Nell Casey
Nell Casey, editor of Unholy Ghost,
was only 16 years old when her sister Maud was diagnosed with bipolar
disorder. Eleven years later, Maud stopped taking her medication and,
after a brief hospitalization for mania, fell into a four-month depressive
episode. For this period of time, Nell and her mother became Maud's primary
caregivers. Nell threw her energy into responding to hospital crises, taking
care of Maud's job and apartment, and helping Maud through the trials
of finding the medications that worked for her. Eventually Maud recovered.
Even after Maud stabilized, however, Nell experienced an aftermath of anxiety,
extreme hypochondria, weight loss, and headaches for several months. Nell
describes the difficulties and emotions of caregiving, along with the incredible
triumph of her sister's recovery.
What was your sister's experience with bipolar
disorder?
What were your sister's mania symptoms?
Which symptoms were most upsetting?
What was your experience with the hospital?
How did you care for your sister?
What effect did your sister's depression have on
you personally?
What motivated you to create your book,
Unholy Ghost?
What advice do you have for families?
