Schizophrenia, Malady of the Mind: The Path to Prevention (Ep. 69)

Show Notes

Guest: Jeffrey Lieberman,M.D., author of Malady of the Mind

Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman draws on his four-decade career to illuminate the past, present, and future of schizophrenia.

Of the many myths and misconceptions that obscure our understanding of schizophrenia, the most pernicious is that there is no effective treatment or cure. Though that may have been true in the past, the current reality couldn’t be more different: today’s treatments have the potential to be game-changing—and often lifesaving.

For the first time in history, we can effectively treat schizophrenia, limiting its disabling effects—and we’re on the verge of being able to prevent the disease’s onset entirely.
----

We ask about:

What can families do to get more psychiatrists on board? 

Hope for today’s young people who are in First Episode programs after their first psychosis. 

 Is true recovery possible or what do you mean by recovery?

What can families do to promote housing that heals/works for people like our sons? Why is there so little of it?

The leap that cannabis can cause not only psychosis but also schizophrenia. 

Assisted Outpatient Treatment and the right to treatment despite

Anosognosia.

…and much more!

LINKS:

https://jeffreyliebermanmd.com/

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Malady-of-the-Mind/Jeffrey-A-Lieberman/9781982136420

https://www.amazon.com/Malady-Mind-Schizophrenia-Path-Prevention/dp/1982136421

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam (Mimi) and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/ 

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam (Mimi) Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/13038101

#EndtheClozapineREMS: Activists and Survivors of Psychosis Speak to Lawmakers (ep.68)

Show Notes

Thanks to the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance for choosing us to be the first to share this important event.

On May 24th, 2023, The Angry Moms joined the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance and other advocacy groups for A Day of Action at the U.S. Capitol, in recognition of World Schizophrenia Awareness Day.

In a briefing dedicated to discussing barriers to clozapine treatment, two courageous survivors of psychosis disorders spoke about their experience with the FDA’s restrictions against clozapine treatment. Hear what they had to say in this moving and important episode.

Links:

Angry moms testimonials:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1px4dkTi_ncNM7hxCj6ODJDDo1CZW1nlm

 Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance: https://sczaction.org

https://www.facebook.com/sczaction/?locale=ms_MY

https://www.theangrymoms.com/post/in-their-own-words-analisa-and-michael

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam (Mimi) and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/13014599

Angry Moms go to Washington: guest, Sue Maida (ep. 67)

Show Notes

First, updates:

Dr. Jeff Lieberman book event, Malady of the Mind  ( episode 68 June 13)(and can we talk about teeth?)

Mindy: NAMI convention- update, , Joel Corcoran, CEO of Clubhouse International. 

Mimi: Angry Moms, and introduce GUEST Sue Maida!

Links:

https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/features/schizophrenia-fda-hindering-clozapine?fbclid=IwAR2__DmXdnmuHqOqgc-myG4szJOfMfMyZt62uxeRHXyHKkmygQakkggw2X8

Team Daniel (facebook):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.teamdanielrunningforrecover.org?locale=ms_MY

Angry moms testimonials:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1px4dkTi_ncNM7hxCj6ODJDDo1CZW1nlm

 Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance: https://sczaction.org

https://www.facebook.com/sczaction/?locale=ms_MY

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12992317

From Partner to Stranger - Mental Illness and Your Spouse: guest, Patrick Dylan (ep 66)

Show Notes

We interview the author of Safe, Wanted and Loved - (Patrick Dylan)

Winner of seven awards, including a National Indie Excellence Award and Best Indie Book Award.

"Anyone out there struggling to navigate mental illness should read this thoughtful book."

—Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of the Kennedy Forum

 "Pat, we need to kill the dog." A chill ran down Patrick Dylan's spine as his wife spoke—psychosis had found their family again.

When a sudden mental illness struck his wife, Patrick Dylan found himself living with an eerie stranger. Scared and unprepared, he began a desperate battle to protect her from a mysterious disease, shelter their children from her bizarre behavior, and recover the woman he loved.

