Sheila Hamilton is a five-time Emmy Award winning journalist and the author of “All the Things We Never Knew.”
Sheila’s storytelling resume runs through film, commercial television, radio and print.
All the Things We Never Knew is a boldly beautiful page-turner about loving and losing someone with mental illness. With unblinking honesty and profound compassion, Sheila Hamilton brings us vividly into her confusion, sorrow, and ultimate healing. I’ll be recommending this absorbing memoir for years to come.
If you’ve ever asked the question ‘Do I need help?’ or ‘Does my loved one need help?’ then read this book. Merging her gut-wrenching personal story with all-pro journalistic acumen, Sheila Hamilton gives us the who-what-where-when-why of mental illness and what you can do to get the help you need. Most of all, this book gives us permission not to go through hardship alone, no matter what crises we face.
Sheila Hamilton’s All The Things We Never Knew is one of the most candid, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving accounts of the wake of destruction caused by the suicide of a loved one. Her book reminds us of those we’ve lost to suicide. The book casts the dark shadow that is depression, then rises from such darkness, reminding us to ‘Look to the living, love them, and hold on.’ Finally, it gives survivors tremendous resolve to continue in their quest for prevention.
All the Things We Never Knew is so beautiful, so raw, and so powerful. It is, in a word, spectacular, and Sheila Hamilton is so generous and brave to share this story with the rest of the world. Anyone who has struggled with mental illness—their own, their family members’, their friends’ (which is to say, all of us)—will come away from this deeply humane book feeling less alone.
All the Things We Never Knew is the rare memoir that’s as harrowing as it is heartwarming, and Sheila Hamilton is the rarest of writers—a disciplined reporter with a masterful understanding of the workings of the human heart. This extraordinary story, about the mystery and scars of mental illness, is sobering and compelling and simply unputdownable.”
Journalist Sheila Hamilton has written a bold and honest book that takes the stigma out of mental illness and explores the terrible and beautiful angles when a loved one suffers from bipolar disorder. Hamilton’s reporter’s eye and lover’s heart give us a valuable perspective on how the grip of this insidious disease can destroy families and lives. Hamilton’s story is not only a cautionary tale but another example of the resiliency within all of us, and our ability to make the choice to heal.”
An honest, compelling read that chronicles Sheila Hamilton’s personal story of what it’s like to live with and love a spouse with mental health challenges. Written well, accurately describing the depression and mania of what later becomes a bipolar diagnosis, she captures the struggle of piecing together biological, psychological, and environmental factors that ultimately lead to a hard but hopeful ending. It is one of those books you don’t want to put down.
A brave and honest memoir of mental illness and the many people it can affect. Read more →
"My suicide crisis was driven by drinking. I was so disappointed in the treatment system, I made a vow I would tell no-one. I buried my story so deep, I didn't even relate to that part of my life. As I got more involved in suicide prevention, I realized I was living a lie. For me, the press to get the story out of me got bigger and bigger and I haven't stopped."
#Suicideprevention #ThirteenReasonsWhy #ChrisCornell
"I wish mental health advocates would get as upset about the lack of a suicide-prevention curriculum in public schools as they have about #Thirteen 13 Reasons Why."
"We spend five to six hundred million a year to prevent traffic fatalities. And there are now more suicides than traffic fatalities. We spend 30 million a year on suicide prevention."
Don't miss this conversation with brilliant physician/suicide survivor @Dr.BartAnderson
Thirteen Reasons Why You Should Listen to Dr. Bart Andrews
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Dr. Bart Andrews is a suicide prevention expert, a suicide survivor, and a fan of Thirteen Reasons Why. In this interview with Sheila Hamilton, Andrews breaks down the historical reasons for stigmatiz
There's probably no more stigmatized illness than schizophrenia. Macarthur Genius @ElynSaks shatters every stereotype there is about the devastating brain illness that impacts one in one hundred people. In this conversation with @SheilaHamilton, Saks talks high-functioning schizophrenia and the ways in which she stays well. Recovery is possible.
