Fuller, who now works as a practicing psychiatrist, is a living example of the message he preaches: Many can recover.
Suffering from bipolar depression, Michael Fuller spent most of his high school years in an old-fashioned mental hospital.
He’d undergone shock therapy dozens of times, to little avail. He was just shy of his 18th birthday in 1972 when a doctor told his mother he would spend much of his life in psychiatric hospitals.
After struggling with demons for many years, Edwards, 36, finds solace in creation.
“Art became an outlet and a source of escape,” Edwards said. “I sought solace in creative projects.”
From the outside, Edwards had the whole world at his feet.
He played football for the Virginia Tech Hokies and became known as “Touchdown Tommy” for his game-winning scoring.
Despite his success on the football field, Edwards’ heart wasn’t into football.
Edwards’ father played football at Virginia Tech, and Edwards was expected to continue in his footsteps.
“I wanted to be a professional skateboarder,” Edwards said.
The stressors of college football and undiagnosed bipolar disorder took a toll on Edwards. After two years at Virginia Tech, he transferred to Boise State when his career in football ended with a shoulder injury.
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