Lucky to be Alive

Mental illness wasnt the end of his storyThomas Ricke was an award-winning journalist. He contributed articles to some of the biggest newspapers and magazines in the country and worked as the chief speechwriter for the governor of New York. Later he became Senior Vice President of Kraft foods.And he suffered with manic depression. In Lucky to Be Alive Ricke recounts his story of profound loss as a result of bipolar disorder. Corporate jets country clubs and White House visits were replaced by locked psychiatric wards and electric shock treatments (over 200!).But its also a story of a remarkable recovery inner strength and determination. His one in a million recovery is a lifeline of hope for anyone suffering from severe manic depression and its powerful suicidal commands.