Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guests: Rakesh Jain, MD, and Sherland Peterson, who has experience living with TDMore than 14 million Americans have a serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder or schizophrenia – conditions that can be treated with antipsychotic medicines. Use of these medicines has increased 22% in recent years, particularly within the last 10 years, in turn increasing the risk of a debilitating chronic movement condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which can cause uncontrollable and repetitive movements that make eating, drinking and walking difficult.While TD can be treated, integrating new medicines into existing treatment plans can be difficult, and people living with schizophrenia may worry that treating TD could cause regression in their mental illness. A one-pill, once-daily treatment option exists that can be integrated into existing mental health treatment plans, helping people manage their mental health and TD in tandem.We Ask:Dr. Jain:·       What is tardive dyskinesia and what are the common signs and symptoms of this condition?·       What is the connection between tardive dyskinesia and the use of antipsychotics, and what are the primary challenges that patients and doctors face when treating this condition?·       What is this one pill, once-daily treatment option and why is it an important option to consider?·       Where can people go to learn more? Sherland:·       Can you share your personal story of living with tardive dyskinesia?·       What impact has tardive dyskinesia had on your life, from daily activities, to your mental health and social events?·       What do you wish more people knew about tardive dyskinesia?Thanks for liking and sharing the podcast! Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guest: Laura M . Brancato, Esq. - Elder Law And Vulnerable Client Specialist“As an attorney and an advocate, my mission is to provide specialized legal advice and support to families with vulnerable loved ones. With a focus on mental health, special needs, elder law, substance abuse disorders and related matters, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate complex legal landscapes and achieve the best possible outcomes for their families.”TEXT re HIPAA and patient privacy  (link below):Even when the patient is not present or it is impracticable because of emergency circumstances or the patient's incapacity for the covered entity to ask the patient about discussing her care or payment with a family member or other person, a covered entity may share this information with the person when, in exercising professional judgment, it determines that doing so would be in the best interest of the patient.Past Episodes: Conservatorship, ep. 6Judge Lisa Wexler on Mental Health and Legal Matters, ep. 12 and 13SSDI: Ep. 50Laura on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-m-brancato-67728814/Video on Silver Hill website:https://silverhillhospital.org/community/video/families-in-a-double-bind-the-need-for-legal-advice-in-navigating-the-psychiatric-health-system-by-laura-brancato-esq/HHS and HIPAA:https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/488/does-hipaa-permit-a-doctor-to-discuss-a-patients-health-status-with-the-patients-family-and-friends/index.htmlThanks for liking and sharing the podcast! Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guests: Natasha Williams and Liz  SjaastadNatasha Williams  -The Parts of Him I Kept: The Gifts of My Father's Madness  (Natasha's book) is an intimate account of a daughter's coming of age in the face of her father's schizophrenic unraveling. Williams investigates the limits of our medical and cultural understanding of schizophrenia while chronicling the shared burden and benefits of caring for a mentally ill family member.Liz Sjaastad - Liz has written a memoir, You're Too Young to Understand, about growing up with, and then caring for, her father – a quiet Russian immigrant, an intellectual who drank too much and her mother – a smart and proper beauty who suffered with the life-altering brain illness of schizophrenia, though she never acknowledged it. We ask: If you could give one piece of advice to a child with parents like yours, what would it be?When did you begin to understand?Did your family life affect your siblings differently? If so, how?Have you forgiven your parents and if so when and how?When did you think your children were old enough to understand? How did you talk with them?Have you stopped fearing for yourself getting a serious mental illness? Your children?LINKS:Liz Sjaastadlsjaastad@comcast.netwww.lizsjaastad.comFacebookInstagramNatashaWilliams:https://www.natashawilliamswriter.com/Thanks for liking and sharing the podcast! Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guest: Fortescue Filmmaker / Rebeccah LoveAbout Rebeccah Love: This Toronto-based filmmaker, writer, and community organizer debuts her debut feature film, “Fortescue,” a drama exploring the complexities of mental health, female friendships, and societal expectations. “Fortescue” delves into the protagonist's struggle with psychosis, a condition Love herself has navigated, offering a raw and honest portrayal rarely seen on screen.”We ask:-> Can you tell us about your mental health journey?-> How did you first get into filmmaking?-> How does your filmmaking relate to your experience of psychosis?-> What does your mental health advocacy look like in Canada?-> What did you wish you knew when you were first diagnosed with Bipolar?Links:FORTESCUE TRAILERhttps://vimeo.com/1009454730?share=copWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guest: Regina Graham, MD (she/her)Medical Director of Early Psychosis Programs,Health Sciences Clinical ProfessorUC Davis School of MedicineAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness ( 52.9 million people in 2020). While People of Color (POC) have rates of mental health disorders similar to Whites, these disorders are more likely to last longer and result in more significant disability for POC. Most mental illness goes untreated, especially in communities of color. Fifty-two percent of Whites with AMI received mental health services in 2020, compared to 37.1% of Blacks and 35% of Hispanics.Dr. Graham is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, with expertise in intensive mental health settings -- including inpatient, residential, and emergency interventions -- working with vulnerable populations. She has a passion for prodromal, early and first-episode psychosis and its management utilizing specialized care models to optimize outcomes for patients, their families, and communities.Definition of Minoritized Communities:Groups who have experienced systemic discrimination and marginalization due to factors like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic statusGroups excluded from opportunities and power structures in our society Questions:How does cultural background impact the experiences of schizophrenia for the individual and their loved ones?How could trauma impact members of minoritized communities with schizophrenia?How are members of minoritized communities with schizophrenia being served in mental health services, and what are the barriers to treatment?Specific story about how individuals from minoritized communities with schizophrenia hesitate in seeking treatment during a crisis?Thanks for liking and sharing the podcast! 