#schizophrenia #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #ElynSaks #USC #Law #KeepOregonWell
Elyn Saks, Professor, Author, and a High-Functioning Person with Schizophrenia,
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Listen to Elyn Saks, Professor, Author, and a High-Functioning Person with Schizophrenia, by KINK Radio #np on #SoundCloud
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This story is so familiar it breaks my heart. I once asked readers of BPMagazine to tell me whether they'd had suicidal impulses after taking prescribed psychiatric medications. In one day, my inbox was filled with with more than 150 harrowing stories.
My late husband, suffering from depression and a sleep disorder, flipped into a state of mania after taking a prescription given to him by a well-meaning physician friend. Within 48 hours of taking the anti-depressants, he was leaning on the kitchen counter, staring out at the weeds where he used to garden. "I hear voices telling me to jump off a bridge," he said flatly. He never fully recovered. The agitated state of hell he'd entered is called akathisia, and in the months after his death, I met many widows who described a similar unfolding of the events leading to their loved one's death.
Anti-depressants have helped million of people suffering from depression. They can be extremely dangerous for people with Bipolar disorder.
Similarly, Benzodiazepines may sometimes unmask suicidal ideation in depressed patients, possibly through disinhibition or fear reduction. There's an effort in some states to include a black box warning on Benzodiazepines. A recent study found that 30% of all opiate overdoses resulting in death were found to include benzodiazepines in toxicology reports.
None of this information will help alleviate the sadness and enormous loss suffered by the Cornell family. But, it may help save someone else's life. Be informed. Take prescription medication seriously.
Chris Cornell's Wife Issues Statement, Blames Medication for Suicide
rollingstone.com
Chris Cornell's wife Vicky issued a statement speculating whether his suicide was the result of too much anxiety medication.
Kristen Ringo, Sheila Hamilton and 23 others like this
Kristine McClainUntil I got on the correct meds and dosage, my bipolar issues would spike.
1 week ago · 3
Rachel GossI have been offered Ativan numerous times by doctors. I am quite frank. I am in recovery and choose not to take any mood altering substances... I often add that I am afraid I will like them, and to not want to jeopardize my progress. Then tend to understand it when I put it that way. I believe I am Flagged now. Honestly, I have seen people in recovery prescribed the most dangerous medicines, especially those with bi-polar, and other behavioral issues. I pray for this family, and his friends. May they find peace. 💝
1 week ago · 1Debbi CasterlineHugs to all who have ever had this in their lives...
1 week ago · 2Debbie Elkinson McHughThank you Sheila , and thanks for you always being an advocate. This is sad beyond words.
1 week ago · 3John HowellA co-worker of my daughter's just took his own life after being prescribed anti-depressants ... she is convinced that the meds put him over the edge. He was a young and talented individual and left this earth too soon. 🙁
1 week ago · 1Don PieschelAmbien killed my father!
1 week ago · 1Sigrid Anna SilvaI can relate on a visceral level. About 5 years ago, I complained to my doctor because the increased dose of Prozac I had been on for my postpartum depression was making me sweat profusely at all times. Looking back, I would have taken the sweating over what happened next. Long story shortened, I was prescribed a combination of Wellbutrin and Buspar that created such a non stop and intense nightmare where the only escape was sleep. I was able to control my outer behavior for the most part (I am a Thespian) but internally, my world was literally HELL. My mind was altered in a way that made me not want to live anymore. I thought that my brain was broken. It took some time too to make the connection between this new and hellish state of mind and the medication combination. I even told my husband that I didn't want to live anymore. It was unbearable. I was afraid of absolutely everything on a deep level, even my precious toddler daughter. Fortunately, I chose to reach out and my doctor assisted me in weaning off of those medications and return to a smaller dose of Prozac, which works for me for depression to this day. It took months for the drugs to completely leave my system, and it was an incredibly rough journey. I still sometimes have panic attacks and have both Ativan and Vistaril on hand, which I use even more sparingly than I probably should. I never want to experience that again and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I feel extremely deeply for anyone that suffers from the horrible side effects of the wrong medications.
