“Judy, with smoke-tinged voice, sings Elvis songs  His words, her joys, her pain, the rights and wrongs;
Michel, his lofty thoughts, beliefs and high ideals
Written in a secret code, a language from his dreams;
Jonathan, holding onto reality by a slight, thin thread
Talks fast, travels faster by cars designed in his head”

- Excerpt from 125 Douglas Stories and Drawings

With the launch of the new book 125 Douglas Stories and Drawings, readers get a rare glimpse into the world of mental illness. This publication, available through the Douglas online store, is a compilation of moving letters and drawings from patients, staff, and friends of the Douglas Hospital.

“In this book, you will read how Douglas care has transformed the lives of people with mental illness, and about the joy others have found through volunteering,” says Douglas Director General Jacques Hendlisz. “Each one is special and all are touching. Collectively, it is a testament to the profound impact the Douglas has made, and reflects the progress of psychiatry and mental health in Quebec and Canada over the past 125 years.”

This collection of personal accounts, stories, poems, and drawings celebrates the Douglas’ 125 years of service. Included in these anecdotes are:

• Memories of 1954 as a Student Nurse – A look-back at how the practice of psychiatric medicine has changed
• A Nickel, Plus Interest – An amusing account about living on the grounds of the “Dougie”
• Happy 125^th Anniversary, Douglas Hospital – A perspective of living with bipolar disorder
• The Young Man’s Plea – A description of the importance of mental health research

“I would like to express my profound thanks to all Douglas staff, patients, and friends who made this publication possible. I predict this is a book one will read and reread. There’s much to learn between its covers,” adds Hendlisz.