Thursday, November 6, 2008

Library Journal review

Functionally ill issues 1 - 3 were reviewed by Library Journal. Here it is.

In addition to discussing physical illness, zine authors write about their mental problems. Laura-Marie's series reveals her experiences with bipolar disorder, explaining in precise detail what the voices in her head sound like. The first issue follows her pursuit of professional help and the question of whether to take medication and what kind. In issue No. 2, she describes going to her initial exam, her doctors, and her decisions about drugs. Issue No. 3 serves as an update, with added information about the types of therapy (e.g., dialectical behavioral therapy and somatherapy) that she tries.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

functionally ill #4

I'm happy and proud to announce that issue four of functionally ill is finished and being sent out into the world.

It’s about seeing a new therapist: what she’s like, how we interact, what works for me, and what doesn’t. Themes are how we present ourselves, communication, trust, and therapy’s efficacy.

Like all my zines, it's free or trade, so get in touch with me if you're interested. You can reach me at robot mad (no space) dot gmail dot com.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

update about #4

I've been working on #4 slowly but surely. So far it's almost entirely about my new therapist and what interacting with her is like.

Today I started to work on the layout. It's going to be another small one like #3. I'm at 21 pages and aiming for 24. So I'm kind of almost done. But those last three pages could take a long time. We'll see.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

a nice mention

Functionally ill #3 gets a nice mention at the end of this review of my friend Dumpster Mouse's zine Against the Flood.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

another Zine World review

Functionally ill #2 got a good-neutral review in Zine World 25.5.

In a brave move to confront stigmas about the mentally ill, Laura-Marie responds to her bipolar diagnosis by "coming out" and writing about it. She questions presumptions, researches the medications she is prescribed, shares information about resources, and generally gets busy with maintaining the growing network of people who refuse to just take their Lithium and shut up. Quote: "There's nothing inherently wrong with [hearing] voices, but if I have a doctor who makes decisions about what medication I should take on the premise that all voices are bad... I might be prescribed drugs that I don't need."--Jaina Bee

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

functionally ill #3 is out

Functionally ill #3 is out. It's quarter size and made up of small vignettes on identifying, control, pills, psychiatrists, Somatherapy, DBT, and The Icarus Project. Probably the most attractive thing about this issue is a transcription of my voices. That's also what makes me feel most vulnerable.

If you're interested, please let me know and give me your full address. You can email me at my gmail account (robotmad).

Sunday, February 17, 2008

great news

An excerpt from functionally ill #1 is being printed in Zine Yearbook 2007.

digital them

PDFs of both functionally ill zines can be found here.

http://public.box.net/sporeprint