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 forWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Letters…we get letters…well, actually emails, comments, and messages. In this episode we do our best to respond with perspective, information and resources.Please know that we are not doctors, cannot prescribe medication - nor do we know all the legalities and resources in each state or country (hello, international listeners!) - but, often, our guests do.Her are some of the episodes we mention for your references:108. Should our Loved One with SMI Live With Us?99. What Will Happen When We're Gone? Trusts, Pooled Trusts and More83. What Do I Do Now?: THE Handbook for SZ Caregivers: guest, Nicole Drapeau Gillen71. Help and Tips for Families in Mental Illness Crisis: Treatment Advocacy Center56. Housing That Heals: Essential for Many with SMI50 and 70. Help! I Don't Understand SSI/SSDI - guest: Dani Page, JD33. Fellowship Place, One Supportive Community Fostering Mental Health18. Rethinking Clozapine: Should it be the First Resort to Treat Schizophrenia? - with Dr. Robert Laitman12 and 13. Let's Talk about the Law - Mental Illness and Legal Matters (Judge Lisa Wexler6. Conservatorship for Schizophrenia: Who Needs it? Why? and How?Thanks for liking and sharing the podcast! Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Actionable strategies for these family members and friends who give so much but whose needs and sacrifices are often unappreciated. Written by clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman and her mother, DeAnne Sherman, an advocate and educator, the book provides:• Tools to cope with difficult emotions• Strategies to empower loved ones, including how to navigate the mental health system• Communication and limit-setting skills• Approaches to supporting loved ones who have experienced trauma or have PTSD• Ways to manage common challenges, such as alcohol or drug misuse, and when a loved one declines professional help• Strategies to support children• Skills to build personal resilience and strengthen relationshipsLinks:I Am Not Alone book:https://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/i-m-not-aloneLoving Someone with Mental Illness book:https://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/loving-someone-with-a-mental-illness-or-history-of-traumaWebsite for Michelle and DeAnne (has free resources):https://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guests:  Robert C. Smith, MD and  Vinod Srihari, MD, Every day, millions of Americans face untreated mental health challenges—and too often, their first point of contact is a medical doctor unequipped to help. Most physicians - and many others who teach and advise youth - aren't trained to recognize or treat mental health conditions, yet they're the ones patients turn to first. This gap in training has devastating consequences, contributing to the mental health crisis we see today.Dr. Robert Smith, a seasoned physician and thought leader, is sounding the alarm: medical doctors need fundamental training in mental health care. His new book, Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? Why Our Mental Health System is Failing Us and What Should Be Done to Cure (Prometheus Books, March 4, 2025) addresses the poor state of mental health care in the US, why it occurred, what needs to be done, and how to accomplish this politically. Our Second Guest, Vinod Srihari, MD, spearheads a new program in CT which has just been expanded to reach the whole state after a trial run in 10 towns around New Haven. STEP is a clinic staffed by mental health providers in different fields – psychology, psychiatry, nursing, and social work. This "interdisciplinary" team seeks to provide comprehensive care for individuals who are early in the course of a psychotic illness in order to prevent symptoms from becoming disabling.We Find Out:Why so many mental health issues go untreated and misdiagnosed—and what it costs us as a society.The value of early detection and treatment in Mental illness to help with prevention and recoveryHow medical doctors can better address mental health needs with proper training. And tips on how patients should talk to doctors about mental health.The hidden consequences of the mind-body split in modern medicine. The importance of integrating mindfulness and exercise into "treatment."Practical solutions for integrating mental health care into the broader medical system.LINKS:Bob's website:https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/ Bob's Book:https://a.co/d/2yOHhlpMindmap:https://mindmapct.org/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.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 GreiliWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Eric J Dias is no stranger to the struggles people with addiction and severe mental illness experience. He has lived with schizoaffective disorder since he was a teenager. Eric has been a tireless advocate for people with SMI and their families. He writes about the many issues and emotions associated with SMI (Severe Mental Illness) in his novel, I Got Sober For This.In the story, he weaves the stories with issues that affect us all, especially when it comes to SMI - in our homes, the courts, the streets, AA meetings,  detention centers, and the criminal justice system.He currently hosts a show for the National Shattering Silence Coalition's YouTube Channel interviewing people with lived experience with mental illness, care givers, advocates and clinicians.We ask Eric about his story, his research, stigma, the need for community, and the power of hope in recovery.Links:I Got Sober for This book: https://a.co/d/4PV7Vh8Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her books:  https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/ Randye's substack: https://randyekaye.substack.com/Create Harmony This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life's blessings and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Returning Guest: Brian Stettin. NYC City Hall's senior advisor on severe mental illness.In Episode 61, we interviewed Brian Stettin, senior advisor to the 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 push was to have more severely mentally ill people brought to hospitals for psychiatric evaluation as compassionate intervention, and to change the state laws about the length of hospital 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.Lately, with so many SMI and homelessness incidents in NYC making news (a homeless woman set on fire in the subway; a symptomatic mentally ill man's death by chokehold; NY Governor Kathy Hochul's support of getting help for those with SMI). we revisit this important issue. Almost two years later:How is the program going? What are the successes and challenges? What more can be done?Links:Randye's blog posts about these issues:https://randyekaye.substack.com/p/journalists-please-stop-saying-against?r=j36cehttps://randyekaye.substack.com/p/luigi-mangione-jordan-neely-where?r=j36cehttps://www.randyekaye.com/benbehindhisvoices/journalists-stop-saying-against-their-will-its-about-care-not-forcehttps://www.randyekaye.com/benbehindhisvoices/my-son-will-be-homeless-this-friday-heres-why-it-didnt-need-to-happenhttps://www.randyekaye.com/benbehindhisvoices/luigi-mangione-jordan-neely-mental-illness-in-the-news-one-mothers-opinionArticles AboEye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Real People Real Life Welcome to “Real People, Real Life”, a podcast where we dive into the authentic...