“Berman: The Face of Mental Illness”

I apologize if you receive this article twice.

You may be wondering how Berman got his name. When I was little, my dad told stories to me and my little sisters about Sarah, Josh, and Berman. Berman was the “bad guy,” so Sarah and Josh were always on the run trying not to fall for his tricks or trip into one of his traps. Dad told us many stories. We used to beg him to tell us the last Berman story, but always he said, “Not yet.” Berman’s stories were so inspiring, and I asked Dad if Berman could serve another purpose. He gave me permission, and then my mental illness had a name. I picked up the story where he left off, because I realize now that there will never be a last Berman story. I was afraid, angry, and frustrated with Berman until he became a friend. Who could stay mad at that face?

-SJB