Thursday, October 04, 2012

Lets Talk Lark Voorhies

I was going to write about Lisa Turtle yesterday, but it is tough to know what to write. If you have not had the chance, Kneepads caught up with most of the cast of Saved By The Bell and they were told by the mother of Lark Voorhies who played Lisa that Lark has bipolar disorder. This causes lark to act incoherently sometimes, but Lark denies it. She says that when she stops talking mid-sentence or looks off into the distance that she is actually very spiritual and that she prays in the middle of a thought or sentence sometimes. She says she keeps busy by writing books and recording music and appearing in indie movies. She also lives at home with her mom. Kneepads also says they had repeated interviews with Lark and that she was acting strangely in all of them. Whatever it is, that video from earlier this year was odd and if she does have bipolar disorder I hope she will try and treat it and not pretend she does not have it.

58 comments:

Silly Girl said...

Let's not. Maybe we could just collectively send her thoughts and prayers that she gets the help she needs.

dia papaya said...

Was this a BI or reveal? I want to know what really happened to her on Saved by the Bell bc girlfriend looks lost up there. Like no one is home inside lost. Like her soul has been sucked out by the Hollywood dirt devil.

Very sad :(

Anonymous said...

Is that a recent pic?? If so, she looks much better than she did in that video from a while back.

Sad story.

g.strathmore said...

Poor thing.

Silly Girl said...

Not sure it was Hollywood this time, @dia. Sounds more like a true break from 'reality'. I'm glad she's living with her mother, and I'm glad her mother was there for the interviews. I hope they don't exploit her with the interviews, though. If she were taking drugs and acting that way, that's one thing, but an actual illness, that's another. Sort of like Britney Spears, actually. I think Lark maybe just crashed a little earlier than Britney. Either way, I feel bad that we've seen her like this. :(

dia papaya said...

Remember when Catherine Zeta Jones was conveniently announced as suffering from bipolar disorder as well. Hmmmm! Me thinks there is more to this story than Kneepads is sharing.

Amber said...

Hopefully it doesn't take something devastating for Lark to admit to herself she needs psychological intervention. I know that a lot of people can think they don't need their meds anymore because they think they feel better, so they stop taking them. They don't realize that their meds stabilizing them is what keeps them feeling better. My g-pa went through that cycle all the time.
Best wishes to Lark.

Anna said...

She should see a specialist for a full physical. Staring off into space in the middle of a sentence could be a seizure disorder.

Cleodacat said...

I loved Lark in Saves by the Bell. Bipolar disorder is a very difficult disease for those that suffer from it to acknowledge whether due to social stigma or the effects of the disease itself. I have a friend that once said when they're manic, they feel great, the world is good, and everything will be ok. It was only after losing everything that they began to acknowledge that they truly had a problem and adhere to medication.

Frufra said...

Seconding Amber's sentiments. Probably the most frustrating aspect of dealing with a family member's mental illness is the fact that their condition leads them to believe there's nothing wrong. How do you overcome that?

Best wishes to Lark. And I'd never really thought about it before, but Lark is a beautiful name.

Meg said...

She was engaged to Martin Lawrence at one point when he was in a public intoxication scandal. I would guess that she's got her own history of drug use, which (from what I understand) is common for people with BPD (self-medicating) and can exacerbate the problem. I hope she gets help.

Pookie said...

yikes...heartbreaking...i'm having a hard time reconciling that cute little lisa turtle character to the real life lark. i do hope she accepts help soon.

KendraWM said...

I think the mom is saying bipolar because it is less stigmatized as saying schizophrenic. Because her described behavior sounds identical to my cousin who ended up killing himself. He heard voices, he was never violent to anyone but himself, but the stigma attached to schizophrenia is mush greater than that of bipolar. She is more like my cousin than the bipolar friends I know.
Very sad.

CrazyCatLady said...

Sounds like she's more on the schizophrenia side than bi-polar. One article I read (Gawker I think) mentioned she was having conversations with people that weren't there. If she's hearing voices in her head that's a pretty serious indicator of schizophrenia. Another article also said she was a devout Jehovah's witness (not sure aboutmom), and if I'm not mistaken, medications, blood transfusions, etc are not allowed.

AKM said...
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djphob said...

The excerpts from her books that Gawker posted are really freaky. Girl needs help.

Hazeldazel said...

Isn't she also Jehovah's Witness? I don't believe they allow a lot of psychiatric treatment, so that may be the denial/explanation. Or that she's praying the disease away kind of thing.

Better days.

S.joy said...

Jehovah's Witnesses are cautioned against getting blood transfusions, but that's it. If medication is needed, we're encouraged to use it whether it's for physical or mental health. We are also allowed to go to counseling and I was encouraged to do so after I lost my daughters.

As for Lark, she's a beautiful and sweet woman. I hope she gets the help she needs.

discoflux said...

S.joy - I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the clarifications on JWs.