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!GUEST: Darrell E. HerrmannWANT THE TRANSCRIPT? CLICK HEREMillions of Americans are affected by psychosis, a condition that includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.One man, Darrell Herrmann, is sharing his story in an effort to help others who may be diagnosed with similar conditions.Herrmann, who holds a degree in physical science and served as a military officer, is diagnosed with schizophrenia and has lived with it for 40 years. Herrmann has written a book titled Straight Talk About Living with Severe Mental Illness. He hopes readers gain a better understanding of psychosis and how to adjust their lives to manage the condition.We Ask:Your StoryYour Views on AnosognosiaDifference Between Hallucinations and PsychosisThoughts About Anti-PsychiatryYour document on NSSC and your book greatest frustrations with the family advocacy movement with regards to serious mental illnessRe involuntary hospitalization; “A change in the delusion or a different hallucination can totally change the person's patterns of action in moments. Remember to the person in psychosis the hallucinations and delusions are reality, and for example if he hears a voice that convinces him that someone is out to kill him, he may act in perceived self-defense and kill or harm that person. ““Currently the criterion for hospitalization is danger to self or others. This should become actively psychotic instead. ”Darrell Herrmann - CURESZ Foundation (The guide to psychosis and psychotic illnesses  for NSSC)NSSC_Guide Psych+Illnesses The YouTube video of Darrell's speech for NSSC on 6 June :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpR4Jv1o2Gk&t=684sThe article I published on LinkedIn titled "The Illusion Of Recovery Oriented Hospitals": Darrell Herrmann's PostA link to my book on Amazon (It can also be purchased through Barnes & Nobel)Straight Talk About Living With A Severe Mental Illness: Herrmann, Darrell Ernest: 9781707189779: Amazon.com: BooksMindy and her book: Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Welcome to this episode, where we explore a deeply personal and often complex topic: the choice to have relatives with severe mental illness live at home with family.Joined by listener guests, we dive into the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of this decision.Is home the best place for healing and connection, or do the demands overwhelm family dynamics? How do caregivers balance compassion with self-care? And what role should professional support play? You'll hear heartfelt stories, honest discussions of the challenges, and perspectives on what works—or doesn't. Tune in for an insightful conversation about navigating this delicate choice.Insights and Learnings from the chat:You have a right to feel SAFE in your own homeBe clear on your boundaries and be prepared to follow throughEach US state has different services and lawsThe decision is heartbreakingLearn all you canAsk for help and infoShare this podcast with people you know need itIt is always helpful to hear other storiesAct while the loved one is in the hospital Case manager does need to do their part - let them, partner with themGet it in writing. Have a written contract with your loved one which includes consequences for the main what ifs and each of you—parent, loved one, case manager keep a copy.SZ 3 Moms episodes referenced:#6: Conservatorship#14: NAMI Family-to-Family#18: Rethinking Clozapine#27: I am Not sick, I Don't Need Help (anosognosia)#30: Clubhouse International#36: Difficult Mothering (Judith R Smith)#43: Family Support Services#50: SSI/SSDI#99: Pooled Trusts#105: HousingMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guests: Robert S Laitman, MD,Mimi Liu, Doro MindAt Doro Mind. the mission is to provide compassionate, accessible, and dynamic care and support for individuals suffering from psychosis and their caregivers.Dr. Robert Laitman is a psychiatric internist dedicated to changing the treatment paradigm for psychosis. He is the author of “Meaningful Recovery from Schizophrenia & Serious Mental Illness with Clozapine” which outlines his families personal story supporting his son through schizophrenia and pioneering a novel evidence based approach to psychosis treatment with clozapine.Mimi Liu is the former COO & CTO of Firefly Health, where she led operations and tech for delivering integrated primary care and behavioral health services. Mimi leads Doro Mind with the personal passion that comes from supporting her brother through his journey with psychosis.Into the Light movie episode : #94Links:https://www.doromind.com/https://www.teamdanielrunningforrecovery.org/Dr. Laitman's book:https://a.co/d/iLrDwvCDaniel Laitman on Youtube:https://youtu.be/uBdJWFvP-uc?si=8ECR7DfhDGc3gdHxMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/More Than the Dress“More than the Dress” is a biweekly podcast hosted by Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, Esq.,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guests: Suzy DeYoung, Catherine Galda, Trauma Informed Parent When parents are Trauma Informed they are better equipped to help their children heal - and to take care of themselves. Trauma Informed Parent offers information, resources and perspective for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences.We Talk About:How did you get into this line of work? What do you hope to achieve?What are behaviors/issues/symptoms in young people that could be indicative of something trauma or mental health related?What are the most important things to know as a parent or caregiver of a young person who has had a traumatic experience?What about the trauma to the whole family when mental illness strikes a loved one?Value of Early Intervention and Treatment, and Structure.Links:Trauma Informed Parent

