Troubled Horsham author appeals for help

A Horsham artist who suffers from Bipolar Disorder is appealing for an assistant to help him write a book inspired by his own name.

Neal Pearce, 36, of Owlbeech Way, is attempting to assess man’s current state in a book, ‘not least because the anagram of my name is learn peace’.

But, because of his mental condition, he has been unable to focus his ideas coherently.

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He is looking for someone who can see past his mental challenges.

He said: “I need an assistant because trying to focus and structure my thinking - keeping from the distraction of branching off at tangents with new angles and ideas.

“It would be priceless to me - not for reasons of material gain, whatsoever. ”

Neal feels not enough is being done to safeguard man’s future and hopes the book will provide a ‘life raft’ following the collapse of all civilisations.

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He told the County Times: “[I’m writing the book] because I feel that we are not doing enough, when there is a real concern and need to safeguard man’s future.

“[I’m trying to] provide or equip a ‘life raft’ package, ahead of what will surely come as mankind’s great fall, with the collapse of all civilisations.”

He believes that the key to mankind’s advancement cannot be formally taught and is already ‘hard-wired’ into our nature.

A prolific artist, he spends most of his day thinking, writing or drawing about his beliefs, according to the team leader of his Community Mental Health Team. His artistic works have been included in an online gallery for non-mainstream artists.

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Writing to the Department of Work and Pensions after Neal appealed their decision to put him on a work programme, Caroline Chandler, of Horsham and Crawley Mental Health Liaison Practitioners, said: “The intensity of [his thoughts] is, at times, so debilitating that he is unable to carry out normal activities of daily living.”

Neal had a severe depressive breakdown and was admitted to the mental health ward at Horsham Hospital in 1998. He is currently under the care of specialist mental health services.

Sharing his perspective on his mental health, Neal said: “Though a rollercoaster, bipolar is no free ‘all day pass to a fantastic theme park’.

“It’s the best and worst thing that can happen to you...”

He added: “I’m looking for someone who can see past prejudices surrounding mental health issues, and who is not just being charitable to ‘gain points’.”

To respond, email [email protected] and for his art, visit outsidein.org.uk