has good days and bad days and as with John his illness has brought our family closer together. We are at a point where he has found some better medication and things are far better than they once were. Hopefully my brother's darkest days are behind him. Read more »

a mother in Kentucky

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:28:10 +0000

a mother in Kentucky

My son was diagnosed with the same illness eight years ago. It has been quite a journey, but, like John, he is doing so much better now that he is taking medication. I bought your movie for the local library and have organized an event, Mental Illness Awareness Week. Keep up your beautiful art. You don’t realize how many people you have inspired with your art and your story. Now my city will get to be inspired too.

a father in Chicago

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:27:05 +0000

a father in Chicago

I have a step-son who is only 16 and he's been diagnosed since he was 10. For a long time I thought his condition was unique. After watching the documentary yesterday, for the first time, I saw that my son was not alone. Watching your film yesterday was very inspirational. Read more »

a television viewer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:25:29 +0000

a television viewer

Your art and life story really inspired me. It helps me realize there are people living just like me; afraid to go outside, hearing voices, paranoid and covering it up with headphones. I really enjoyed watching the movie and can relate to almost all of your symptoms and take the same medications you do. I am 25 years old, I also have schizophrenia differentiated since 1998. I also am an artist but not as talented as you are. Read more »

an employment counselor

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:24:26 +0000

an employment counselor

You’ve touched my life. Dealing with bipolar in my own life, and in the lives of my clients, I have experienced many similar, if not verbatim, things that John has gone through. The whole world needs to see this film.

high school student

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:23:45 +0000

high school student

I’m 16 yrs. old and I appreciate that John allowed his life to be filmed so that others may understand more about mental illnesses. I was so interested in seeing the film because I have become very interested in schizophrenia and how it affects people. Many people out there have misconceptions about this disease. I often have heard "Isn't that a split personality?" Read more »

computer programmer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:21:40 +0000

computer programmer

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was twenty two years old and there are things we will never be able to communicate with those who seek a normal life.

I too think in images - I saw the Medusa and I’ve seen God. Tell John that his battle is worthwhile and that the gains he makes will keep helping him deal with real situations. I told the thoughts to F*CK OFF and I meant business; it was either them or me. Of course when you really believe in yourself anything can be achieved. I then did CBT to calm down. Read more »

a man in Florida

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:19:21 +0000

a man in Florida

You helped lend a “normal” face to an illness shrouded in darkness. I suffer too, and been on medication for about a year. I think it helps. Your movie made me feel so good that someone could express part of what I’ve tried to explain for years. Thank you!

a wife

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:17:36 +0000

a wife

I am married to a wonderful man who also suffers from this disease. I am so overwhelmed with emotion after watching your film. Read more »

a mother

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:15:55 +0000

a mother

Thank you for this uplifting story about schizophrenia. My son has just recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is struggling very hard to cope with all the changes it's created in his life. He doesn't know who to talk to about his feelings besides the doctor and his support group and you’ve helped him start opening up to me.

a mother in California

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:15:06 +0000

a mother in California

Your film spoke to my heart. I’ve never written anyone about a movie before. I have a daughter who was diagnosed with bi-polar illness 10 years ago. She is also extremely creative and has written and recorded some songs that are quite good. We cried and we laughed when we watched together. Thank you.

a father

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:14:04 +0000

a father

Our 30 year old daughter has episodes of depression, paranoia, conspiracy, and the feeling she is being controlled by others. She also has fits of rage. She will rarely discuss her symptoms, and will not, on her own seek professional help, medical or otherwise.

Our whole family is deeply affected by whatever is wrong with her. Thank you for making your film. We saw it today. I think it’s time for our family to go out and find a support group and other families so that we can help our daughter get treatment. Thank you.

a writer in CT

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:14:34 +0000

a writer in CT

This was the most real film about mental illness I have ever seen…

Harvard medical student

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:14:14 +0000

Harvard medical student

People Say I’m Crazy just taught me more about what schizophrenia is than all my years in medical school. I’m about to start my first year of residency at a psychiatric hospital and I’ll be bringing everything you just taught me to my patients.

a mother in Canada

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:13:48 +0000

a mother in Canada

I’ve never seen anything like this film. Astounding. None of us have ever seen such a REAL film before. It’s like watching our lives. Thank you...

a peer-counselor and client in Dallas

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:13:22 +0000

a peer-counselor and client in Dallas

This film is incredible! It put into words and images what it really feels like to have paranoia...

an employment counselor

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:12:49 +0000

an employment counselor

The whole world needs to see this film.

director of intensive care services for a county mental health department

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:12:29 +0000

director of intensive care services for a county mental health department

You did an AMAZING job of capturing the essence of the struggle with mental illness. We’re using the film as a training tool (and an inspirational tool!) for our organization. All other films pale in comparison.