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!But Where Can They Live? : Housing for Those with SMI  (Ep. 105)Guests: Lynda Kaufmann, Psynergy ProgramsEllie Skelton, Touchstone Mental HealthHousing:  Access to affordable and supportive housing remains limited.Individuals with mental illnesses are significantly more vulnerable to housing instability and homelessness. Factors such as unmanaged mental health symptoms, job loss, inpatient treatment, or involvement with the criminal justice system often compound the challenges they face in securing and maintaining stable housing. Without stable housing, recovery from mental illness becomes unattainable.There is an urgent need to sustain and expand permanent supportive housing. Many individuals thrive when they have access to ongoing, housing-linked services that help them maintain their homes, build positive relationships with property management and neighbors, and integrate into the community. However, these critical services are often underfunded, putting housing stability at risk for those with mental health needs.LINKS:https://psynergy.org/https://touchstonemh.org/  Coro Report - "No time to waste.."  A research study of the housing crisis for Californians with SMI     Community Capital Expansion - creating more housing, one bed at a time   https://www.ccegrant.com/  Psynergy received $8.2 million for an older adult           assisted living program that opened 9/12/24.  The Dept. of Social Services received $4 billion in applications for the $570 million budgeted.  See Media          Release     Modified Therapeutic Community - Summary from NREPP and NIDA reports.  The model of care we adopted since 2008 that supports clinical and       therapeutic services adjacent to residential housing. Both licensed care and unlicensed care.      San Mateo NAMI Presentation  “Doctoral Students from USF working on “The Invisible Population” Project."    Presented by Kristin Moser, BSN, RN and Solutions for Supportive Homes.Solutions for Supportive Homes is a Bay Area group of committed parents & community professionals working to increase the supply and the quality of permanent, affordable, health-supporting homes where adults living with long term special mental health needs,  They are united by two searing questions:  Where will my adult child live?  And who will help them when I am gone?                         Recording:Create Harmony This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life's blessings and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!The Neverending Cycle: Crisis, Coping, Advocacy (Ep. 104)Guest: Rachel Streiff: Mental Health Advocate, Mentor to SMI Caregivers,NAMI F2F talks about the the emotional stages for families: Crisis, Coping, AdvocacyUnfortunately, like a game of chutes and ladders, you can cycle back at any time. Only thing is - it all becomes more familiar each time. You know where you are.Randye is in crisis, Mimi is Coping, Mindy is out there advocating - meeting with a judge and legislator who are mental health champions about civil commitment statute and how to get better services for the the ones who are so ill they slip through the cracks,So our special mom #3 guest, Rachel Streiff, joins us again (episode 37 - Advocating for the Best Available SMI Care)  to ask for all our help in her advocacy - the Angry Moms (see episode 67) fight to remove REMs requirements for clozaril need signatures on a petition, and letters to the FDA.And - we all always advocating. Just that the room for that shrinks when in crisis. Podcast hosts are not immune. The other shoe can fall at any time.The Cycle Never Ends - so let's talk about it. No one is alone - no one is immune.Links:http://www.change.org/EndtheclozapineREMShttps://www.theangrymoms.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Amazing Grace: Single Mother, Adult Son with Schizophrenia, Award-Winning Short Film (Ep. 103)Guest: Aiden Keltner, FilmmakerBased on the true stories of many families, Amazing Grace tells the story of a single mother caring for her adult son with schizophrenia.Aiden Keltner is the filmmaker, and did some of his research in focus groups gathered by Randye and Mindy, and is a treasured friend of this podcast!Amazing Grace is a three time Emmy Award recipient (NATAS PSW) for Best Arts/Entertainment Program, Best Director and Best Performer (Deborah Gilmore Smyth).Aiden's focus as a filmmaker, is on telling underrepresented stories from the mental health community. Aiden has been inspired by his own lived experience with close family members diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. Currently, he is developing different feature films on this subject.We ask:your story/motivation for doing this filmyour research with Mindy and Randye and otherswhat happens next?what can film do for these communities? what kinds of stories we hope to see in film and media representing SMI - the moms chime inLinks:Contact: aiden.keltner@gmail.comAmazing Grace Film: https://vimeo.com/1005014736Website: https://www.aidenkeltner.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidenkeltner/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013107667252Facebook: facebook.com/agshortfilmMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Guest: Lindsay Mary Galvin Rauch, Mental Health Advocate/Speaker“ I draw inspiration from my upbringing with ten older brothers, six of whom bravely fought schizophrenia. Sharing my story and journey can make a positive impact. Let's break the stigma together.”Many years ago, Lindsay Mary and her sister, Margaret Galvin, decided they wanted to share their family story in the hopes it would reduce or eliminate the stigma associated with schizophrenia and mental illness for other families. They also wanted to give hope to those who have been traumatized by these brain disorders. After selecting Bob Kolker to be the journalist to bring their story to life, they never imagined their story would become a New York Times bestseller. This profile has resulted in significant interest to transition their story into a documentary and mini-series which they hope will accelerate and deepen the conversation around mental illness enabling thousands more to benefit from our pain and experience coping with this reality.We ask: your journey, especially your life now as an adult siblingWhat part does anosognosia play in your family story with SMI?The documentary based on the book - what would you change?Your work as an advocate and speakerwhat you would say/advice to adult siblings of those with SMINOTE: Episode with Bob Kolker is #25Episode with our daughters: #19Links:https://lindsaymarygalvinrauch.com/Book:https://a.co/d/9nokCMLMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/High Vibes And A Mic | Motherhood, Family, International Culture, Wellness, SpiritualityLooking for a relatable and fun moms podcast? Look no further than High Vibes and a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Please note: if you write us “Fan mail”  (thanks! )- please include some contact info (email is best) if you want a reply.Guest: Ken Duckworth, NAMI Chief Medical OfficerKen Duckworth's journey into psychiatry started when he was a boy growing up with a dad who experienced severe bipolar disorder. His father was loving, kind and periodically quite ill, hospitalized for months at a time. Ken became a psychiatrist in part to help his father. He is very fortunate to serve as the Chief Medical Officer for NAMI and to be part of this remarkable community. Ken recently authored NAMI's first book, “You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families.” Written with authority and compassion, this is the essential resource for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment and recovery, featuring inspiring, true stories from real people in their own words.We Ask about: your journey, your book - Thoughts on parental responsibility and liability, and any promising new research in schizophrenia.LINKS:NAMI:https://www.nami.org/You Are Not Alone Book:https://a.co/d/gki4xviAsk the Expert:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZf3Rbl5IeolHREKufjax_iD_mEj2PdhMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.