Get to know the author of “You Would Be Paranoid Too If This Happened to You: U.S. Destructive Practices,” Dr. Tyrone Waters
Dr. Tyrone Waters was born at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon, on January 9, 1966, weighing slightly over seven pounds. Neshelle Waters, a retired US Army Captain, is his father. Avel Gordly, his mother, is a former Oregon State Senator and a professor in the Black Studies Department at Portland State University.
He had a wonderful childhood. He grew up living with his mother and grandparents, as well as his father on occasion. When he was still a baby, his parents divorced. His father died of cancer in 1997 as a result of cigarette smoking, specifically lung cancer. In the 1970s, he attended Irvington Elementary School. He attended Fernwood Middle School in the 1980s and Benson Polytechnic High School in the 1980s, all in Portland, Oregon, where he was raised.
He served in the US Navy during the 1980s Persian Gulf Battle. He had the privilege of serving aboard the USS Ranger with Captain Walter Davis, the first African American to command an aircraft carrier. He worked on airplanes and hydraulic systems on numerous naval aircraft as an aviation structural mechanic in the Navy. He received an honorable discharge, a meritorious unit accommodation, and a good conduct medal. He returned to Portland, Oregon after being discharged from the Navy, where he was harassed by the Portland Police Department.
Dr. Waters served in the Gulf War and has been battling paranoid schizophrenia since 1995. He has always been open about his challenges with this ailment over the years.
He is a strong supporter of mental health initiatives. He holds the titles of Honorary Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Religious Science. In addition, he is a Certified Life Coach.
Currently, the author resides in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Waters was shot by Portland cops outside his home in 2001 after a mental breakdown. This encounter inspired him to write a book to raise awareness about mental illness and to teach law enforcement officers how to cope with individuals who are incarcerated with mental health difficulties.
After reading his book, “You Would Be Paranoid Too If This Happened to You: US Destructive Practices,” which will move you to the circumstances and allow you to get to know not just Dr. Waters but also the gripping story.
“You Would Be Paranoid Too If This Happened to You: US Destructive Practices” is a book that may reignite the dying fire of combating mental illness.