For decades, John maintained a thriving practice in New York City, caring for hundreds of patients. He taught medical students at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital and directed a mental health program at Montefiore Medical Center. Yet he revealed his own bipolar disorder to no one.
“Internalized stigma caused me to nail my bipolar closet door firmly shut,” he explains. “It turns out that my biggest hurdle was the guy staring back at me in a mirror colored with shame and self-condemnation.”
Now retired, John is engaging his colleagues in a conversation he hopes will transform the climate of secrecy that exists in many workplaces. Mental health stigma can be overcome, making it safe for medical professionals — and all of us — to find affirmation and support.
This film provides powerful, hopeful testimony that no one is immune to mental health conditions. And no one should suffer in silence.
Having a lived experience myself, I’m confident this film will help people grow acceptance of their mental health challenges and reduce the shame and fear that keep people from asking for help.
— Greg Dicharry, Director/Producer
Suicide: The Ripple Effect and My Ascension