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 schiziMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify High Vibes And A Mic | Motherhood, Family, International Culture, Wellness, SpiritualityLooking for a relatable and fun moms podcast? Look no further than High Vibes and a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsGuest: Kody Green, patient advocateKody lives with schizophrenia and is a motivational speaker/content creator with over a million followers on TikTok alone (@schizophrenichippie). He has also overcome struggles with drug addiction and incarceration, which he shares information about on his platform. To be a better advocate and speaker, Kody has been trained as a peer support specialist, recovery coach and suicide prevention specialist.  Kody's podcast is called Unseen & Unheard:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unseen-unheard/id1589319270"After my release from incarceration and my schizophrenia diagnosis, I thought there was nothing left for me. When I started sharing my story online, I did not think anyone would care. After gaining 1 million followers on social media, I realized how my struggles and my story could help others." Kody J. GreenWe will ask Kody to share his story, and especially:Incarceration experience and steps afterwardLong-acting injectablesAnosognosia - did he ever have it?Did he have family support? (we are moms, soo…..)His upcoming book!Links:Here is his website: https://www.kodygreen.com/Here is a link to his TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie?lang=en%22%20o%20%22https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie?lang=en%22%20t%20%22_blankhttps://www.hopeforschizophrenia.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsWhat Will Happen When We're Gone? Trusts, Pooled Trusts and More-Ep. 99Guest: Megan Brand,  Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities Executive DirectorDani Page, JD (her other episodes with us are Episodes 50 and 70)In its simplest form, a Trust is a relationship, in which one person holds title to property, subject to an obligation to keep or use the property for the benefit of another..We ask:Can we use Trusts to help our loved ones with SMI - now, and after we are gone?Some of the differences between Pooled Trusts and Individual Trusts?How to evaluate Pooled Trust Organizations or other Trustees when considering who to name as trusteeHow does the Secure Act impact the ability to provide support through inherited IRA'sLanguage in trust documents to cloak our loved ones from creditors getting ahold of trust money needed to support their lives after we are dead.What can we set up now so that our loved ones will be okay after we are gone….and not to put a huge burden on their siblings?Links:https://www.cfpdtrust.org/www.cfpdtrust.org https://nationalplanalliance.org/programs/ https://aptrusts.org/Elder Law Attorneys:https://www.naela.org/Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA):https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/resources/voice-of-experience/2010-2022/what-cela/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsPurpose, Belonging, Community: Starting and Opening an International Clubhouse for People with MI -Ep. 98A New International Clubhouse in Minnesota, USA!Guests:Karina Forrest Perkins , Chad Bolstrom, Vail Place Nishi and Margaret, MembersVail Ramsey County Clubhouse in MN, USA had a huge turnout for its Grand Opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony. Vail Communities in Minneapolis is spearheading the Clubhouse expansion.The Clubhouse is a "One-Stop Shop", functioning as a community-based hub, a single point for people to access, integrate, and coordinate a range of services to work toward mental health recovery.How Can YOU start one?The Vail Communities Clubhouses are just two of over 300 programs that follow the Clubhouse Model. A Clubhouse is a place where members and staff work together side-by-side to operate all aspects of the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse can also help with housing, employment, education, health and wellness and so much more. The Clubhouses also offers a wide variety of social, recreational, and cultural events and activities.Links:https://vailcommunities.org/clubhouseshttps://clubhouse-intl.org/what-we-do/what-clubhouses-do/https://clubhouse-intl.org/our-impact/clubhouse-outcomes/https://www.vailplace.org/join/clubhouse-program/https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=bf1bddf3-b973-4d4d-a523-1d62aa732684&v=sdk&appcode=STP731&eguid=3368cea9-0776-4c6c-86cd-7d731136318b&pnum=1https://www.minnpost.com/mental-health-addiction/2024/02/vail-place-poised-to-open-mental-health-clubhouse-in-st-paul/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLzfYUQ76gcMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsGuests : Laura Balboni Craciun, Policy Director National Shattering Silence Coalition, MA, and Arundati (Arun) Nagendra, Ph.D.At the recent  S&PAA conference (Mindy ) and at the Johns Hopkins schizophrenia symposium (Mimi and Randye)  , as well as on our Facebook page, many families tell us their stories about cannabis - many now see it as causing, or at least triggering psychosis. That led us to this episode.Although schizophrenia contains a spectrum of symptoms and influences, many now believe that marijuana was the last straw that “pulled the trigger” which resulted in psychosis and its aftermath - and that, if we'd known the dangers we could have done more to prevent our loved ones from serious mental illness episodes.Do science and statistical evidence back this up?What can the average advocate do NOW?S&PAA Position statement re cannabis: (see more on website or SPAN website)Oppose legalization of recreational cannabis usePair any legalization effort with stringent, practical harm-reduction practices.Hold the cannabis industry financially accountable.Implement public health initiatives that educate about the risks of cannabis use.Conduct research into the effects of cannabis use.Finance clinical assessment and intervention.Links:https://sczaction.org/SPAN:https://span-scz.org/SAM - https://learnaboutsam.org/Johnny's Ambassadors -https://johnnysambassadors.org/research/NSSC- https://www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/Oppose marijuana rescheduling to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) : https://www.votervoice.net/SAM/Campaigns/115038/Respond NSSC-Darrell Hermann's peer talk on psychosis recovery (including genetic vulnerability and cannabis at 51:00 during the Q&A). https://youtu.be/hpR4Jv1o2Gk?si=IMn8rai6x0bokqL5Cannabis and psychosishttp://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html#https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-on-food/202105/what-really-happens-in-the-brain-during-a-cannabis-highLaura's story in Newsweek:https://www.newsweek.com/cannabis-triMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms“Guest Mom” Laura PoglianoThe Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Symposium brings together world-renowned experts in psychiatry, mental health, and neuroscience in order to present diverse aspects of the disorder, discuss their findings with colleagues, and be available to answer attendees' questions. This year, the speakers presented their cutting-edge and multidisciplinary approaches, including those that interfere among molecular pathology, digital science, public outreach, and clinical