Patrick Dylan joins the voices calling for an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness. He and his wife, Mia, live in Florida and have two college-age children. They hope that sharing their family's story will spread awareness of the realities of mental illness and offer support to others who are either experiencing a mental health crisis or providing care to an affected loved one.

We Ask:

1. Before you share your story, can you tell us what you most hope people learn from hearing it?

2. So - tell us about Mia and your family, “before” during, and “after”? 

3. How has her illness affected your kids?

4. We know SMI from a parental POV - what would you most like our listeners to know about what’s the same, and different, when it’s your spouse that becomes ill?

5. You used pen names for yourself and for Mia, yet were amazed at how many were inspired to share their own stories. - What is your dream in fighting stigma? -

6. What do you most worry about?

7. What are Mia’s strengths?

8. What do you wish you had known earlier?

9. What else do you want us to know?

Links:

https://www.safewantedloved.com/

Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Safe-Wanted-and-Loved-Audiobook/B0B7VLPJFY?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/9uIxFta

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12866282

Mental Health Case Management and Care: Helping Those in Crisis (ep. 65) -guest, Kat Thompson

Show Notes

Social worker by heart, therapist by trade, Kat Thompson earned her MSW in 2022. She’s a mental health professional specializing in helping those in crisis. She also is a founder of Cascadia Cares ,”:building a world where it’s normal to help others.” 

1. Tell us what a case manager's scope of work and responsibilities are.

2. What made you want to pursue this line of work?

3. What do you believe are the most challenging aspects of dealing with people who have SMI?

4. What changes would you most like to see in the system?

5. What is the hardest thing about your work?

6. How do you find the job as crisis line counselor as compared to case manager?

7. Tell us what else you are doing (ie. your non-profit and political work) and how it fits in to the big  picture.

8. If there was one message you'd like to get across about mental health/illness and the system, what would it be?

9. what kind of training you received before each of your positions?

Links:

https://cascadiacares.org/

Hope for Troubled Minds: https://delightindisorder.org/hftm-call-for-submissions/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12824128

Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery: A Workbook of Activities, and Hope (Ep. 64)

Show Notes

Psychosis is a huge part of many serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. 

Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, is a clinician with a mission: to spread a message of hope and recovery to encourage young adults living with serious mental illness. 

She says, “Your Story Matters AND You Are More Than Your Story”

Her story will inspire you as well.

 Recently, she completed a workbook geared toward young adults living with psychosis. The Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery Workbook: Activities for Young Adults from Act, Dbt, and Recovery-oriented Cbt. The release date is May 18.

In the book, she asks:

How can I use my voice to reduce the other voices I hear?

Who should I tell about my experiences with psychosis?

What steps should I take after a mental health crisis?

We ask:

• How do you encourage young adults experiencing psychosis as a therapist?

• What do you wish more therapists understood about the beginnings of serious mental illness?

• How can intervention in early psychosis affect the trajectory of these illnesses?

• How does anosognosia show up in early psychosis and how can families navigate this?

• What did you find helpful or encouraging from those around you when you were a young person?

• How does early psychosis tend to present and change as someone develops a Schizophrenia spectrum condition?

• What things have you found to help and hinder young people's mental health recovery and engagement in treatment?

• Tell us what you would most like people to know from hearing your story?

Links:

Jennifer’s website:

 https://truestorycounseling.com/

Jennifer’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Psychosis-Mental-Health-Recovery-Workbook/dp/1839977329/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3L2UJOGW5ZYU4&keywords=psychosis+young+adults&qid=1676920229&sprefix=psychosis+young+adults%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-5

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

 Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12734535

More of What Families Want Therapists to Know About Schizophrenia (Part 2 with Leah Brennan, LMFT, CADC) -Episode 63

Show Notes

Leah Brennan. a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, joined us with her own questions in Episode 55 so as to improve therapist-family communication. 

Her Episode  had such a great response that listeners asked for more - so here it is!

Leah got connected to 3 Moms In the Trenches through her clients. Over the past five years, she has had four different parents on her caseload who were all confronting the reality that their sons met the criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Leah realized that despite her excellent training, she was not adequately equipped to help these parents navigate the challenges they were facing. 

