I appreciate you sharing this important message, Devin. As a fellow Rotarian and global citizen, I applaud you shining a light on the topic of mental health. I am also hopeful that your break allows for healing and I look forward to following your adventures until you return to this forum.
Devin, I hope this break will provide you with the time and space to heal from how you're feeling broken. I admire your courage to share your journey and in doing so believe you're exercising one of your superpowers for good. May this time of rest and reflection help to restore your health.
Devin, you are absolutely the kindest, most intelligent and thoughtful individual I have met in this political journey. You uplift everyone you meet & amplify the virtues that make people realize the goodness in this world. I have faith that your break will provide the necessary time to heal. Please know that I am cheering for you from across the continent. I know your journey will be filled with wonder.
I'm grateful for your article, Devin. Thank for sharing your story while shining light on the many stigmas that are still attached to mental health. My partner, Rachael teaches that all mental health is linked to (childhood) trauma, which is a big elephant in the room (of the world) that many are afraid to talk about. I've gone through hell to get to the point I'm at today, and yet I still have my days as we all will. Spend as much time as you can in nature, I promise that it helps, Einstein was right about what it teaches us about nature and ourselves. Take cold plunges, it also helps tremendously; continue writing about the information you've received, even if you never share it with anyone, write it down. I hope you had a pleasant Christmas weekend; I wish well in the New Year.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And I hope reading the heartfelt responses provide a sense of how you impact others, and your work in and of itself, has success written all over it. Suffering losses in corners of our life has its toll. And when they come piled together usually it rears in some form. We can be superheroes but that doesn't mean recharge, self-care, and time away aren't part of the deal. We are not superhuman. As you read, many of us have been there in one form or another. Take heart in that. You are doing the right thing -- and days will be brighter. In the meantime, lean on those who love you, professional care, and take note -- you have touched many, made a difference for lots, and frankly are a leader, the right kind of leader, in this challenging world of ours. You are in our thoughts and we look forward to your reengaging as soon as it feels right for you. With great respect, Jackie
Hi Devin: Appreciate the heartfelt message and SO glad you are taking care of yourself first and foremost. Happy to chat after you are ready to return after re-charging. Take care, Pratap
Thank you, Devin. Your message resonates with me for two reasons:
I ran hard as a Democrat for the Idaho House some 15 years ago, and lost, but could point to some positives from the campaign, as your analytical brain has been able to do. I don't know what the Utah legislature is like overall, but one of the benefits of my loss was that I didn't have to sit through the agonizing session. And I was able to exercise leadership on other things that I care about, as you have done.
The other thing is mental health. The form of mental illness that has struck my family hardest is schizophrenia, which has robbed a cherished relative of his sparkle. The book that has helped us with that one is Surviving Schizophrenia, by E. Fuller Torrey, MD. Others of us are dealing with disabling anxiety, and can't find culturally appropriate counseling that their insurance will cover. You are so right that the mental health system is broken.
Previously, I had only heard your name through crowdfunding circles. I recently attended your SuperCrowd22 event. I am here to comment on your personal share of your journey with your community. Thank you! My family has recently been "introduced" to the mental health crisis through my daughter's diagnosis, but I also believe that I am on a similar journey. Whether my experience is a result of physiological causes or circumstantial causes remains unclear, but I know that it is a struggle. I am personally inspired when I learn of other "leaders" willing to publicly share their experiences as I believe this is a topic in much need of public exposure. I now fully understand that mental health treatment is an art and not a science (YET). There are many more opportunities to further the study and therefore the diagnosis and treatment of this growing pandemic. I am eager to read some of the resources you have shared which may help inform my own struggles. In the meantime, we are here for you! In care...
Devin, I’m very sorry to read what you are going through and sensed before you left Salt Lake that you needed a change and had hoped your move to FL would bring you what you needed. I too was very disappointed for you that you couldn’t get a DC Schedule C job through your political contacts or through you direct applications with USAID, etc.
I wish you much success in getting through these disappointments and in reaching a better place.