psychiatry.Families were invited to attend - for FREE - and could attend a panel discussion the night before, plus the chance to participate in  round-table lunch discussions with the speakers.Through this symposium, they hope to translate the efforts of the lab bench to the bedside, and eventually to society by discussing and addressing schizophrenia and other mental illnesses from both clinical and scientific standpoints.The symposium was open to all: researchers, clinicians, and family members of those diagnosed with schizophrenia.It was amazing. Here Mimi and I review what we learned, along with friend of the podcast, Laura Pogliano. (she was also with us for Episode 25, with Bob Kolker who wrote Hidden Valley Road)Links:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty-areas/schizophrenia/symposiumTo support the symposium:https://aspire.hopkinsmedicine.org/project/40520Message from the Director:We have assembled here in the Schizophrenia Center a broad and deep pool of expertise in the Hopkins tradition that integrates patient care, research, and public health.My role is similar to an orchestra conductor, trusting my musicians and striving for balance among all the instruments. I see my job as one to support and facilitate the talent that surrounds me.Thank you for your interest in our work.Sincerely,Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D.Speakers:Sabrina Berretta, MDRaquel E. Gur, MD, PhDBrandon Staglin, MST. Scott Stroup, MD, MPHJohn Torous, MDMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsNo One Cares About Crazy People is a feature documentary film-in-progress about the tragedy, crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America – and a burgeoning national crusade to do something about itNO ONE CARES ABOUT CRAZY PEOPLE takes us inside the tragedy, chaos, and crisis of severe mental illness in America. It derives in part from Ron Powers' acclaimed book of the same name, a hybrid narrative of tragic family memoir and searing social history.Guest: Gail Freedman, Director & ProducerYour support is critical to help us complete this film and tell the powerful stories that can be a catalyst for new understanding and action. All gifts, grants and donations are fully tax-deductible.Links:https://noonecaresfilm.com/Congrats Aiden Keltner, friend of the podcast! @amazinggraceshortfilm received 3 of the 4 Emmys we were nominated for including, Arts Entertainment Program, best director and best performer!Amazing Grace Film An aging single mother fights to hold onto the only life she's ever known as her son with schizophrenia begins to lose his sanity.Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsGuests: Angela and Michael Brisbin(plus 3 Moms updates and we read some Fan mail!)INTO THE LIGHT Meaningful Recovery From Psychosis, a 60 minute documentary discusses how to  achieve Meaningful Recovery from Serious Mental Illness with education, medication and advocacy.  A message of hope and real help, the film's topics include: barriers to treatment, the underutilized medication, clozapine, and the importance of a supportive community. There are over 25 interviews of patients, parents, leading medical professionals, healthcare professionals, advocates – from across the USA, including:(Bolded names have been guests on this podcast too!) Dr Xavier Amador, LEAP; Dr Lisa Dixon, CUIMC; Dr Ken Duckworth, NAMI; Miriam Feldman, SCZ: Three Moms in the Trenches; Dr Rob & Ann Mandel Laitman, TEAM DANIEL; Dr Jeffrey Lieberman; Dr Jonathan Meyer; Lynn Nanos, Michael Orth; Bill Rodgers, The Marathon Runner; Dr Fuller Torrey; Elyn Saks, Rachel Streiff; and Bethany Yeiser, CURESZ. Narrated by Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams. Sponsored by TEAM DANIEL Running for Recovery from Mental Illness, a 501c3 charity.Angela Brisbin Angela is the Lead Administrator for Team Daniel and the Clozapine Community Facebook group. She is the Associate Producer for the documentary Into the Light: Meaningful Recovery from Psychosis. She is a full time nursing student pursuing a Master's degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her mental health advocacy includes serving as a board member for NAMI or Greater Kansas City, as well as being a NAMI-certified family support group facilitator and “Ending the Silence” presenter. Angela also serves as a mentor for the CURESZ Foundation. In 2016 Angela's father Gary who had schizophrenia passed away and her son Michael was diagnosed. Michael BrisbinAngela's son Michael Brisbin has been in meaningful recovery from schizophrenia for six and a half years. He is a full time college student and works part time as a campus librarian. He'll graduate in December with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. He plans to continue his education and obtain a Master's degree as a licensed clinical social worker and work in the mental health field.Michael is on the Board of Directors for NAMI of Greater Kansas City, and has founded NAMI on Campus groups at his previous community colleges and his current university. He also facilitates a weekly NAMI young adult Zoom support group.Links:https://www.intothelightmeaningfulrecovery.com/ https://www.iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place. On iMOM.com we...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the Moms“Chris had a "tumultuous" time several years ago, dealing with the onset of schizoaffective disorder, but has overcome addiction and homelessness and established stability for himself, while also being an extremely productive artist.His artist name, as well as his social media handle, is xoradmagical.He's done one film for the National Film Board of Canada and is working on another.He's prolific on TikTok, where he describes his posts as "a personal virtual diary that everybody is allowed to look at."Chris was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2017 at the age of 20. It's a mental health condition that includes hallucinations or delusions and mood disorder symptoms such as depression or mania.”(source: cbc.ca)Ever wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?We're lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada.SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis." The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.LINKS:cbc.ca story on Chris:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/twins-pabineau-first-nation-tristan-grant-chris-1.6883003?fbclid=IwAR0fNDPFLO1ZQvP_iJb4PNFHuOEMpTDGOPD_c04nZ0bM9ZiE_U9KaI76--o_aem_th_AbJBg2jdgv7pP_Wze-PqjOWv_HtBzAM-gkYz3_qYXcLrl7TayaWPV6HkGS2XyPy4wesSchizophrenia Society of Canada:https://schizophrenia.ca/Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=enChristopher Grant linktree:https://linktr.ee/xoradmagicalMatthew Dickson Mind Aid:https://www.mindaid.ca/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsThis is Part 2 - Matthew's Story. Here is his bio:“Hi, I'm Matthew Dickson! I'm a Canadian who helps people in developing countries get access to basic mental health care. I've suffered from mental health problems myself (schizophrenia).I bicycled across Canada when I was 20 in the middle of getting an engineering degree. But at 22 I was diagnosed with schizophrenia.  