McNeil Returns To The Score, Reveals Struggles With Depression
By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 9, 2012 8:30PM
WSCR-AM midday host Dan McNeil. (WSCR-AM Photo)
McNeil announced he had been seeking outpatient treatment for depression and substance issues.
"I was born with something that I have no control over," McNeil told listeners of his depression. "And I have fought that for a good portion of my life. It is not the type of disease that garners much sympathy, but I am not interested in sympathy."
McNeil revealed he had been taking a prescribed mood stabilizer, but stopped without consulting his physicians because one of the effects of taking it was fatigue. "The descent was rapid, and it was immediate," McNeil said.
McNeil also revealed he was seeking treatment for alcohol and drugs.
"Time to hit the brakes on something that has been a best friend when all other measures failed. ... It's weed, it's alcohol -- I can't have it ... I can't have the substances. I can't promise anything down the road, but I know today -- as I have been for the past six weeks -- pretty happy to be substance-free."
McNeil suggested that his issues with depression and substances may have contributed to previous suspensions at The Score and WMVP-AM 1000, and thanked listeners, colleagues and friends for their support. Most important, he said he would never ignore the advice of his doctors again.
"I have refused help when it has been offered to me by people who are much wiser than I am," McNeil told his listeners. "And I am hoping that in the future, that that doesn't happen anymore ... that I no longer challenge the nine-member medical team that I have employed. Whether it's an internist or a cardiologist or, perhaps as important as anybody, a psychiatrist or psychologist.