New York City Public Defender Describes Personal Experience Of His Psychotic Break

In an opinion piece in the New York Times (9/20, McDermott, Subscription Publication), attorney Zack McDermott, a 26-year old public defender in New York City, describes his personal experience of his psychotic break while he was working at the Legal Aid Society of New York. He discusses his behaviors, feelings, and support system as he returned to work after embarrassing himself at a happy hour event.

McDermott, who was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, points out that 40 percent of inmates at Rikers Island suffer from mental illness, and says that “jails have become our de facto mental health facilities.”

Related Links:

— “The ‘Madman’ Is Back in the Building,” Zack Mcdermott, New York Times, September 20, 2017.

Posted in In The News.