When Electroboy was finally published, I ran out, bought it and maniacally read it in four hours. It was that much more painful to me because by that time I already knew what a decent and wonderful person Andy Behrman was. I had faith that I could recover more fully because I saw in the book that he had done so successfully. I was grateful that I never had to suffer the horrors of psychosis and shock treatment that Andy had. I had someone that I could share psycho ward stories with, both humorous and horrifying. Most importantly, Andy was so brutally honest about his escapades and behaviors that I finally realized that this was "normal" for someone who suffers with bipolar disorder, and that I was not as abnormal as I thought. Now I could unlock the closet that was loaded with skeletons that had eaten me up, destroying the part of me that was trying so hard to live and love myself.
In March of 2002, I discovered on the website that his book tour was starting in Manhattan. Friends treated me to a limo for my birthday, so that after talking online for a year I could finally go and meet my kindred spirit, Andy Behrman. I am very defensive about his book, as many reviews and people that I know who have read it are "shocked" by it and judge it to be sensationalistic. The truth is, I think Electroboy makes some people uncomfortable because they can't accept their own or their loved one's illness. Many people in our society are afraid of the mentally ill in general. Most of us are not violent, and in my case I hurt myself more than anyone else. Andy Behrman has done a great service for those of use who live with this terrible affliction. I was fortunate to see him two other times over the last three years at two other book signings.
I treasure our friendship. Having a bipolar friend who I could actually relate to has been amazing. Andy really understands first-hand what I go through, and I understand him. We accept each other unconditionally, and just the fact that Andy was able to write and publish this great work showed me that bipolar individuals can function and accomplish amazing things. I now feel that I am in the best of company; I embrace my illness rather than despise myself. I will forever be grateful for his wisdom, love and honesty in his writing and most of all for being my most compassionate true friend.
About Bipolar Disorder's Review of Electroboy: It's a Must Read
Selection from Electroboy (reprinted with author's permission)
