Back Story
A COMMUNITY
Black Box Warnings is a collective of bloggers who share their personal stories about mental and physical health, parenting, daily tribulations, and life’s little moments. An on-line community built around support, respect, and compassion.
SUBMIT YOUR STORY
Most bloggers on Black Box Warnings have been invited by Le Clown. If you would like to contribute, you can send us an email at le clown at clownonfire dot com.
Please note that all posts on this blog haven’t been published elsewhere. Also, we do not accept promotional posts, may it be a product, a book, a blog, or a cause.
62 Comments on “Back Story”
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The Community
While this is not a happy blog, I still want to say: congratulations!
Both on the blog itself and on being such an irresponsible, negligent father. All fathers should be this negligent and irresponsible.
Also, the banner kicks ass
SSG,
Damn right this banner rocks!
Le Clown
Love the banner as well! Bravo!
Negligence and irresponsibility SEEPS out of this new blog. (Hopefully in the same way that my sarcasm does.) I’m looking forward to following you on this journey. I will keep you and your family in mind during my “meditation” time. Good luck with all.
Jon,
Buddy, thanks. We’ll take “meditation” and prayers and whatever others might throw our way. It makes a huge difference.
Le Clown
My nephew has always had “behavioral” issues. When he was little the so called “medical professionals” diagnosed him with ADD. So they, along with my brothers ex’s permission, put him on drugs, I think ritalin. This terrified my brother after he read about the side effects of the drug however he too was powerless to stop “them” from administering it. Then, when the ritalin wasn’t working, these professionals decided that he actually suffered from ADHD and another type of drug was used. He is now in his late twenties and, as it turns out, two years ago it was determined that he is actually suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome which accounts for his behavior. He is now improving in leaps and bounds, living in his own place, holding down a good job, etc.
Hey, Le Clown. I know I’ve been AWOL for a long time (months of vertigo and morning sickness, I’m afraid, although I’m aware that mere illness is probably not an acceptable excuse for ignoring you) but I will have you know I’ve been thinking of you at least every day. Maybe every week. Well … sometimes. I promise.
And I have not forgotten my promise to write a post for you. In fact, I actually have written one, and only about a month later than you said you were thinking. Considering I’ve been getting hate mail from the phone company and water company for bills that are months overdue, mostly to my complete inability to muster the energy to pay them, I feel that you’re quite lucky I’ve written something so soon after the deadline has passed. I hope you like it. Should I email it to you?
Kisses, Queen Gen.
Queen Gen,
I would love to have you as a guest writer! I have a spot for this coming Thursday that just opened up. Would you be interested?
Le Clown
Super interested! But I don’t know how to post…? Do I just email it to you to post it?
My grandson has been diagnosed as AD(H)D. He is not being medicated, but he is being treated in non pharmaceutical ways. I see positive progress in his life and I credit it to his parents efforts to help him develop learning and coping skills that work for him.
Macleans Magazine has had two stories this past year that I found interesting: http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/05/28/does-mother-know-best-when-it-comes-to-adhd/
http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/01/29/troubling-news-on-attention-deficit-medication-for-young-people/#more-236454
Hey!
Thanks for your kind words! Your blog is great for all of us! I’d LOVE to be a guest blogger. Would you mind if I blog somethings I’ve posted on my own blog?
A.D.D. and Me,
This is me apologizing for being so late with my response (two months!, kudos, Le Clown). Could you send me an email at clownonfire at gmail dot com? I’ll give you all the details.
Thank you, and again, apologies for the delay.
Le Clown
Le Clown,
THANK YOU for writing this blog. I’m 29, was diagnosed with AD(H)D at age 8, and have been taking some form or another of methylphenidate since diagnosis. I lament the fact that this type of information wasn’t available to my parents back then. They did a great job and did their homework, but I always wonder what our other options were for treatment. You’ve lit a fire to take a more active role in treating my own ADD. keep up the good work!
You are amazing. Your serious side is as serious as your funny side is funny. Sorry to hear about the battle with ‘kids mom’ – SUCKTOWN. Keep on keepin’ on Clown. We need you out here.
Speedo,
Thank you, and sorry about the long delay in answering you.
