David Daniels Florida: Letting Go and Moving Forward
It’s been a while since I’ve given this site the attention it deserves. Honestly, I’ve let it slide down the ranks because I was consumed with something else—something I thought mattered more. I spent countless hours trying to prove to people what really happened, what didn’t happen, and who I am.
For those who don’t know me, let me be clear: I never attempted to kidnap anyone. I never physically harmed anyone. Despite what you might have read, the truth is all in the court testimony. If you want to understand what actually happened, go there. The witness statements of those actually present for the event speak for themselves. I scared people that day, and that’s something I deeply regret and have apologized for. But accusations like being on drugs, attempting to kidnap children, or child abuse? None of that is true.
During my psychotic episode, I was accused of things I know I didn’t do. People have asked, “What if you blacked out and don’t remember?” That’s not what happened. I remember everything. It was vivid, intense, and surreal, but I was there—fully conscious. The crazy thing is I probably could have lied and said I didn’t recall anything and been better off. But, I told the truth.
Letting Go of the Noise
There’s a saying I’ve come to appreciate: Let them.
• If people want to talk poorly about you, let them.
• If they want to spread lies, let them.
• If they want to doubt you, let them.
For years, I fought to show people the truth. I spent so much energy trying to make others see the real me, the person I’ve always been. If they can’t or won’t see it, then I’m letting them be.
I’m dropping the anger and frustration because they don’t serve me anymore. Rebuilding my life and career won’t be easy, but I’ve done hard things before, and I will again. Someone will help me—someone always does. To those who’ve reached out, who’ve listened to my story, and who know my character beyond a headline, thank you. You’re the real ones.
The Truth About Manic Psychosis
Most people don’t understand manic psychosis, and I didn’t either until it happened to me. Neither did those around me. The judge in my case assumed I was on drugs when handing down the sentence, according to my attorney. That assumption wasn’t just wrong—it overshadowed the truth of what I was experiencing.
For anyone curious about what manic psychosis looks like, I encourage you to search for first-hand accounts or videos. It’s intense, overwhelming, and deeply misunderstood. There are even studies now linking COVID to increased cases of psychosis, so this may be something we see more of in the future. Educating yourself on mental health events like this can bring so much clarity and compassion.
How to Recognize and Respond to a Psychotic Event
If you’ve never seen someone go through a psychotic event, it can be confusing, scary, and overwhelming. But catching the signs early can drastically lessen the harm caused to both the person experiencing it and those around them. Here’s what to look for and what to do:
1. Signs of a Psychotic Event:
• Sudden paranoia or delusions (e.g., believing they’re being followed or that they have special powers).
• Intense mood swings or uncharacteristic behavior.
• Speaking rapidly or saying things that don’t make sense.
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends and family.
• Confusion or a loss of connection with reality.
2. How to Respond:
• Stay calm: Your reaction can either de-escalate or worsen the situation. Stay patient and composed.
• Avoid confrontation: Don’t argue or try to “correct” their reality in the moment—it won’t help.
• Show empathy: Let them know you care and want to help them feel safe.
• Seek professional help: Call a mental health crisis hotline or connect them with a psychiatrist.
• Prioritize safety: If there’s any risk of harm to themselves or others, contact emergency services immediately.
By recognizing the signs and acting quickly, you can help prevent irreversible damage. Psychosis is a mental health crisis, not a character flaw or a crime. The more we understand that, the more lives we can save.
Moving On, Not Back
I’ve let go of the need to make everyone see the truth. I know who I am, and so do the people who’ve always supported me. If you’re here reading this, maybe you’re one of them. Thank you for believing in me.
And if you’re not? Well, let them.
To anyone who wants to know the real story, I’m happy to share. If you think you know what happened because you read an article or heard some secondhand claim, let me say this: you weren’t there. You have no idea what it was like. My entire life, I’ve shown you otherwise—so believe what you will.
At the end of the day, I know I’ve done everything I can to make things right. Now, it’s time to move forward and focus on what really matters: rebuilding, learning, and living a life I’m proud of.