Internet Cartoonist Rick London says that the cartoon item “Bipolar Bear” in his store Prozacwear www.prozacwear.com is probably one of his biggest selling gift and collectible stores. The bipolar bear is available on tee shirts, sweats, hoodies, aprons, tote bags, aprons, coasters, mousepads, and much more.
London, like Peanut’s creator Charles Schultz (and many other well-known cartoonist) suffered a lifetime of depression.
London says, “I was one of the lucky ones. They discovered I had TRD (treatment resistant depression) and implanted the Vagus Nerve Stimulator and I rarely get bouts of depression anymore, and when I do, they are minor and generally leave as soon as they come.
London says he does the cartoons, certainly not to poke fun at mental illness, but to remind himself and others that if you happen to have the disease, laughter (though not tor replace treatment) is a wonderful form of therapy.
His theory is that laughter and smiling attracts people, often healthy people, and the depressed person tends to want to isolate (which makes the depression worse). So why not laugh, it sure beats crying and scaring good people away that can be helpful.
THE BIPOLAR BEAR A LONDONS TIMES CARTOON BY RICK LONDON
Available on numerous gifts and collectibles at www.ricklondonwear.com
August 14, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I am extremely pleased to read that Mr. London is another patient benefiting from the VNS Therapy. He is not alone. I wanted to take a moment to share a website repository of information I’ve accumulated relating to the VNS Therapy for MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) for any of the readership which might have any interest.
VNSdepression.com
The link to the site is: http://www.vnsdepression.com
I would also like to wish Mr. London continued wellness and long-term remission.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com