1 week ago · 1Stacey Fernau OleksaSo sad. Something has to be done
1 week ago · 1Donna LeTualI called the Quack that started me on ZOLOFT that I did not feel like myself and had real thoughts of suicide-she told me to hang in there-it takes 2 weeks to kick in-I said "IN TWO WEEKS I"LL BE DEAD"! I stopped it immediately-then she tried to give me Prozac--I I reported her to the AMA- If you have negative reactions from the start-it's not for you!
1 week ago · 2Therese EmberAtivan can seriously lower the oxygen saturation in the brain, endangering people to sustain a stroke. It is a CNS depressant. I genuinely would never recommend it for anyone, especially the elderly.
1 week ago · 3Manel SadAtivan is ironically a psychotic stimulant for the biochemistry of 30% of its users.
1 week ago · 1Samantha StevensThe first stage of grief losing a love to suicide is denial.
1 week ago · 1David RogersAll anti depressant medications are dangerous. They should all be banned as they are only a bandaid to fix deeper issues.
1 week ago · 2Wendy EllisSheila thank you for sharing this information in such clear and concise detail. The more people understand the complexity of mental illness and risks/benefits of various treatments the closer we can get to real healing for those in need and the ones who love them. Thank you for your brutal honesty and compassion. #mentalhealthmatters
7 days ago · 2Doris Anne ObieMuch of this can be avoided with appropriate testing before medication is prescribed. What happens is the doctor treats current symptoms without a thorough inventory of past symptoms.
7 days ago · 1Larissa Caskey BartonBefore being correctly diagnosed bipolar, I was prescribed Prozac for depression. Within a couple days, I had my suicide planned. My fiancé took me straight to the doc and I was taken off the prescription immediately.
7 days ago · 1
Chris Cornell was Northwest Grunge. With other-worldly blue eyes, and musical talent that defied the categories of the 80's, Sound Garden became a symbol of independent, moody rock and Cornell became the often reluctant voice of a generation.
Cornell's death by suicide is emblematic of a public health crisis that gets little attention--death by suicide in white, middle aged men has increased 50 percent since 2008. Imagine the response we'd see from public health officials if fifty percent more men were dying of heart disease every year. There would be free screenings for men over 40, and a public education campaign for everyone to understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
As a suicide prevention advocate and author of the book, 'All the Things We Never Knew, Chasing the Chaos of Mental Illness,' I'm often asked "why?" Why would someone in their prime, with a beautiful family, choose to end their life. I often define suicide as the end stage of a poorly treated or untreated mental illness.
People who suffer from depression, addiction, severe anxiety, ptsd, bipolar disorder and addictions have a brain disorder. Their illnesses are fraught with obstacles to care, prescription loads that may or may not work, and life experiences and traumas that sometimes don't improve with intervention. Instead of thinking of suicide as a conscious choice that happens when someone doesn't want to go on living, we need to understand the relentless nature of a suicidal mind, the difficulty in accessing good, sustainable care, and the stigma that still exists when men, in particular, American men, expose vulnerabilities to talk about their feelings, thoughts and behaviors. We need to highlight the help available and celebrate the number of lives saved when people do access care.
People living with a serious mental illness would be wise to have a suicide prevention plan in place with their family members because suicidal impulses and ideation can occur without warning. There's nothing as heartbreaking as losing another beautiful man in the prime of his life. I speak from the experience of a suicide loss survivor, and an advocate who believes passionately that our mental health system, and the way in which we regard people with mental illnesses, must be disrupted in order to prevent the loss of many more men like #ChrisCornell. #SuicidePrevention #Addiction
If you're struggling, please ask for help. Locally, Lines For Life has a 24 hour response center. Nationally, 1-800-273-8255. There is help available.
Rob Sainsbury, Sheila Hamilton and 23 others like this
Stacy Sanders AdamsThe statistics are so alarming. Thankyou for always bringing awareness♡
1 week agoLines For LifeAs Oregon's affiliate to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)' Lines For Life we're here 24/7 answering 1-800-273-8255. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to us. If you're struggling with drug dependence, we have a 24/7 addictions hotline at 1-800-923-4357.