Today Leah asks the questions she didn't get to include in the last episode that all center around the theme: "What Do Parents/Families Wish Their Therapist Knew About Schizophrenia?"

The discussion includes:

• Marijuana and Schizophrenia - what do we now know? What do families need to know.

• Can needs to be done about HIPAA?

• How can we better approach families with a possible early diagnosis, and why?

• What about recent moves to legislate involuntary intervention?

• Who should therapists alert and educate in the larger communities BEFORE kids reach the age when symptoms of SMI typically start to manifest?

Links:
Leah Brennan:

https://www.leahbrennantherapy.com/

mentioned in show:
Hope for Troubled Minds Project.
WHO: Those with brain illnesses or other mental health conditions and their loved ones.

WHAT: Submit a 1,000 word or less letter expressing gratitude for your loved one or the one you care for in spite of the circumstances.

WHY: Letters can promote a healing journey and also serve for advocacy as we humanize the issue of brain illness.

WHERE: Email it, along with a photo or image and an (optional) brief bio to me at: tony@delightindisorder.org .

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12681981

Hope is Hard Work: Schizophrenia and Resilience- Hakeem Inspires (ep 62)

Show Notes

Hakeem Al-Zayyidi is an Islamic motivational and inspirational speaker. Hakeem is a graduate of Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.

It took Hakeem ten years to obtain his four-year undergraduate degree in Business and Sustainability.

His heroes and those who have motivated him to succeed include Malcolm X, LeBron James, Mohammed Ali, and Elyn Saks.

Hakeem has been dealing with schizophrenia since his early 20s.

The path he has chosen is to highlight the plight, stigma, and stories of himself and others who have mental illness.

His fascination with all that is basketball mirrors his quest to take shot after shot in his mission to speak to the uniqueness of mental illness in this world.

Questions:

• Before you share your story, can you tell us what you most want our listeners to learn from you today?

• What is your mission?

• Tell us your story - about 10 minutes (we may ask questions as you go)

• What are your 5 basketballs?

• Does your Islamic faith help with your inspiration?

• What do you most want to inspire people to do?

Links:

https://hakeeminspires.com
facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/kareem.alzayyidi.96
Instagram/twitter - Hakeem Inspires!

Hakeem interactive speech

https://youtu.be/Lbw8NrlBKRU

Make A Change Canada Success story

https://youtu.be/YQLsZIp9oe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Sd4xm-gudM

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12496521

Compassionate Interventions for the Homeless: The NYC Plan (ep 61)

Show Notes

Guest:  Brian Stettin,  senior advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams administration on severe mental illness.

Brian  drafted the legislation that became Kendra's Law when he was an assistant attorney general in 1999, after a young journalist, Kendra Webdale, was shoved into an oncoming train by a young man from Queens with a long history of mental illness.

The  Adams administration's new push is to have more severely mentally ill people brought to hospitals for psychiatric evaluation with or without their consent, and to change the state laws about the length of the stays.

This law is designed to apply to those who can't recognize their mental condition or take care of themselves, not just those who present an immediate threat to themselves or others.

Questions:

• Can you explain the plan in brief, and why it’s different from what has been happening in the past?

• What has been in support of this?

• What has been the opposition to this?

• Is there a plan in place to address the lack of hospital beds, supportive housing options, or other forms of long term care available for those people in need of help?

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-11-29/mayor-eric-adams-says-nyc-will-treat-mentally-ill-even-if-they-refuse

“These New Yorkers and hundreds of others like them are in urgent need of treatment, yet often refuse it when offered,” Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference, noting that the pervasive problem of mental illness has long been out in the open. “No more walking by or looking away,” the mayor said, calling it “a moral obligation to act.”

more on Clubhouses:
https://www.startribune.com/mental-health-system-must-be-able-to-help-those-who-dont-know-they-need-it/600256700/
Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12407794

A Sister’s Love and SMI: Grieving the “Perfect Other” (ep.60) with Kyleigh Leddy

Show Notes

Guest: Kyleigh Leddy, author of “The Perfect Other: A Memoir of my Sister”

“I wish my sister gets better” - that became part of our guest's yearly birthday wishes, and more often too.

