This Is Actually Happening

356: What if they stole a year of your life?

Apr 1, 2025
Guest
Banning Lyon
Banning Lyon, author of 'The Chair And The Valley,' shares his gripping journey through psychiatric abuse as a teen. He reflects on the profound impact of his parents' divorce and the feeling of abandonment during his committal to a psychiatric facility. Banning discusses navigating mental health struggles in the 1980s and the loss of autonomy, beautifully illustrating his path to healing and self-discovery. His story emphasizes the transformative power of trauma, the importance of connection, and the healing journey toward forgiveness and understanding.
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ANECDOTE

Idyllic Childhood

  • Banning Lyon had an idyllic childhood filled with travel, family adventures, and a view of Disneyland from his backyard.
  • His parents' demanding careers meant quality time together was rare but cherished.
ANECDOTE

Divorce and Breakdown

  • His parents' divorce shattered his world, leading to his mother's breakdown and his father's sudden departure.
  • Lyon recalls nightly crying sessions with his mother and sister, filled with blame and despair.
ANECDOTE

Isolation and Rejection

  • Lyon developed a sense of profound isolation and forced independence.
  • Despite briefly reuniting with his remarried father, he was ultimately rejected by both parents.
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