Ponoka man chronicles mental health journey in new book - Ponoka News
For Ponoka resident David McPherson, a mental health diagnosis hasn’t stood in the way of living a life with purpose, meaning, and supportive relationships along the way. “I was formerly a psychiatric patient,. . .
For Ponoka resident David McPherson, a mental health diagnosis hasn’t stood in the way of living a life with purpose, meaning, and supportive relationships along the way. “I was formerly a psychiatric patient, and I was concerned about all of the stigma against mental illness,” he explained of why he chose to chronicle his experiences in a new book entitledJourney to Euphoria. “I also want to educate people who read my book about my own experiences. ”McPherson, who is originally from Lethbridge, was born with Frontal Lobe Syndrome, and also suffered a lack of oxygen during birth, he said. What is most striking about the book is his astonishing ability to remember reams of details of everyday life both at what was then Alberta Hospital Ponoka, and all the way back to his younger years. He also spent time at Red Deer’s Michener Centre as a youngster as well. Readers are taken on a detailed journey through what it’s like to go through each day with the challenges of living with mental illness — what has been helpful and what hasn’t helped — and ultimately how belonging to a community has been intrinsic to maintaining stability through the years as well. Chapter by chapter, there were the good days with exciting things to do, and new friendships formed along the way. But there were challenges for sure, from dealing with difficult personalities, seasons of loneliness, and a feeling of not relating well to others. McPherson points out his diagnosis has affected him in a range of ways, from feeling down and alone, to having trouble with emotional control. He has seen virtually all of it, and is refreshingly honest about his experiences from periods of stability thanks in part to a solid sense of routine, to bewildering bouts of sadness, anger or troubling thoughts. As to writing the book, he started during the pandemic. “I was stuck in my apartment, and I was bored as heck,” he recalled. These days, he hopes it can help to start discussions about any number of mental health issues. He explained how back in his younger days, it wasn’t as talked about as much. Things have certainly improved, but there is plenty of room for improvement, he added. Shannon Boyce-Campbell, executive director of FCSS, has known McPherson since she started with the organization 14 years ago. “Over the years, we have grown in our friendship, and we work on all kinds of different things together,” she said. “When I heard he was writing a book, I was pretty excited. ”Boyce-Campbell, along with other dedicated volunteers, helped type out his manuscript. “I always knew he had a huge ability to remember everything! It’s amazing. ”She also pointed out how McPherson has been able to already have an impact on others. “We had a workshop where we talked about mental illness over at the old Legion,” she recalled. “David quieted the room — there were a lot of people in the room talking about mental illness — when he stood up and told his story. ”She recalled how McPherson shared about his supportive family, and how he also went on to choose Ponoka to call home because of the supports available as well. As to the nature of his illness, Boyce-Campbell pointed out how damage to the brain can happen anytime and anywhere, and therefore leaves absolutely no room for judgement from others as to what someone goes through personally, she added. Looking ahead, another book is coming which will explore later experiences of McPherson’s life; essentially whereJourney to Euphorialeaves off. There is no question the experience of remembering and recording so many memories has had an impact on McPherson. And these days, he noted one of the key ways families and friends can help a loved one experiencing any type of mental illness is by talking about it. His own openness has certainly helped McPherson as he has navigated the complexities of mental illness. These days, he enjoys socializing around town, and is pleased and fulfilled with having found such meaning in his writing. “I have come a long ways. ”To pre-order a copy, call Challen Gladman at 250-210-0255.