Our daughters have probably made that same wish - or at least they used to.

In 2019, Kyleigh won the New York Times Modern Love college essay contest for an essay she wrote about grieving her sister, Kait - and now it’s a book.

All Kait Leddy had ever wanted was a little sister. When Kyleigh was born, they were inseparable; Kait would protect her, include her, cuddle and comfort her, and, to Kyleigh, her big sister was her whole world.

As they grew, however, and as Kait entered adolescence, things began to shatter, and Kyleigh could only watch in horror as her perfect sibling’s world collapsed around her. Kait was institutionalized with what would eventually be diagnosed as schizophrenia, leaving Kyleigh and their mother to handle the burden, shame, and guilt alone.

Then, in January 2014, Kait disappeared. 

Her sister tells us about the loss, their bond, the story, the stigma - in her latest book.

Questions:

1- what do you most want people to know from your story, your family story?

2 - tell us what Kait was like before SZ, and as it developed.

Did kait’s concussions cause her SMI? 

3 - you and your parents - how are you now?

4 - does Kait leave a  legacy ?

5 -is the sibling experience often ignored in SMI? What is unique to sibs? 

6 - your writing process etc. and links 

Links:

https://kyleighleddy.com/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/03/style/modern-love-sister-vanished.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0358469341?tag=harpercollinsus-20

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12211504

Schizophrenic NYC: Define Normal, Defy Stigma and Homelessness (ep 59)

Show Notes

Guest: Michelle Hammer 

Michelle Hammer is a Schizophrenia Activist and spends her time passionately fighting stigma.

Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. 

At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. 

She founded Schizophrenic.NYC -  a clothing brand with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health. 

We Ask

What did Schizophrenia feel like for you? What is your story?

How are you now, and what treatment works for you?

NYC Mayor Adam’s homeless initiative - thoughts?

What are your thoughts about involuntary hospitalization?

How important is coordinating discharge planning once a person is in the hospital?

Do you think it is wise to have cops make determinations of mental fitness?

The connection between homelessness and mental illness.

Links:

https://www.schizophrenic.nyc/

https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/video/video-living-with-schizophrenia

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-bipolar-a-schizophrenic-and-a-podcast/id1594381452

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/eric-adams-mentally-ill-homeless-nyc-hospitals.html

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2022-11-29/mayor-eric-adams-says-nyc-will-treat-mentally-ill-even-if-they-refuse

“These New Yorkers and hundreds of others like them are in urgent need of treatment, yet often refuse it when offered,” Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference, noting that the pervasive problem of mental illness has long been out in the open. “No more walking by or looking away,” the mayor said, calling it “a moral obligation to act.”

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12123262

Listeners in the Spotlight: Tell Us Your Story! (Ep. 58)

Show Notes

Seven listeners share their stories of SMI (Serious Mental Illness) in a loved one - and, in one case, in themselves.

This episode grew out of a facebook post. We had so many volunteers to share their powerful stories that we may do more episodes like this, if you find it valuable and moving. I know we did.

Show notes:
Judith Smith's Support group info:
 judithrsmith@difficultmothering.com

Look Again podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/look-again-mental-illness-re-examined/id1557736942

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Linda's "manual":
I’d like to share some of my manual that I’ve created along the way:

·       Learn how to distinguish healthy language, judgement and behaviors from unhealthy or unsafe ones

·       Listen between the lines-try to understand what’s really being communicated-even when it seems so illogical

·       Clarify what is acceptable and what isn’t, for you, in your life.

·       Create a ‘board of directors’ for yourself…who will you turn to for various aspects of managing your loved one’s condition.

I now engage only with the healthy parts in conversation especially if it starts to escalate. Ignore the unhealthy.

I provide what I can to keep my family member safe, fed, housed, etc.-- When I’m too burned out, I allow myself to say, sorry I’m not able to do that now. I can do it later, tomorrow, etc.

I’ve reclaimed my home and decide when I can interact with him and when I cannot. Keep limits clear, factual rather than punitive, and make logical sense, rather than a knee jerk reaction to  frustration.

