Warning: The bio of Dana Foglesong is not humorous. D.r. Foglesong’s joke writer has been unreachable by telephone, email or through the means of stealth stalking. Therefore, the following material may not be suitable for those looking for a laugh.
Dana Foglesong’s Recovery Story
I took the road less traveled. I would have rather taken the path my friends were taking. The path that would lead me directly to college, a job, marriage and kids. I took a different path; not because I wanted to, in fact at the time I had little choice in anything. At the age of 18, my path was defined by a pervading and frightening brain disorder, a mental illness.
For many years I let the path of depression and mania guide me wherever it wanted. I stayed in bed for months at a time if depression told me to. I lived recklessly when mania allowed. I believed I had no control over what I did or how I felt.
While I am still on the same path, I no longer let my illness define me. Bipolar disorder may have chosen the path, but it no longer chooses the decisions I make along the path. I have learned coping skills to deal with the ups and downs. I am not successful in every moment dealing with the swings but can almost always claim success by the end of each day.
One of the tools I have found helpful in getting better is giving back. I currently serve on three boards, including NAMI Lee County, Florida Self-Directed Care and the Environmental and Peace Education Center. I am also working with a team of people to create The Breathing Space, a Recovery and Respite Center in Fort Myers, Fl. During the day, The Breathing Space will offer various social, educational and inspirational classes as well as host support groups for those dealing with brain disorders. This peer-run facility will also have several private rooms available for respite, for those who need a safe and supportive place to rest for a few days. The Breathing Space will offer a holistic approach, choices in mental health care, and respect for various views of recovery. We also have a passion for respecting our Earth, so our peer-run facility will be created and operated in an environmentally friendly manner. We are in the early stages of planning the center, and we'd love to have your support. You can contact us at .
Not to be forgotten, my youngest child featured in Chato’s cartoon is none other than Colby Medea Benjamin. Colby is a certified therapy dog and visits a local nursing home. He is a happy pup who will soon be celebrating his Bark-mitzvah this summer. If you have a pup I’m sure he would love to have you come to his party. He can be found on Facebook at Colby Foglesong.
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! I wish you well in your own recovery or in the support of the recovery for someone you love!
Dana Foglesong