I truly hope that Lark is getting the best care and that she's able to find some peace with her illness. The two diagnoses being tossed around are horrible conditions and I hope nothing but the best for her.

yodelay said...

Her mother mentioned that things happened that "traumatized" her daughter, but Kneepads left it at that, no explanation. Hmmmmm.....

AKM said...
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Shocky said...

This is so very sad. I always found her the most energetic and beautiful of all the SBTB girls. She's still very attractive but has the dead eyes of Britney.

discoflux said...

I just meant tossed around in conversation as in being mentioned frequently. Not in a careless manner, AKM. Put the guns away.

AKM said...
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discoflux said...

And for the record, just because someone doesn't advertise having a disorder themselves or within their family or circle of friends, it doesn't mean they don't.

S.joy said...

I truly appreciate it.. thank you so much!

AKM said...
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discoflux said...

"For the record, those of us who have these disorders AND have degrees in the studies of them are not "tossing around" these diagnoses. "

I didn't say they were horrible diagnoses because I was guessing or assuming they are.

You've taken offense to a completely innocent statement in which I expressed that the two diagnoses mentioned were horrible things and I hoped the best for her. I never said anything about people needing to stop trying to diagnose her because they don't know anything about anything, did I? Nope. You assumed things that were incorrect and put a shitty spin on my simply trying to send out good wishes to someone.

Thank YOU and have a great day.

AKM said...
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discoflux said...

You're welcome, S.joy. Take care of yourself.

The Black Cat said...

AKM, maybe you can enlighten me, do people with bi-polar disorder go on the attack at the slightest thing, even imagined attacks? I'm referring to those people who are not on medication or receiving treatment. I would imagine those who are receiving treatment would be A OK?

discoflux said...

No, no. I definitely hand the honor of having won the internet to you. Brilliant work on your part.

AKM said...
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Michael said...

@AKM - The poster you replied to didn't in any way question your post regarding BPD. You are being overly sensitive and straight up rude. Maybe you need a Masters in Home Training

AKM said...
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AKM said...
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Carolyn said...

Uhhh. Looks like I missed some drama.

I have bipolar II which is a "soft" bipolar. No true mania, but definitely just as debilitating depressions. I am not a doctor so I couldn't say what is going on here, but I believe that people with bipolar I sometimes hear voices during the manic phase? I think? Schizophrenia is DEFINITELY more stigmatized, although bipolar still is also. I'm pretty open about mine. I figure if it helps just one person, it is worth it to be that open. Heck, I even blogged my heart out about it last night which you can see if you go to my profile and click on my blog. Whatever she has, I hope she gets help and finds what works for her to keep her symptoms in check, because I have had no luck in that regard. It sucks.

S.joy said...

@discoflux I am trying my hardest! Healing slowly with the help of a loving hubby and the most amazing fam and friends :-) I'm grateful for your support!

Amber said...

Carolyn - I wish more people could be open about their disorders for the reason you stated - to help others. There's an NBA rookie named Royce White who has been incredibly open about this panic/anxiety disorder. Grantland did a video piece with him so he could show people what he goes through, and the Houston Rockets are working with him because he's an awesome player and they know he has needs. Well, the other day a writer for The Oklahoman basically vilified him in an article, referred to him as a "head case", and pointed out how lucky The OKC Thunder were that they didn't have to deal with him. White has been nothing but forthcoming in hopes to educate and help people - I'd hardly call that a "head case". So sad, and so ignorant.

yvettie said...

Am I the only person who is annoyed every time Enty insists on writing the name "Kneepads"? Is their another name to this Kneepads?

AKM said...

Carolyn, I absolutely applaud you. But I would like to propose a caveat: be careful revealing your own personal information on this site. Just some friendly advice.

CrazyCatLady said...

I have bipolar II as well. If you're recently diagnosed, it can take several tries at different meds to get the right cocktail. A psychiatrist is much better at this than a GP if you haven't tried one. On the other hand, I was on a cocktail for a really long time that I realized wasn't working anymore. By doc changed one of my meds and now I'm back in balance. Sorry if this is very redundant to you...hope you start feel better.

Silly Girl said...

Thoughts for you @S.joy. I can't imagine what you are going/have gone through.

Carolyn, thank you for sharing your diagnosis. It's not an easy thing to do, but don't they say healing can't begin until you admit there is a problem? Kudos to you. Be who you are and be proud.

Carolyn said...

Thanks, Amber and AKM. Shame about the whole "headcase" label. What a jerk. I know there are people who think I am one (a headcase, not a jerk) but . AKM, thanks for the tip. If I start getting harassed by someone from here, I will reel in my sharing. Isn't that sad? Unfortunately I know there are some not-right people. A friend of mine from another site started getting nasty, anonymous emails because of something she shared. You just never know.

