Dear Readers,

He is funny and famous. He has fabulous fans, is financially fortunate, and has a loving family and famous friends. He had everything, yet he had nothing without inner peace and happiness. Sunday night, actor Owen Wilson decided to commit suicide. According to police, he was rushed to a hospital after cutting his wrists and taking a lot of pills during a suicide attempt at his Santa Monica house.

Thankfully Mr. Wilson is in stable condition at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Owen is an Academy Award nominated actor and writer. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the screenplay of The Royal Tenenbaums, but he is perhaps best known for his successful comedic roles such as John Beckwith in Wedding Crashers and as Hansel in Zoolander.

He is considered a part of the Frat Pack, a group of actors including Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and his brother Luke Wilson who often work in each other's movies. It looked like he lived a glorious life.

Television's talking heads have described the failed suicide attempt as "shocking", "unbelievable" and "mind boggling". "He is such a happy, friendly and cheerful guy" said the commentators.

I think what is shocking is the lack of understanding of severe depression and the masking of this baffling disease. The real Academy Award winners are those seemingly normal acting people who are forced to live a life of hiding their depression on the outside while suffering utter despair on the inside.

Everybody has a story. As you already know, what one sees on the outside is not always an accurate portrayal of a person's private and personal life. I'm preaching to the choir, so I will conclude by wishing Mr. Wilson a quick recovery, return to a normal and genuinely happy life. Then he will truly have everything.

• Life's Little Changes
• Next Issue

Life's Little Changes

Within the next week, Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression will no longer be available on the web site or through the toll free telephone number.

Both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com have committed to continue to carry the book. Copies should also be available at your psychiatrist's office.

Next Issue

Look for the next issue of the VagusNerveStimulation.com Bulletin on September 14th. I will attempt to answer the number one question that I am most frequently asked.

In the meantime, please do not get your medical guidance from the message boards. They are filled with completely inaccurate misinformation about vagus nerve stimulation therapy, which can be detrimental to your health and recovery. You must strictly follow the directives from your doctor.
 

I wish you all the best in your treatment plans.

Kindly,

Charles E. Donovan, III
Implanted April 4, 2001
www.VagusNerveStimulation.com
"Keeping Patients Informed"