Le Clown
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wee bee is not sure if it helps, but she once extensively researched the effects of psychostimulant pharmaceuticals on brains. as far as the best imaging of our time is concerned, a “normal” person on ritalin or a similar prescription stimulant has an identical brain reaction to the drug(s) as an “adhd” brain. wee bee’s hypothesis is that giving pharm crack to someone who is naturally eager to move and explore only appears to work, a.k.a. sit still properly, because they can then focus intensely on the awesomeness of say, a scratch in their desk. hyper-vigilance is the effect of any amphetamine, adhd brain or otherwise; does not necessarily mean that vigilance is good or will be directed positively to studies, just means the kids/adults/”sufferers” appear more easily settled because their brains are amped up. the whole “the adhd brain reacts oppositely than the non-adhd brain to stimulants” is a very pervasive and probably extremely destructive myth, according to fmri studies and the like. unfortunately, society will adhere to this myth probably for a very long time because mothers and teachers prefer their children to be a certain way and the drugs make the children look that certain way.
citing the DSM is always fantastic defense… but we forget that disorders involving brain/psychological things are still more of a mystery than ever. and the DSM has a pretty strong history of being wrong anyway. “hysteria” – wandering uterus. solution: woman needs to get pregnant.
“adhd/add” – hyperactive child. solution: hype child up on cocaine. (*confused shaking of head*)
of course, there are plenty who disagree. hopefully they do not begin sending hatemail to wee bee for writing this… but this is one of those “things” that has bothered/interested wee bee and about which she has studied in the past. so anyone who would like to hate, can take the DSM with them to the depths of hell.
Weebee,
You’re welcome here on Black Box Warnings anytime.
Le Clown
le clown,
many thanks. wee bee is often shunned, as in that youtube vid with the unicorn: “shun the non believer! shuuuuuunnn…”
wee bee
Grrreat… another blog I have to read from start to finish. I need to take days of work for “reading.” Think that would fly? As stated in your above writing about looking forward to hearing from health professionals, parents, etc, I hope you will open your heart and thoughts to welcoming thoughts from teachers also. I see the spectrum of “AD(H)D-like mannerisms” to full-blown-poster-child for the disorder regularly in my classroom, school, and myself. I have very strong personal values, experiences, and passions for learning and interacting about both ADHD and depression. I am looking forward to reading all the posts. I hope there aren’t too many yet….I haven’t even looked beyond this page yet!
Kimberly,
As a teacher, I’m sure you would have a great deal of things to say about kids with ADHD when it comes to learning. Do you think you would have enough for a guest post? As I think it would be a great topic to cover!
Le Clown
Enough? More like I’d have to pare down all my thoughts! I’d love to share a couple of stories that show both sides of the coin. Thank you for the invite.
Kim,
That is wonderful! I’ll send you a PM later on today.
Le Clown
Clearly I’ve been ready and waiting for this opportunity. I share these stories (2 of a zillion) regularly verbally, but have never written them down. I’ve already written it all. Ha. Up to you whether to post, but will likely go on my own blog soonish.
Thanks for the spark.
Eric,
I raised a child (stepson) for years who they told us was ADHD, but was really probably psychotic. They won’t officially diagnose a child as being psychotic until they’re 18, so he was never properly treated. It’s really quite difficult and I feel your pain.
I wish you all the best and hope that you and your son’s mother eventually see eye to eye on a treatment plan, but I know the chances of that are slim.
Twindaddy.
Glad to have wandered over here, Eric.
My ex had ADHD and maybe BPD, and we’re trying to figure out what’s going on with my daughter… ADD? Adjustment Disorder? “Spirited-ness”? I’m about to move on to counselor number FIVE to try to get help. Yesterday, she punched me in the stomach, and today she threatened to break a drinking glass. Just the usual stuff…I haven’t gone into any of this on my blog yet, but will work up to it at some point.
Thanks for creating this forum. You’re so great and bringing people together.
Kylie,
We are gathering guest bloggers for the next three months, if you are interested in sharing your story…
Le Clown
Oh boy. Maybe toward the end of that three-month period? I’m not sure I’m ready yet. Thanks for asking.
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was not aware of this site. i have some catching up to do.
I actually have a son that is quite hyperactive but he is only 5, so I don’t know yet if he has anything, but I am glad I to know about this in case I need support in the future.
Still interested in Guest Posting. Does the offer still stand? If so, when?
Ashley,
Absolutely, let me send you an email.
Eric
Okay
ashleyetcblog@gmail.com
I just discovered this, courtesy of Darla. And I am definitely going to give it a read.