1 week ago · 4Trish GuzmanSo sad suicide is devastating to those left behind. It makes you question your whole life together. 3 of my family members did it. Selfish
1 week ago · 1Helen KoeppenHeartbreaking 💔
1 week ago · 1Joe Altieriif circumstances changed along the way, suicide need not be the final outcome. After brief jail last December, and being homeless.the last 5 months, i can say things.progress at their own speed and their own intent. now working, having a car. and an apartment with a year lease, im out of the woods. but things could have gone either way. life counciling early on can change the outcome. its possible ...
1 week ago · 1Alan DierickxThank you Sheila.
1 week ago · 1Anna MckenzieThank-you for this post and educating people about the struggle and stigma people face when they are suffering , I lost my son to suicide I know the pain well .
1 week ago · 1Mark NeumanThank you, Sheila, for assisting in flicking "On" the long delayed string of lights, one bulb of awareness after another, casting caring illumination on the plight of many males through the history of our nation.
1 week agoSarah Rundlet RidenourShelia, your words are eloquent and so wise. It is a honor to have met you last year. I just shared your book last week. I will continue to spread the word and message.
5 days agoRob SainsburyChris was Just GREAT!!!!!.......rip....
11 hours agoSchizophrenia unmasked. Filmmaker Sandra Luckow brings her brother Duane's illness to the forefront of a public conversation about the treatment and care of the mentally ill. #Schizophrenia #mentalillness #ThatWayMadnesstheMovie #Documentary #filmmaker
That Way Madness Lies, A Conversation with Director Sandra Luckow
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Documentary film producer/director Sandra Luckow brings a raw and frightening look at the unfolding of her brother's schizophrenia. Told with the help of phone footage shot by her brother, Duane, That
Jessica Suderman, Lisa Erickson and 4 others like this
Karen IliffThe movie was great! Some parts made you laugh, some made you cry, others made you gasp in horror of the treatment of the mentally ill. I spoke with her for a brief time after, she's a really strong woman.
1 week ago
I love this photo so much from the #BlackandGoldGala. Every dollar we raised will go to @TrilliumFamilyServices for families in crisis. We celebrated the incredible work of 31 #mentalhealthheroes and the ingenious anti-stigma campaign @LoganLynn created. #KeepOregonWell includes belly laughs.
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Lisa EricksonPure Joy. 💜💜💜
2 weeks agoOrobomesah AllohPhotogenic
2 weeks ago
Celebrating the epic success of #KeepOregonWell and the mental health heroes who save lives everyday with @LoganLynn Jay Mohr #BlackandGold
Rob Sainsbury, Marie Pedigo and 12 others like this
Lisa EricksonRock Stars!!! All of you!!!!
3 weeks agoNow is not the time to declare their lives a "pre-existing condition."
'Alarming' rise in children hospitalized with suicidal thoughts or actions
www.cnn.com
The percentage of children and teens hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or actions in the United States doubled from 2008 to 2015, new research says.
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Jennifer TaftYes and heroin addiction we can thank Greg walden
3 weeks agoSheila Hamilton shared their video.
Sheila Hamilton
The table was turned... Cheryl Strayed interviewed me this time. #AlltheThingsWeNeverKnew goes on sale Tuesday, October 20th. Please join me at Powell's City of Books for the official book launch star...
Jennifer Coffelt Parks, Levy Lynz and 8 others like this
The notion that we could empty our institutions and place mentally ill people in the community was never backed up with federal funds or support. Now, that population is housed on the street, and in our jails.
At the same time, legislation protecting the rights of the seriously mentally ill from being forced into treatment made it virtually impossible to intervene in the lives of those who can no longer care for themselves.
We need the political will to force a legal change allowing cities and states to intervene. It's the humane thing to do.
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Sheryl Bean Bill DeWitt, Linda Farrell and 7 others like this
Logan LynnPreach!
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