HBM039: A Goddamn Missionary

Terry Sanford Crowley understands that he is an imperfect hero. But his efforts to help people in crisis are made possible by his ability to speak their language. That's because Terry himself has Bipolar Disorder and has been treated five times for thinking he was Jesus.

But Terry, who splits his time between the small town of Hoquiam, Washington and Seattle, knows that keeping his delusions in check will mean the success of his mission to help his friends and family and the "crazies" on the street that he checks in with.

The number of people on the street who suffer with mental illness is debated, but is certainly higher than average. PBS has a good factsheet about what is known about homelessness and what isn't: www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html

In this episode of Here Be Monsters, Terry often refers to Manic Depression, a condition that, per the DSM 5 has been reclassified as Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, memory, concentration, sleep, sex drive, appetite and self esteem.

The causes of Bipolar Disorder are unknown, but is often be hereditary.

Bipolar Disorder can disrupt personal and professional relationships, but it is treatable. Therapy, medication, support networks can help mitigate its negative impacts.

Bipolar Disorder often goes undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated. If you experience symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, or know someone who does, help is available.

If you're feeling suicidal, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US, at 1-800-273-TALK

For help outside of the US, suicide.org has a list of international hotlines: www.suicide.org/international-sui…ide-hotlines.html

Music on the show from

Phantom Fauna: phantomfauna.bandcamp.com/

The Black Spot: theblackspot.bandcamp.com/

Lucky Dragons: luckydragons.bandcamp.com/

This episode was produced by Jeff Emtman with help from our Producer in Training, Grant Sphrintz, and our story editor, Bethany Denton.

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Right now, Our friends over at NPR's Snap Judgment are running a crowd funding campaign that is critical to the success of great storytelling on the radio. Go ahead and toss them a dollar and tell them HBM sent you. They have some great rewards, too. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/214975253/keep-snap-snappin-the-biggest-baddest-season-ever