Devin, you are brave to have published this but even braver to have fought the good fight over the past many years. In a just world, this would be rewarded, but alas. At least a few of us notice and care and appreciate what you have done and will hopefully get a second wind to do in the coming years.
Oct 5, 2022·edited Oct 5, 2022Liked by Devin Thorpe
In case you don't already know, I think you are an amazingly talented, caring, hardworking human being and I am saddened by your struggles. I come from a family of people with mental health issues. Although I know very little about mental health issues personally, I recognize some from my past life experiences. Whatever you are dealing with, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. That's not much to offer from thousands of miles away but you are truly one of my favorite people. Please take care of yourself. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Devin, I so appreciate the daily inspirations you share via Superpowers for Good. Thank you for all that you contribute to the world; including the vulnerability to share your mental health journey here. I’ve shared this note with a few of my closest and dearest that are struggling on their own journey. You are right. You are not alone. Sending you healing, optimism and joy as you take the time to focus on that critical work. Thank you.
Devin, I was touched by your e-mail, and I congratulate you on your commitment to self-care in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Yes, these pre- and post-2020 years have been very difficult for so very many, and it was generous and courageous of you to share some of your own stories from this period. I "met" you for the first time recently during SuperCrowd22, and was immediately impressed by your warmth, optimism, and professionalism, and I of course wish you and Gail well as you take some time together to renew and regroup. Thanks again for your willingness to share here, and do continue to put your health first!
Devin, You deserve a break and I hope that you will be able to start mending what is broken. Thank you, as always, for sharing such poignant and huge part of your life with your readers. As you can see, we love you, know you, support you, and I am humbled that you have been able to build such a caring support group through your words online. While you take this break, I do hope that you will keep us posted and chronicle what you find to be helpful or not. I recognize some of the books you listed; in fact, they are on our bookshelves at home. I am a person of faith so please know you and Gail are in my thoughts and prayers. Again, you are loved and matter. Thanks again for all you are and all you do.
Why I'm Taking a Mental Health Break
I appreciate you sharing this important message, Devin. As a fellow Rotarian and global citizen, I applaud you shining a light on the topic of mental health. I am also hopeful that your break allows for healing and I look forward to following your adventures until you return to this forum.
Devin, I hope this break will provide you with the time and space to heal from how you're feeling broken. I admire your courage to share your journey and in doing so believe you're exercising one of your superpowers for good. May this time of rest and reflection help to restore your health.
Devin, you are absolutely the kindest, most intelligent and thoughtful individual I have met in this political journey. You uplift everyone you meet & amplify the virtues that make people realize the goodness in this world. I have faith that your break will provide the necessary time to heal. Please know that I am cheering for you from across the continent. I know your journey will be filled with wonder.
I am very proud to be one of your many friends. I can’t wait to hear what you learn about yourself on this journey inward!
I'm grateful for your article, Devin. Thank for sharing your story while shining light on the many stigmas that are still attached to mental health. My partner, Rachael teaches that all mental health is linked to (childhood) trauma, which is a big elephant in the room (of the world) that many are afraid to talk about. I've gone through hell to get to the point I'm at today, and yet I still have my days as we all will. Spend as much time as you can in nature, I promise that it helps, Einstein was right about what it teaches us about nature and ourselves. Take cold plunges, it also helps tremendously; continue writing about the information you've received, even if you never share it with anyone, write it down. I hope you had a pleasant Christmas weekend; I wish well in the New Year.
Hello Devin,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And I hope reading the heartfelt responses provide a sense of how you impact others, and your work in and of itself, has success written all over it. Suffering losses in corners of our life has its toll. And when they come piled together usually it rears in some form. We can be superheroes but that doesn't mean recharge, self-care, and time away aren't part of the deal. We are not superhuman. As you read, many of us have been there in one form or another. Take heart in that. You are doing the right thing -- and days will be brighter. In the meantime, lean on those who love you, professional care, and take note -- you have touched many, made a difference for lots, and frankly are a leader, the right kind of leader, in this challenging world of ours. You are in our thoughts and we look forward to your reengaging as soon as it feels right for you. With great respect, Jackie
Hi Devin: Appreciate the heartfelt message and SO glad you are taking care of yourself first and foremost. Happy to chat after you are ready to return after re-charging. Take care, Pratap
Thank you, Devin. Your message resonates with me for two reasons:
I ran hard as a Democrat for the Idaho House some 15 years ago, and lost, but could point to some positives from the campaign, as your analytical brain has been able to do. I don't know what the Utah legislature is like overall, but one of the benefits of my loss was that I didn't have to sit through the agonizing session. And I was able to exercise leadership on other things that I care about, as you have done.
