I feel sorry for Nowak, her family and Oefelein’s kids. The other woman (Shipman) surly could have handled this different. There was every avenue she could have gone through with the Air Force, Navy and NASA that would have saved all the bad publicity for all concerned. As it is, so many lives devastated because of all the publicity. It’s no surprise the local police are relishing in such a high profile arrest. With Nowak’s background and training it’s clear she just snapped and I doubt it was all about Oefelein. Too bad this all happened it’s a black mark against NASA.

Thanks. That’s a very informative and valuable comment. I wish you all the very best, and I am also hoping (as other commenters have said) that she gets the right treatment instead of just being treated like a criminal.

Best Wishes,

-cvj

My guess is the same thing happened to the astronaut, and time will tell as the case unfolds. It’s a devastating experience and _everything_ in your life changes. She may be faced with an extended bout of painful deep depression if my experience is any indication. Fortunately, I didn’t engage in criminal, promiscuous or dangerous behavior as do many manics. Her behavior is bizarre and completely out of character, but when manic anything this possible. Take my word for it.

BTW - I’m largely recovered and my life is getting back on track thanks to my (new) medicating psych, my loving wife and family, and several other key people such as my experienced and wise therapist. Without my support system, I don’t know where I’d be now, or even if I’d be.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family and friends.

I suspect it’s the same for her - the description of her obsession and the manic behavior are just classic bipolar mania, though.

Sometimes there is just no way to tell until something happens. I think family history is important though - my sister and nephew have bipolar disorder too.

Anyway, poor woman. I hope she’ll get whatever help it is she needs.

Anyway, it’s a sad story and by all accounts very out of character, suggesting a recent mental breakdown of some sort. I hope it all works out.

My daughter is bipolar–in my experience you can’t hide it either.

In my (limited) experience, bipolar disorder is very difficult to hide.

Too bad they throw her in jail instead where she can’t get the help she needs. But that’s probably true for oh, three quarters of the prison population.

It is very sad, because I can see some people saying “that is why women should not be in this or that position, they get to emotional and go nuts”.