FInd ways to connect and love in the face of adversity, unfounded anger and blame

Hosts:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With It chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is Fix What You Can.

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/12034354

Not-So-Happy Holidays? How to Manage with SMI in the Family

Show Notes

What if, for families coping with SMI (serious mental illness) in a loved one, the holiday season is "the most difficult time of the year"?

The 3 Moms Discuss - Holidays past, in joy, crisis or grief - and how we currently celebrate what is...the best we can.

Some tips we share:

• Lower Holiday expectations and Marketing Myths (e.g., perfect holidays)

• Plan Ahead - even for possible disaster

• Have a Plan B - and maybe C, D...

• Include Your Loved One as Much as Possible, Especially if They Can Help

• Don't Let the "Unsqueaky Wheels" feel ignored

• Cherish the Good Moments - Find the Positives

• Be Willing to Change Traditions as Needed

• Set and Enforce Limits  - Know Your Boundaries

• Imagine How it Is for Your Loved One

• Family Love Matters - You Do Make a Difference

Happy (and Realistic) Holidays to You All!

Want to Share Your Story in a Voice message?
https://benbehindhisvoices.com/tell-us-your-story/

Resources:
Look Again Podcast: https://www.bcss.org/lookagain/
Tips from NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/From-the-CEO/December-2021/The-Most-Difficult-Time-of-The-Year-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11889636

Housing That Heals: Essential for Many with SMI (Ep 56)

Show Notes

guests:- Teresa Pasquini and Lauren Rettagliata, 2 California Moms on a Mission for a System of Care that Works

From NAMI CA website: Housing That Heals project:

“As two California moms on a mission, we invite you to join our journey across the state and into our future dreams for Housing that Heals for Families Like Ours. 

Housing That Heals is more than a house, a program, or a room key. It is a system of care that wraps a person in all of the necessary medical, clinical, rehabilitative, and social supports that they need in order to live and die in dignity.

We began this journey in 2019, using years of experience as moms, advocates, and community leaders as our compass. We set out looking for solutions that would mend our broken hearts and the broken system. We were hopeful that this would be the year that California would recognize that people who live heroically with serious mental illness need more than “Housing First.” First, they need a full system of care that provides care before, during, and after homelessness, crisis, hospitalization, or incarceration. Housing That Heals is a prevention and intervention plan that will systemically flatten the harm curve for those who live with serious mental illnesses.

We ask:

• What experiences have you had that make housing so important to you? 

• Is there disparity in your state between funding for housing for those with a Serious Mental Illness and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities? 

• Why Housing First and Harm Reduction are not HUD principles that are tied to building affordable housing do not work for many with a Serious Mental Illness? 

• Does Ideology drive the disparity for those with a Serious Mental Illness? 

• Why does your paper talk about marrying the Recovery Model with the Medical Model? 

• What criteria did you use to measure if the housing you visited was Housing That Heals? 

• What Housing have you seen that seems to embody Housing That Heals? 

• Is it possible for this housing to be accessible to those who are on Medicare and enrolled in their states' public system of care?

Links:

https://namica.org/community-voices/team-nami-spotlight-housing-that-heals-project-report/

The paper:

https://hth.ttinet.com/Housing_That_Heals_2020.pdf

Our Housing That Heals Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/housingthatheals

Here is the NY Times Article:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/16/opinion/parenting-adult-children.html

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/
Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, He Came in With

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11670593

What Families Want Therapists to Know About Schizophrenia (Ep. 55)

Show Notes

Guest: Leah Brennan, Leah Brennan, LMFT, CADC 

Leah Brennan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor.  

Leah got connected to 3 Moms In the Trenches through her clients. Over the past five years, she has had four different parents on her caseload who were all confronting the reality that their sons met the criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. 

 Leah realized that despite her excellent training, she was not adequately equipped to help these parents navigate the challenges they were facing. 

 Leah has a lot of questions for the 3 Moms community that all center around the theme: "What Do Parents/Families Wish Their Therapist Knew About Schizophrenia?" 

She asks us:  

How can mental health providers better communicate a diagnosis of SMI when we make it? 

