Under My Helmet by Keith O’Neil
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Keith O’Neil is a retired professional football player. He also happens to live with bipolar disorder type 1. That’s the same diagnosis I have.
Under My Helmet is the recent book he wrote about his journey to a definitive diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
I have to be honest here; I am not a big fan of reading. It is incredibly difficult for me to sit down for an extended period and read any kind of literature.
When I first learned of Keith’s book, I really wanted to read it. I enjoy hearing how others in the same shoes as myself can overcome bipolar disorder and live a full and productive life. Unfortunately, my aversion to reading took the driver’s seat.
My wife knew how much I wanted to read Under My Helmet and purchased it for me as a nice surprise.
Finally, I forced myself to sit down and read Keith’s book.
Under My Helmet managed to pleasantly surprise me by catching my attention and holding it. I read it in two days!
A new personal record for me (John Poehler).
Under My Helmet
The first half of Under My Helmet describes Keith’s experience with his football career. I have never played football and do not pretend to be an expert. However, Keith drew me into his story right away.
Although I don’t have any experience playing football, I instantly connected with how Keith reacted to different situations. For me, I could relate to his inner dialogue regarding stress, family, relationships, expectations, and life in general.
In the second part of his book, he dove into the specifics of his bipolar disorder. I empathized with his depression along with his mania.
Like Keith, psychosis and paranoia have both been a part of my journey.
Stigma influenced many of his decisions and how he handled various situations.
One part of Under My Helmet really stood out.
Football culture is extremely hardcore when it comes to any type of injury or ailment. If you have a broken toe, you play. You don’t allow discomfort to sideline you, otherwise you may be saying goodbye to your career.
I can understand why football players do not voice their concerns about mental health. Let alone their own personal concerns.
Last Thoughts
Keith O’Neil has my complete and utter respect. Talking about your own story about a stigmatized subject is difficult enough. Keith not only did this, but in both a culture and society where stigma has built a huge wall.
His story is one of courage and strength, helping to break down the walls of stigma and candidly speaking about bipolar disorder.
Take it from me. If you are looking to read a book, I highly recommend Under My Helmet by Keith O’Neil. This is coming from someone who usually takes weeks to read a book.
Finishing Under My Helmet in two days is a testament in and of itself.
Awesome work, Keith, and thank you for spreading awareness of the illness we both live with:
Bipolar Disorder
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