Ron & Me: The Epidemic Within

"Ron and Me: The Epidemic Within" is an intimate narrative about two people faced with life-altering events related to bipolar depression. In 'Part One: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road,' Susan reveals the well-paved, yet jagged path that led to her own suicide attempt in the summer of 2003. In 'Part Two: The Ebony and Ivory of Piano Keys,' Susan finds a deep sense of purpose—both preceding and following the police shooting death of her friend Ron, an accomplished jazz pianist with bipolar disorder. "Ron and Me" delves into the challenges of the mental health system as a whole and sheds light on how people struggle even when they ask for help. Mental illness permeates so many lives—including those who hide their battles on a daily basis. But there is purpose in depression, and we must embrace it in order to set it free! In this rare book of honesty, Susan speaks with moxie about her own foibles using a straightforward approach to storytelling. She expertly gives perspective to anyone who has ever contemplated suicide and provides a real, much-needed voice to those who have succeeded in taking their own lives.