Steve Lopez Online Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on One Book One Philadelphia 2009 | In Philadelphia Everyone Is Reading "The Soloist"

2010-03-09T22:25:20Z

I have not seen the movie yet, nor read the book, but I am very excited for both! Thanks for the good post.

Comment on First Blog

2010-02-08T03:40:06Z

Hey Steve,

My name is Bobby B. I have been nemed the VP of a non profit called Recovery In Action. I am also a very much recovered Schizophrenic. For the last 5 years I have reached out across Los Angeles to help others struggling with the same family of disorders - to help them on that winding path of recovery.
My business is an LLC and I call it Your Comeback Kid Peercoach. Thanks for your work and care in bringing attention to the cause. I really the message of recovery, of not giving up on anyone, for any reason, is a broader message that needs to be heard across our country and indeed the world. Would it not be such an ironic twist if we who have been labeled as crazy, defective, bad and all the other ignorant comments that fall on our population, are the ones who could help change the way our culture values other people and treats our neighbor?
My adversities and recovery have been truly transformative and I am know living a life filled with joy, peace and meaning.
It is so beautiful to see more and more people coming out of the dark and disclosing their struggles mentally.
We indeed walk on highways paved by millions upon millions of sufferers of the past who never had a chance to fare so well.
Someday it might be nice to correspond with you and tell you stories of my work on the frontlines of recovery in the community.
Being a peercoach to the mentally ill is such a rewarding endeavour. Just to help one other to see that there may be some hope from them too. I invite you to check out my youtube video under the tag mental health recovery can be real. I shot it at 2 am in my room for fun and it catches a glimpse of my soul.
Anyhoo, good luck to you as you continue to get the word out on this issue and many others.
Sincerely, Bob Burke Your Comeback Kid Peercoaching Service founder LLC

Comment on Steve Lopez's Opening Blog

2010-02-03T03:16:37Z

Mr. Lopez,

I just watched "The Soloist" on HBO. Wow! Very moving. Your relationship with Mr. Ayers has changed many people now.

Tammy

Comment on One Book One Philadelphia 2009 | In Philadelphia Everyone Is Reading "The Soloist"

2010-02-02T22:04:49Z

Hi Steve,
I´ve just seen the movie and it was simply inspiring. The difference it makes just to care...the story has really touched my heart.
Thanks,
Carmen.

Comment on One Book One Philadelphia 2009 | In Philadelphia Everyone Is Reading "The Soloist"

2010-01-27T05:49:34Z

Does he disagree with the US Dept. of Energy study, and several others, that have found that the net energy balance for a sugar-cane based ethanol plant is positive?

Comment on Booking Information For Steve Lopez | Speaking Requests

2010-01-25T04:22:33Z

Dear Mr. Lopez,

Thank you for the movie, "The Soloist"
I have paranoid schizophrenia. The movie makes sense to me on so many different levels. I was surprised at how realistic your portrayal of Nathaniel was.

I lost my job and my husband divorced me in a matter of a few months when I became schizo symptomatic. Without the love of my mother, I would have lost my home and been on the streets as well. I can relate to Nathaniel, my Mom was all I had when I was symptomatic.

I was only out of the mental hospital for a couple of weeks when the movie hit theaters in early summer 2009. I saw it then, and I have watched it with all my family members to explain what it is like for a schizo to live without antipsychotic medication.

You nailed it--even down to the swirling colors when Nathaniel listens to music! I had a similar issue with colors. Van Gogh was also schizophrenic, and color takes a very prominent place on every single one of his canvases.

The end of the movie, where you are not sure you've helped him. Please know that you have. Schizophrenia is so lonesome. If 1 friend or loved one can break through the psychosis, that is gold.

In the end, I chose medication. I do not want to live in the real world with schizophrenic symptoms. It is very difficult to manage psychosis without medication. Medication makes my life easier.

It isn't without its down side. When I was schizophrenic, my creativity soared. I wrote poetry, and I started a novel and honed an idea for a second novel. I miss having my creative mind front and center in my decision making process.

Nathaniel must be creative as well--his costumes, drawings, writing, the bra on the cello. I am sure the list is endless.

I have been on medication for 9 months now, and I am just now starting to feel better. Even if Nathaniel did choose medication, I am not sure he would stick to taking it. I have been stuck in bed--sometimes sleeping until 2 pm. The medication makes you feel terrible for several months before you feel better.

Even if he did take it for 2 weeks, it would not have helped unless he could commit to taking it long term. I am SO thankful that I did get medicaid so I can take my meds. The meds cost $600 per month without insurance. I am not sure he would have had steady access to the meds long term.

Your movie touched me, and Jamie Foxx was amazing! He NAILED IT! I wanted to tell you my story. I also wanted to ease your mind about meds. In order for them to really improve Nathaniel's life, he would have to suffer through months of physical and emotional symptoms before he would start to feel better on them. If he's anything like me, he'd probably miss his creativity being first and foremost in control of his decision making process.

Like everything in the "real world", it's not black and white. It's all varying shades of grey--or differing mixtures of color if you happen to be schizo symptomatic.

Thank You and Thank Jamie Foxx too!
Augusta

Comment on Steve Lopez's Opening Blog

2010-01-18T05:38:26Z

@milissa buckles rn "Crazy gene" just took the fight for mental health rights and the people effective by such back 30 years; you also do an injustice to Mr. Lopez and his work.

Thank you Mr. Lopez for showing the human as well as the humane side of those with mental health issues.

Comment on Booking Information For Steve Lopez | Speaking Requests

2010-01-10T18:48:43Z

Hello Steve,
I always read your column first in the L.A. Times. But no more. Howcum? We saw the movie and since we had read all about Nathaniel in your columns about him, it made it all the more meaningful. Did you decide to leave the Times, or did the shrinking Times budget do you in? Whatever...we miss you and wish you well
Judge Bob Armstrong & Eleanor

Comment on Booking Information For Steve Lopez | Speaking Requests

2010-01-03T02:55:50Z

Thank you Steve Lopez for a rather beautiful story that has no ending but goes on...

Comment on Steve Lopez's Opening Blog

2009-12-18T01:44:31Z

Hi Steve, what a compelling sotry. And I look forward to reading your book! I'm a novelist and am writing a novel and want to research information on the homeless situation in the 1990s-present in LA. Could you recommend any good, accurate nonfiction reads? AS my daughters would say about your passion: "way to go you!"