Crazycatlady, thanks to you, too. My diagnosis was about 7 years ago. We just can't seem to find the right mix for me. The side effects from the mood stabilizer are awful and I feel like why am I on that when I keep cycling so much? We have tried so many different things and this is the only one that even marginally works. Sometimes I feel like giving up. I'm so glad you are doing better.

S.joy, I am sorry for your loss.

Carolyn said...

There was supposed to be a "shrug" in there after the "dangling but"! :p

Thanks, Silly Girl. :)

katsm0711 said...

@sjoy I'm so sorry.

Amy in MI said...

I am sorry for your loss as well. I hope you continue to find strengthen what you do

Amy in MI said...

I had to school my best friend recently because I was seeing someone who has panic disorder and my BFF said that he needed to get over it. I went off and told my BFF that he didn't know I used to suffer from it and meds controlled it for me. That was the reason may, Especialy men, didnt seek help

BPD is the disease of the moment as depression was a few years ago and ADD was before that. Everyone had it. Not discounting people who truly do, because I have depression and have recidved treatment. But there are docs out there that just want to push a pill and don't want to do therapy. That in itself is wrong. I congratulate all of u who have spoken up and educated people.

AKM said...

S.joy, I would also like to express my sorrow for your loss, and I am sorry that some ugly exchanges may have upstaged that. Between your faith, social support, and counseling, I hope that you can find more and more strength and healing with each passing day. Hugs to you today.

Lori said...

definitely should have some form of talk therapy with medication, which a general practicioner cant ethically provide. Studies very clearly show that the combination of therapy with medications is more effective in treating BPD.

also, hallucinations can very well be a manifestation of bipolar disorder.

AKM said...

All very true, Lori. A lot of people don't realize the hallucination/delusions tie-in to bipolar disorder and think it's just part of schizophrenia. H/D happen very very often, especially with off-the-charts episodes of mania.

Bipolar disorder is an absolute bitch. You go off your meds because the side effects make life unbearable, but then you go back on your meds because without them life is unbearable, and then you go off your meds...

It's a hard row to hoe, to say the least.

feraltart said...

S.joy, very sorry for your loss.
Carolyn and crazycatlady, thank you for sharing. We have way more compassionate people on this site than non-compassionate. I hope you both continue to be treated with respect.

musesx9 said...

What video are you guys talking about?

discoflux said...

I never attacked you personally or regarding your struggle with bipolar disorder, as is evident. You went off the rails on me and two other people so perhaps you should caution people that they may be wailed on by you if they don't share every intimate detail of their existence on a gossip blog or if they should offend your delicate semantic sensibilities.

My entire end of the conversation remains and I'm not fishing in every other comment thread for validation that I was right or that someone was being mean to me. If you're going to drop it - then freaking DROP IT.

discoflux said...

Carolyn - I sympathize with your struggles and hope that there can be more periods of balance in your life. I tend not to discuss my experience with loved ones because it is more their business than mine to share and I think it's wonderful that you write about it. I know that reading other people's struggles was very helpful for me and my loved ones in some very difficult times.

lakeuniongirl said...

My daughter is in her early twenties and just finally found the right prescription of lithium. She was diagnosed with BPD about ten years ago and it has taken this long to find it. We had some serious issues for years and she's finally in a good place mentally. She has realized that she needs the meds in order to function and she can't stop taking them. Dealing with her and her father (my ex) who is also bipolar has caused a huge amount of stress. My heart goes out to anyone with a mental disorder and also their families.

AKM said...

discoflux, for God's sake, why do YOU keep going off? Do you need the last word that badly, or what? I don't get it.

I even deleted ALL of my comments because you're right...they didn't represent me well. I am a kind, decent person who really likes the people on this site, and I just had a bad day yesterday. If you had been softer with your first response and left out the snotty part about putting away the guns, *I* would have capitulated graciously right away. I'm not an unreasonable monster.

As far as the other two people go, they had no business stepping in. They just didn't. One of them is a known shit disturber anyway, and one of them I don't think I've ever seen here before. So, anyway, throw in three people being rude to ME -- making fun of my condition (i.e., suggesting that I'm not on my meds) and my education -- and I was hurt and upset. I shouldn't be on a goddamn gossip site, but like I said, I had a bad freaking day. We all have them, and we all screw up.

As far as "fishing in every other comment thread," I have no clue what you mean. I think I mentioned elsewhere that there were a lot of touchy topics on the site in the last few days and a lot of drama, but that was meant in general. And it was definitely true.

I propose this: you just leave me alone, and I'll just leave you alone, huh? I don't think I ever had a problem with you before, and frankly, none of this had to happen if you had just set me straight in a nice way in the first place.

Have a great weekend, and I mean that sincerely.

Jenn said...

At one time I suffered with a severe case of panic/anxiety disorder. It's horrible. If Mr. White can play basketball in front of crowds, in different towns, he's one brave guy. I feel so bad for Lark, I think she's in denial about her illness and hope she sees a dr to get the help she needs. Better living through pharmaceuticals isn't just a funny phrase, it's also true.

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