The day the sound stopped

Author: (American) Stearns et al./Stearns
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Kenen has opened up his privacy and world to us—his past and vitality, which few outsiders are privileged to share. Others face external challenges and difficulties, but he battles his inner enemies. His strength and fragility, his anger and courage, and his indomitable spirit prompt us to confront ourselves and the world from a new perspective. "He gained widespread recognition for vigorously promoting the American mental health movement and leading the rewriting of public perception of mental illness. He published newspapers and magazines, with content written by mental health organizations to provide information to consumers. He worked tirelessly to enhance the rights of people with mental illnesses and established a highly successful advocacy program. The individuals who are now on the path to recovery credit Kenen with their progress—whether they have read his articles, listened to his speeches on the radio, or seen him on television. People turned to him for help, and he responded. For these and other achievements, the National Mental Health Organization awarded Kenen Stearns the Clifford W. Beers Award in 1999, our highest honor," as stated by Joseph Glazer, Chairman and CEO of the New York Mental Health Organization. I heard that at the annual conference held at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington D.C. on a June afternoon, when I stood to receive the award, the four hundred distinguished guests rose to applaud for me. I don’t remember any of these events—I don’t remember how I stood up from my seat or walked to the stage, or even what I said once I was up there. I was trembling all over, my heart pounding so hard that I was afraid I would faint before reaching the stage. "Kenen, you must do this," I told myself. "It’s fine, you’re safe here." Part of me still struggles to accept my current situation—meeting real people, hearing them speak, talking about me, and praising me. Because for the past 32 years, my world has been dominated by malicious and dismissive voices, constantly commenting on me, belittling me. Thirty-two years of destructive voices have trapped my disordered mind—teasing me, deceiving me, wasting my time, pushing me to the brink of life again and again, urging me to take that final step. At the age of 14, Kenen Stearns began showing signs of schizophrenia. The illness has haunted him ever since, growing progressively worse, leading to multiple hospitalizations. In the following 32 years, Kenen Stearns began to rise again, fighting the disease and the invisible enemy within him. Eventually, with the help of doctors, he overcame the illness and founded the renowned mental health magazine The New York Voice, becoming a household hero in America. Stearns’ story has given hope to those suffering from schizophrenia and inspired mental health professionals. Hillary Clinton has highly praised Kenen Stearns’ resilience: "His fearless perseverance has brought the stories of people with mental illness to the world’s attention," and she strongly recommends this book.