This past fall, we went through an ADHD meds trial with our son, to see if we could help him with his attention. Although I have learned quite a bit from hanging out with the spiritual community, about the fact that these kids are coming in in droves to challenge various systems (paradigms) in place that really need to change (our education system for one). And that many of these kids are quite advanced; an evolutionary leap, if you will. In the meanwhile, I still have to help my son make it through the current school system.
For my son, pharmaceuticals was definitely NOT the way to go. So, we are using some homeopathy and are introducing brain entrainment technology in the form of audio CD’s (Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention). And my change of attitude has helped him quite a bit- knowing that he is not defective in any way, just different, and in fact, advanced (wired for the future).
Mariner2Mother,
This would be a great story to share on BBW,at least, one that I personally would like to read. Would you be interested in guest blogging? The post would be for late March, beginning of April!
Eric
I’d be happy to share this story with you, either for BBW or just for you- it matters not to me. I am in a window of craziness in my life, so I’ll write it in the next week or two and connect with you. Thanks for your interest.
I meant that I’m in a lull between crazy times. So I can write now.
Mariner,
Perfect… When you have a minute, pm me: clownonfire at gmail dot come.
Eric
Le Clown, I would love to guest blog on the Black Box! I only discovered it today through The Hook’s post and I’ve been reading some of the other articles, I love the format, the theme, really great what you’ve created here!
There’s a story I’d like to share that wouldn’t really suit my own blog, it’s a bit darker and harder to write about you know, but I think this would be the perfect platform.
Anyway I’m not sure if you’re still taking guests or how exactly this works but I’d be honoured to write a piece so here’s my email:
rohan.healy@beardfirepublishing.com
Let me know if you’d like me to guest.
Take care, all the best.
Rohan.
Rohan,
Sending you a PM this morning.
Thanks,
Eric
Eric, I would be interesting in writing a guest blog about my chronic depression and anxiety and my bouts with suicidal tendencies because of these for Black Box Warnings. You can reach me at fatima.dms.49@gmail.com
Let me know what you think, if it would be appropriate or not. Thanks.
Dark Mary
Dark Mary,
Of course! We’re up to end of March, beginning of April. I’ll send you a PM to define a date with you for your guest post.
Thanks,
Eric
Super, super blog! I’ve enjoyed reading through it this morning!
The Good Mood Foodie,
Thank you! This means a great deal.
Eric
I love the idea of this blog. So many people blog about the pretty things (like I used to) and it’s so hard to find that balance of blogging about real things and not totally wanting to kill yourself if you do.
Meredith,
Thank you. This blog has become a loving and supportive community. I’m glad to have you part of it.
Eric
I don’t know how or why I’m just finding this now, but I’m amazed to see a different side of so many bloggers whose blogs I follow. It gives me the motivation and courage to be more honest and personal in my own writing, because there’s more to Sass & Balderdash than just funny stories. So glad I came across this.
Finally, some dirty honesty.
The Lunatic,
Right?
Le Clown
Love the banner. Look forward to reading these posts.
Looking forward to reading more on this blog. I had a brother (he has since passed away) who was paranoid schizophrenic. I’ve got some great funny and heartbreaking stories. Mental health issues are certainly not talked about enough in our country. Thanks for starting up this blog.
Valley Girl,
Would you like to write a post for Black Box Warnings? We are looking for bloggers for May and June.
Le Clown
Sure! Let me know when.
The ‘ugly’ truth isn’t so ugly when it is the normal. A healthy dose of reality is just what the Doctor ordered.
Gabriel,
Just received your email. I will answer by tomorrow. Thank you.
Le Clown
Wow, you’re good. Thank you.
Gabriel,
Anytime man.
Le Clown
Your blog is amazing and I always enjoy reading it!
That’s way I nominated you for the SUNSHINE AWARD!
Details are on my page
http://clumsyfool.wordpress.com/2013/04/28/the-sunshine-award/
I have just started to read some of these stories…I suddenly feel not so alone in this world. Coming from an addictive family and having some other “skeletons” in the family closet, its a relief to feel not so alone through all this. Espeically when my family denies alot of what has, is and will happen/ed/ing.
Thanks
I’m glad I followed the link from the Daily Post to discover this gem… I had no idea you had this brilliant community of non-FDA approved bloggers. What a great safe space for exploring those topics we typically sublimate or carry around in our hearts and heads. It’s humbling. Boy, life’s little moments sure brings up memories…
Kudos!
Elizabeth
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