The Veil

In this first person account of bipolar disorder, Michael Lukas tells the story of discovering his illness as he finds himself transformed from high school valedictorian to correctional facility inmate over the course of a summer. The changes begin with an unexpected and deep depression. This is followed by Lukas' first explosive manic episode which results in his expulsion from Stanford University. We are invited to relive these intense experiences and to understand the effects on a young man's life as he fights to regain control of his future. Through Lukas' intimate account of struggle and eventual acceptance of his illness, The Veil offers insight for all who struggle with extreme emotional states and their consequences, and for all who love them. Michael Lukas has lived with bipolar disorder for 20 years. In that time, he has been homeless, jailed, committed, and deeply in debt. He now lives with his wife and children in the Bay Area and holds a degree from Stanford University.