The other thing is mental health. The form of mental illness that has struck my family hardest is schizophrenia, which has robbed a cherished relative of his sparkle. The book that has helped us with that one is Surviving Schizophrenia, by E. Fuller Torrey, MD. Others of us are dealing with disabling anxiety, and can't find culturally appropriate counseling that their insurance will cover. You are so right that the mental health system is broken.
Devin,
Previously, I had only heard your name through crowdfunding circles. I recently attended your SuperCrowd22 event. I am here to comment on your personal share of your journey with your community. Thank you! My family has recently been "introduced" to the mental health crisis through my daughter's diagnosis, but I also believe that I am on a similar journey. Whether my experience is a result of physiological causes or circumstantial causes remains unclear, but I know that it is a struggle. I am personally inspired when I learn of other "leaders" willing to publicly share their experiences as I believe this is a topic in much need of public exposure. I now fully understand that mental health treatment is an art and not a science (YET). There are many more opportunities to further the study and therefore the diagnosis and treatment of this growing pandemic. I am eager to read some of the resources you have shared which may help inform my own struggles. In the meantime, we are here for you! In care...
Devin, I’m very sorry to read what you are going through and sensed before you left Salt Lake that you needed a change and had hoped your move to FL would bring you what you needed. I too was very disappointed for you that you couldn’t get a DC Schedule C job through your political contacts or through you direct applications with USAID, etc.
I wish you much success in getting through these disappointments and in reaching a better place.
Paul
Devin, you are brave to have published this but even braver to have fought the good fight over the past many years. In a just world, this would be rewarded, but alas. At least a few of us notice and care and appreciate what you have done and will hopefully get a second wind to do in the coming years.
In case you don't already know, I think you are an amazingly talented, caring, hardworking human being and I am saddened by your struggles. I come from a family of people with mental health issues. Although I know very little about mental health issues personally, I recognize some from my past life experiences. Whatever you are dealing with, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. That's not much to offer from thousands of miles away but you are truly one of my favorite people. Please take care of yourself. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Devin, I so appreciate the daily inspirations you share via Superpowers for Good. Thank you for all that you contribute to the world; including the vulnerability to share your mental health journey here. I’ve shared this note with a few of my closest and dearest that are struggling on their own journey. You are right. You are not alone. Sending you healing, optimism and joy as you take the time to focus on that critical work. Thank you.
Devin, I was touched by your e-mail, and I congratulate you on your commitment to self-care in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Yes, these pre- and post-2020 years have been very difficult for so very many, and it was generous and courageous of you to share some of your own stories from this period. I "met" you for the first time recently during SuperCrowd22, and was immediately impressed by your warmth, optimism, and professionalism, and I of course wish you and Gail well as you take some time together to renew and regroup. Thanks again for your willingness to share here, and do continue to put your health first!
Big hugs to you and Gail. Thank you for sharing with us. We hope your 3-5 weeks break will be beneficial.
So much is broken in our country, in our systems. I know you will continue to address it and help for a long time more. I will do my best to join you.
Devin, You deserve a break and I hope that you will be able to start mending what is broken. Thank you, as always, for sharing such poignant and huge part of your life with your readers. As you can see, we love you, know you, support you, and I am humbled that you have been able to build such a caring support group through your words online. While you take this break, I do hope that you will keep us posted and chronicle what you find to be helpful or not. I recognize some of the books you listed; in fact, they are on our bookshelves at home. I am a person of faith so please know you and Gail are in my thoughts and prayers. Again, you are loved and matter. Thanks again for all you are and all you do.