What do therapists/mental health providers need to understand about HIPAA? 

What should therapists know about THC or other substances being used in relation to dx of SMI?

  What should caregivers/advocates/parents look for when partnering with a psychiatrist and treatment team for their child?

 What kind of mental health support is useful when the family isn’t in crisis/loved one is stable?

 What needs to be taught at graduate level courses for LMFTs, LCSWs, LCPCs , etc. re: treating families impacted by a diagnosis of SMI? 

How can/Who should therapists alert and educate in the larger communities BEFORE kids reach the age when symptoms of SMI typically start to manifest? 

We ask Leah:

• What can therapy do for me as a parent of a child with a diagnosis of schizophrenia? 

• How would you assure someone who wasn't fully comfortable engaging in therapy that it would be a good use of time/validating? 

Links:

Leah Brennan: 

https://www.leahbrennantherapy.com/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (Ben Behind his Voices, Happier Made Simple)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, "He Came in With It" chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is “Fix What You Can.” 

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11579378

Tell Me I’m Here: SZ Memoir Becomes a Heart-Rending Play (ep. 54)

Show Notes

In 2022, the memoir Tell Me I’m Here, went from page to stage at the Belvoir Theatre in Sydney, Australia - to universal acclaim - like “a bold work, tackling difficult subject matter with empathy and insight”- and we have the playwright here with us today, with her own story to tell. 

We are also thrilled that the theatre company used our podcast as part of their research. 

Please welcome, from the UK, Veronica Nadine Gleeson 

We ask:

• What drew you to this project? Any personal connection with schizophrenia or other serious mental illness?

• Tell us about the process of adapting the work to stage - and when did you begin the play?

• Where else did you turn for research?

• What did yo learn that affected you deeply?

• Has it been produced elsewhere?

• Can we bring it to the US?

• What’s ahead for you? 

Links:

https://belvoir.com.au 

Belvoir Theatre on You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Companybbelvoir 

Veronica Nadine Gleeson representation:

https://shanahan.com.au/client/veronica-gleeson/ 

Tell Me I’m Here:

https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-Here-ANNE-DEVESON/dp/0140098461

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, "He Came in With It" chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is “Fix What You Can.” 

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11545687

A Plan of Action for COD (co-occurring disorders): The Harris Project (Episode 53)

Show Notes

A Plan of Action for COD (co-occurring disorders*): The Harris Project

*mental health challenges plus  and substance misuse or addiction

What comes first: substance use or mental health challenges? It can happen either way.

Adolescence is a time of change and challenge. It is also during this time that most mental health disorders arise. In fact, 22% of teens 13-18 have a diagnosable mental health and/or addictive disorders, and 50% of all cases of mental health disorders arise by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24 (MHFA.org).

We 3 Moms have been there. We share our family story in books and in this podcast, to help others.

Our guest has the same mission - to turn heartache into action, and to honor her son. She was recently featured in the NY times, and she’s here with us today. 

Stephanie Marquesano, mom of Harris (who died at age 19 and had a COD, or co-occuring disorder), is founder and president of the project named for him - with a mission to change the way these two conditions are noticed and treated.

 We ask: 

• Tell us about Harris. If you had to tell the story of his life before the illness and after the illness in five minutes what would you want us most to know? 

• Early signs: you said in NY times “He was crawling out of his own skin half the time.” - is there anything you wish you had known, anything you wish someone else had known or done? 

• Can you share your journey to find psychological and psychiatric help? 

• The combination of substance abuse and mental illness often co-occurs, and yet… not treated together .   Talk to us  about the “addiction treatment nonsystem” and what should replace it.

CODA goals include:

• Increased awareness and understanding of co-occurring disorders for youth.

• Increased early intervention for mental health challenges and substance misuse leading to a decline in incidence of youth mental health crises, drug misuse, addiction and overdose.

• Increased likelihood that those already impacted by co-occurring disorders will seek help and support.

• Raise a generation without the stigma typically associated with mental health challenges/substance misuse.

• Encourage youth to positively impact their peers/communities by building connections to each other and being a link to resources. 

