Alfredo's Journey: An Artist's Creative Life with Bipolar Disorder [Paperback]

More than a just a journey, Alfredo gives us a blueprint for humane treatment of mental illness

In 1981, twenty-three-year old Alfredo Zotti began his lifelong challenge of living with Bipolar II Disorder. He quickly hit rock bottom, spending time as a homeless person and
turning to street drugs and alcohol to medicate his symptoms. After hospitalization and careful outpatient monitoring, he became a successful musician and completed university.
In 2004, he started to mentor sufferers of mental illness, and together, they developed an online journal. Alfredo now sees mental illness from a new perspective, not of
disadvantages but advantages. In his words: "Having a mental illness can be a blessing if we work on ourselves."
In this memoir and critique of mental illness, the reader will learn:
How empathic listening and being with someone can help calm that person's symptoms
The power of singing to create a safe space in a community
Why spirituality can be a key component in the healing process
The connections between mental illness, artistic expression, and people who think differently
The impact of childhood trauma on our psyche and its role in mental illness
The dangers of antipsychotics and antidepressants
The amazing connection between heart and brain and how we can cultivate it
The challenges of love and marriage between partners with Bipolar Disorder



"Alfredo's story and his insights into the causes and treatment of mental ill-health are incredibly moving and impressive. His humanity, intelligence, creativity and his generosity and compassion towards people affected by mental illness and dedicated mental health professionals shine through the pages of his book."

-- Professor Patrick McGorry, AO MD PhD, Executive Director, OYH Research Centre, University of Melbourne



"As a clinician and academic, one can study and research ever known aspect of a disorder and write scholarly articles for learned journals, but none of this holds the potency of an individual relaying his or her lived experience. Alfredo does just this in his inimitable style, offering hope at every juncture to those who travel a similar road. The story should be read by clinicians, academics and sufferers alike."

--Professor Trevor Waring AM, Clinical Psychologist, Con-Joint Professor of Psychology, University of Newcastle



Learn more at From the World Voices Series at Modern History Press Alfredo Zotti is the son of the late Luciano Zotti ( , Italian composer, orchestra conductor, and musical director, and his wife, Cristina Zotti.
Alfredo, his parents, and brother Giovanni migrated to Sydney, Australia in 1974. At first, life was difficult because the family worked in a wood factory for little money. As time went on, Luciano began to work as a musician and music teacher and life slowly improved for him and his family.
In 1981, after many traumatic events, Alfredo began his lifelong challenge of living with bipolar disorder. He quickly hit rock bottom, spending time as a homeless person and turning to street drugs and alcohol to medicate his symptoms. But life improved after hospitalization and careful outpatient monitoring.
Alfredo married Cheryl MacDonald, who also suffers with bipolar disorder, and he was able to enrol in a university course. He gained an honours degree in sociology and anthropology. He went on to study clinical psychology at the University of Newcastle, but he did not complete his degree because he felt that academia had taken the wrong path in the prevention and cure of mental illnesses. He completed some courses at first, second, and third year level, with distinction and high distinction. Alfredo also studied piano and was able to gain the 8th year piano grade.
Today, Alfredo is the full-time caregiver for his wife, who suffers from a number of disabilities. He also regularly raises funds for his local hospital, Gosford Hospital, by organizing fundraiser nights where he plays with other musicians. So far, he has helped to raise thousands of dollars. The money goes toward the needs of the hospital's patients with mental disorders. Alfredo also writes an online journal, The Anti Stigma Crusaders, which he uploads regularly at two or three month intervals.
Alfredo also provides support for online sufferers and uses his art to help people. While he is not a qualified music therapist, he does use music and art to help people online. Some mental health professionals often consult him for his lived experience and knowledge of psychology and music. He has written three books, including this one, two published and one that is free online. He also contributes by giving talks in universities about his experience with bipolar disorder.
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