Jackson C. Frank is cited as a major influence by many singer-songwriters, but only released one studio album in his life. Shortly after the album was released, mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma became more than he could bear. Frank was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and protracted depression, which went untreated. Frank’s mental health continued to unravel, and he was eventually found sleeping on a New York City sidewalk, where he lived when he was not in one of the many psychiatric institutions to which he was admitted over the years. Frank died in 1999, homeless and destitute.
Frank’s fate was not how his story should have ended. Treatment is available for those in need. Click the link below to visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator, a confidential and anonymous source of information for those seeking treatment in the United States or U.S. Territories for a recent onset of serious mental illnesses such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. These evidence-based programs provide medication, therapy, family/peer support, and assistance with education, employment, and other services. If you need help, please reach out. You do not have to go through this alone. Help is closer than you think.