LINKS:

https://theharrisproject.org/
Twitter: @theharrispro

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theharrisprojectCOD/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theharrisprojectcod/

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11407096

Navigating Psychosis & Behavioral Health Systems: Against All Odds: Dr. Gary Tsai (ep. 52)

Show Notes

As a psychiatrist and system administrator who grew up with a mother with schizophrenia, Dr. Gary Tsai offers an insider’s perspective on the process of seeking care for serious mental illnesses, informed by both firsthand personal and expert professional experiences.

Dr. Tsai is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker and author, physician who is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, and the director of the largest substance use system in the nation.

We’ll talk about his story, his documentary called Voices, and the tips in his his new book titled Against All Odds, including:

• How to approach impacted loved ones and resistance

• Understanding behavioral health systems, policies, programs, laws, practitioners, and payers

• Identifying a good clinician or care team

• Being an effective advocate

• … And much more.

Against All Odds offers tools and strategies to navigate the recovery journey and will reshape your understanding of serious mental illness and behavioral health systems! 

LINKS:

http://voicesdocumentary.com/film/

www.AgainstAllOddsToday.com

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, "He Came in With It" chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding Her acclaimed memoir is “Fix What You Can.” 

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11326139

Never Truly Out of the Woods - “Long-Haul” Schizophrenia and the Family (Ep. 51)

Show Notes

Living with schizophrenia or other SMI (Serious Mental Illness) in yourself or in your family is like a game of “chutes and ladders” - you’re never really out of the woods, but there are wins (progress, good moments and memories) and hopes along the way. 

Mimi, Mindy and Randye catch up on the latest family journeys with SZ - life-threatening crises, changes in treatment, finding hope and joy, and resilience - in this opening episode of Season 3.

We also preview some upcoming guests, and congratulate the production “Tell Me I’m Here” - a powerful Australian theatre adaptation of  Anne Deveson’s memoir of the same name. Cast and director listened to our podcast for inspiration and understanding, and their show is getting rave reviews and increasing awareness of schizophrenia in the family. - thank you!  

LINKS:

https://belvoir.com.au/productions/tell-me-im-here/

https://www.theatretravels.org/post/review-tell-me-i-m-here-at-belvoir

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Hosts:

Who:

Randye Kaye - was a morning Radio Personality bringing humor to CT families when her own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Now she is still a Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”)

Miriam Feldman -  is an artist, writer, and the mother of an adult son with schizophrenia. Her book, "He Came in With It" chronicles her family's story and was released to rave reviews on July 21st, 2020.

Mindy Greiling - Mindy Greiling was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. She helped found the nation's first state mental health caucus, which successfully lobbied for a significant increase in Minnesota's mental health funding. She has served on the national board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is the current president of her NAMI county chapter.  Her acclaimed memoir is “Fix What You Can.” 

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11283607

Help! I Don’t Understand SSI/SSDI - Ep 50, guest: Dani Page, JD

Show Notes

SZ 3 moms Ep 50: Help! I Don’t Understand SSI/SSDI

Guest: Dani Page 

§  SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery) certified Retired attorney. Instructor on implicit bias in the space of disability.

§  Juris Doctorate

§  Certified Family to Family facilitator for National Alliance on Mental Illness

§  SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery) certified—for individuals with behavioral health challenges who are homeless or at risk

§  Presenter and facilitator on implicit bias in the space of disability  

We ask:
Clarification:
Dani would like to clarify something from the podcast in which I participated. The maximum a disability attorney or non-attorney advocate can charge is 25% of an applicant's backpay, up to a maximum of $6,000.

SSI/SSDI/SSA - please explain the differences!

Who makes the disability determination? (DDS)

What are the myths about SSI? Will my loved one have to stop working?

How to apply - steps

Do I need an attorney?

What is SOAR? Can they help? How much does it cost?

What materials/records do I need to gather/create?

And more

Want us to cover a topic? comment to share?

Facebook page @Schizophrenia3Moms

@SZ3MomsTrenches -  twitter

Randye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”, “Happier Made Simple”)

Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It”

Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“)

https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/1604296/11005411