a man in Montreal

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:12:06 +0000

a man in Montreal

Your film has changed everything for our family...

a viewer in Massachusetts

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:11:42 +0000

a viewer in Massachusetts

I'm impressed by such a great portrayal of mental illness. As a consumer, I must simply say, "thanks!".

a woman in New York

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:11:17 +0000

a woman in New York

Your film was deeply inspiring and moving, filled with hope and love -- besides being a hugely important milestone. One would have to be a stone not to come away from the film with more with more understanding and compassion about the real nature of brain disorders and those people who suffer from them. You are doing a great service to the world in an area of illness which has been with us since the beginning of time but which is still widely and cruelly misunderstood. So thank you for the light and encouragement you’ve brought us.

a mother in MA

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:10:55 +0000

a mother in MA

It’s so comforting to watch your film and know that our family is not alone...

a cattle rancher

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:10:31 +0000

a cattle rancher

I had no idea what so many youngsters go through with mental illness. I was reduced to tears. In other spots I felt like cheering. The film deserves an Oscar!

a television viewer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:10:04 +0000

a television viewer

I was so moved by the love and support given to John by so many people especially his family. And it was incredible to watch John reach out to others too – and how he learned to trust those trying to help him.

a viewer in Arizona

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:09:38 +0000

a viewer in Arizona

What can one say? The courage of the entire family, and the tremendous courage of John in particular, are overwhelming. I can only begin to appreciate how much he has done to further the public's understanding of the illnesses from which he and so many others suffer. I'll say it again; John's a HERO!

a television viewer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:09:13 +0000

a television viewer

I just finished watching People Say I’m Crazy. I was deeply touched by the film. It seems incredible for someone to be willing to share such a personal part of themselves. The woodcuts I saw were incredible. And please let John know how much I was moved by his story. I never truly realized what it was like to live with such a terrible illness. He gave me a glimpse into that. He is a very strong person to be able to share it with everyone.

an artist in New Hampshire

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:08:40 +0000

an artist in New Hampshire

A wonderful, wonderful film! My wife and I watched People Say I’m Crazy this morning, and it made us laugh and cry and appreciate the honesty and insight that John, his whole family and team brought to the film. John’s artwork is so powerful and compelling – AND - I learned a new trick from watching him print!

a musician

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:08:09 +0000

a musician

John’s story has given me hope...

a nurse manager in Chicago

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:07:41 +0000

a nurse manager in Chicago

I’ve been a nurse manager on a locked ward for over 25 years. The film completely changed my understanding of our sickest patients. I will never treat them the same way again.

a case manager in upstate New York

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:07:21 +0000

a case manager in upstate New York

We love your film and show it whenever we can to people who come through our doors.

a mom

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:07:00 +0000

a mom

My 19 year old son had an acute psychotic break in February and is having trouble coming to terms with his disease. Your film has helped us start talking about what’s happening in his mind.

a woman in Chicago

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:06:24 +0000

a woman in Chicago

I just finished watching your movie about schizophrenia and what is like to live with a mental illness. I could not leave the room until it was over. I was always confused regarding schizophrenia and never really understood what the disease was. I just wanted to let you know that your movie helped me understand what it is like for people with mental illness and the everyday struggle that you go through. Thanks to you and your family and friends for letting people into your world to help us understand what it is like.

a mom from Ontario, Canada

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:05:55 +0000

a mom from Ontario, Canada

John's film really helped me to understand what is going on inside my son’s head.

director of mental health ministries

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:05:23 +0000

director of mental health ministries

I’ve been looking for years for a film like this that tells the story of what it’s really like to live with schizophrenia. This is the ONLY one that addresses the subject from a first person perspective. John has done those of us who work to help people understand mental illness a huge service!......

a woman on Long Island (a sweetheart)

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:03:48 +0000

a woman on Long Island (a sweetheart)

My boyfriend's family is trying to deal with a family member who is mentally ill. This film really helped them. It shows how far love can go towards healing.

Opinion - television viewer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:01:48 +0000

television viewer

I was just watching your film and was really blown away by it. The story was remarkable, and John's woodcuts are amazing.

Opinion - training director for housing foundation

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:00:22 +0000

training director for housing foundation

This film has changed how our clients and staff deal with each other. Amazing.

Opinion - clubhouse founder

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:58:12 +0000

clubhouse founder

You are making a huge difference!

Opinion - a viewer in Maine

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:56:21 +0000

a viewer in Maine

Wow! Fantastic film! It's really about an incredibly brave artist. What a guy! I teared up more than once.

Opinion - a television viewer

caitlin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:52:40 +0000

a television viewer

I had no idea what mental illnesses could be like. I have not been diagnosed with any mental illness but in my own life I could relate to John's feelings.