It took awhile, but I successfully recovered from schizophrenia, and in 2023 I bicycled across Canada again, becoming the first person with schizophrenia to do so! Recovery is possible! Now I'm trying to help others going through mental illness, primarily in developing countries, as they have it worse than we do in developed countries.”Ever wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?We're lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada.SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis." The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.LINKS:Schizophrenia Society of Canada:https://schizophrenia.ca/Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=enChristopher Grant linktree:https://linktr.ee/xoradmagicalMatthew Dickson Mind Aid:https://www.mindaid.ca/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Send a Text to the MomsEver wonder what psychosis feels like. From someone who has experienced it and now has the insight so many of our loved ones do not have?We're lucky to have permission instead to repost this recording from The Schizophrenia Society of York University in Canada. SSY  is the first and only schizophrenia awareness club organization at York University. It  raises awareness and humanizes individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. They provide a voice for people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and create an atmosphere of de-stigmatization at York University.SSY collaborated with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) for this - their 4th annual panel event, "Duality of the Reality: Living with Psychosis." The purpose of this event is to hear real-life lived experiences and stories of success, hope, struggles and coping from individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis.I was delighted to join Christopher Grant (artist known as xoradmagical on social media), and Matthew Dickson (bicycled across Canada to raise funds for mental health services).You'll hear the panel in three parts - First,  my story of the family POV when psychosis occurs, then Matthew, then Christopher - who reminded me so much of my son Ben's experience, it almost felt like I was having the conversation with him I wish I could have - if there were insight.LINKS:Schizophrenia Society of Canada:https://schizophrenia.ca/Schizophrenia Society of York Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ssyyorku/?hl=enChristopher Grant linktree:https://linktr.ee/xoradmagicalMatthew Dickson Mind Aid:https://www.mindaid.ca/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/iMOM PodcastIf you need a mom friend right now, you've come to the right place.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

In this episode, listeners tell us what's on their minds and we answer as best we can.  We talk about anosognosia, incarceration, psychotic delusions, what we would have done differently if we'd known then what we know now, and lots more.We open with a poem by a listener who is diagnosed with SZ:Dale Walsh Poem - “I am a recovered reaching out help lessen the challenges encountered by family caregivers”Source Of My Unique ThinkingSeeing laughter from challenged kidReminds me of all things I hidAbout everything I didAnd Joke I made was big mistakeAs claim "I'm GOD" I did makeWhich at last turned out to be fakeThough reason I sought out GodheadWas due to a great sense of dreadI felt knowing I will be deadAt least physically one dayAnd so I found alternative wayTo fight my body's slow decayBy saying I shall live foreverAnd pass into next life neverNot ready Earth ties to severSo now I am guided by LordWho's my integrity restoredThe ONE Whom I always adored.4/28/24National Poetry MonthMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

A new book, Awakenings, has just been released. It describes the journeys of 28 remarkable people who are now thriving despite being diagnosed with SZ. The authors and contributors hope to show that with newer treatments, and also social support and therapy, recovery is possible.Guests: Bethany Yeiser, President of CURESZ Foundation (https://curesz.org/) and co-author of the book. The CURESZ Foundation offers advocacy, information, advice, as well as educational and supportive resources to enhance the understanding of schizophrenia as a treatable neuropsychiatric illness Leif Gregersen, from patient to hospital faculty Lesley McCuaig, athlete and mental health counselor J Peters, author and social workerEach guest will share their stories, and the moms will ask questions.Links:Awakenings Book:https://a.co/d/9fMt9ozCURESZ:https://curesz.org/Bethany TEDx Talk:https://youtu.be/iPGd6l76l9A?si=ZZI42ecdh24MxZkSCURESZ YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@cureszfoundation7671Here is Lesley's website:www.lesleymccuaig.comLeif's blog:www.edmontonwriter.comJ Peters' bloghttps://mentalhealthaffairs.blog/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Insights Into TeensA father and daughter discussion about the everyday struggles of teens in today's...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Annie Slease, Co-Founder of the Mental Health Literacy CollaborativeDo you have a loved one with Serious Mental Illness?Do you wonder why it took so long for someone to recognize the symptoms?Mental Health Literacy would have helped prevent the crises we have dealt with.The mission of the MHLC is to make evidence-based mental health literacy a foundational part of PK-12 education and communities.Annie Slease, M.Ed. (she/her) is co-founder and Advocacy Director of the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (themhlc.org), a national non-profit dedicated to making evidence-based mental health literacy foundational in PK-12 schools and communities.When her child's mental health crisis emerged over a dozen years ago, Annie was a classroom teacher unaware of mental health literacy. Inspired by her experience navigating family mental illness without information or support, and eventually navigating the criminal justice system as well, Annie repurposed her 25-year teaching career into advocacy.We ask:What is the MHLC doing?Who are you serving?What are your priorities?What can people do to get involved, or get information and help?Links:https://www.themhlc.org/https://stillhopefulmom.blogspot.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.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.Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Lauren Yasuda Rainey , DDSWe ask about getting people with schizophrenia to care for their teeth, if/how medications affect teeth, the effect of Medicaid only paying for annual cleanings and check ups, compared to private insurance that pays for twice a year. Many of our listeners have asked for a show on dental issues and of course we are interested too!Dr. Lauren Yasuda Rainey completed a General Practice Residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. At Tufts, a majority of her time was treating persons with medically complex needs and managing patients with her co-residents that came through Tufts Medical Center Emergency Department.Currently she teaches dentists in the US & Canada minimally invasive restorative techniques. We ask:1. What do you recommend to patients and/or their families for getting people with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) to care for their teeth?2. Do medications, especially psych meds, affect teeth? If so, how?3. What is the effect of Medicaid only paying for annual cleanings and checkups, compared to private insurance that usually pays for twice a year?4. What challenges have you encountered in caring for people with SMI? Links:www.laurenrainey.com@raineyddshttps://www.catapulteducation.com/blog/laurenyasudaraineyRandye on Lisa Wexler show re incarceration and SMI:https://shows.acast.com/6398bb70ee249200127c1182/episodes/randye-kayes-personalProducts:https://carifree.com/https://cocofloss.com/https://www.voco.dental/us/home.aspxTo purchase pH balanced anti-cavity products visit: https://carifree.com/shop/To find a dentist that carries & is knowledgeable about those pH balanced products in-office visit: https://carifree.com/find-a-dentist/Other products mentioned:RiseWell Scrubby floss infused with hydroxyapatite to remineralize teethhttps://risewell.com/products/scrubby-flossCocoshine toothpase, pH 8, whitening and remineralizing, mint and lychee breeze flavors:https://cocofloss.com/collections/brush-and-shineReminPro, pH 7 (neutral), remineralizing and anti-sensitivity:Information here: https://www.voco.dental/us/products/preventive-care/protective-dental-care/remin-pro-not-available-in-canada.aspxNot available for purchase unless through a dental distributor. Ask your dental office!Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her bookWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guests are: Karlyn Nelson and Michelle PostKarlyn NelsonSurvivor of Suicide Loss | Breast Cancer Warrior | RealtorMichelle Post, M.A., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 40198) with nearly 20 years of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy to clients in the greater Los Angeles areaAccording to the NIMH, People with schizophrenia have a much higher rate of suicide than the larger population: People with schizophrenia have a 10% rate of suicide compared with the larger population's 1.3%rate of suicide. Suicide is the biggest reason for the decreased life expectancy of people with schizophrenia.                                                                                                                         A larger number of people with schizophrenia contemplate suicide. Around 40–79% of people with schizophrenia have reported having suicidal thoughts.Saddest fact is that it is at the time of improved insight that most attempts are made. ie. when the person has finally moved past anosognosia and realizes his plight it is with improved understanding that this decision is made.We Ask:What is an “emotional heart attack”/What are "The Five Things" when dealing with suicide loss in the family?:Get help yourself (best indicator of how well a child does after the death of a parent is how well the surviving parent copes… so if only one can get help, needs to be the parent).Use truthful and clear info about the cause of death and explain it in child terms – let the child lead with questions – do not over load them with info.  They will need different info as they ageAcknowledge and validate a child's feelingsReassure them they are not to blameAddress their fears and anxietiesEncourage them to continue routine activities, structure gives them a sense of securityInclude them in as many memorial / activities around the illness, injury, and death as they choose.Prepare themLet them make an informed decisionShare info and allow participationDebrief with them.3. What can be done for suicide  prevention?LINKS:Suicide hotline: 988https://postfamilycounseling.com/https://www.instagram.com/karlynnelson/https://didihirsch.org/wp-content/uploads/Manual_for_Support_Groups_for_Survivors_of_Suicide_Attempts.pdf This is the link to the manual for survivors of suicide attempt groups, and training can be made available througWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

We're  delighted to welcome a return guest, Jerri Clark.Jerri first joined us on Episode 32, “Channeling Grief and Anger into Advocacy and Acceptance”, and is now working with TAC (Treatment Advocacy Center-, see Episode 71 with Kathy Day. Episode 31  with Lisa Dailey, Episode 35 with Sabah Muhammad ), ) as Family Resource and Advocacy Manager. She has a fellowship as TAC's DJ Jaffe Advocate this year. Jerri is a family member whose son with SMI died from suicide.The six coping strategies (not linear)Normalize AmbivalenceFind MeaningAdjusting MasteryReconstruct IdentityRevive AttachmentDiscover New HopeWe Ask:1. Tell us a bit about your story, Calvin and how you came to your present job at TAC.2. Tell us about your fellowship as TAC's DJ Jaffe Advocate3. Who coined the term Ambiguous Loss, and what does it mean?4. How does one process this complex form of grief when there is little recognition of its impact?5. How are you developing strategies for dealing with Ambiguous Loss? - what is the  ambiguous loss family training project ? Links:https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/help@treatmentadvocacycenter.orgDr Pauline Boss booksFacebook: TAC Family Support Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/tacsupportMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

We're  delighted to welcome a return guest, Eric W.T. Smith. He was also interviewed  in Season 1 of 3 Moms (episodes 15 and 16, an AOT Success Story)In Eric's words:“There are peers and supports in large numbers for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and a host of other diagnoses, but nothing much available in the world of anosognosia and psychosis where a person in recovery and/or their parents/caregivers can regularly reach out and schedule a meaningful block of time to discuss their individual and/or family needs related to anosognosia and psychosis with a person who successfully went through all of that. I'm here for people to connect with and help them accomplish what meaningful recovery means to them, and to build a bridge of trust and communication between them and treatment providers, within their own families, and with me as someone who lived much of what they are going through or have gone through. That should be part of what we do for appropriate policy and practice, but it isn't.”Over the years Eric Smith has spoken publicly about his journey through mental illness and addiction to a wide variety of audiences. Now he is a nationally recognized mental health advocate, public speaker, and consultant. He is a Commissioner at Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health and owner of Eric WT Smith Consulting LLCPart of his story is written about in Bedlam, authored by Peabody Award-winning Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, MD. Part of Eric's journey is included in the book You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental HealthEric also wrote a chapter about being incarcerated without treatment for severe mental illness in the 2022 anthology Navigating Bipolar Country -  and was featured in People magazine in 2023.Links: www.ericwtsmith.com  -- my consulting business, Eric W. T. Smith Consulting, LLChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um-Zb-xr9Bc  -- a link to a presentation about my consulting services with relevant background info that lead to the creation of my consulting businesshttps://www.texasjcmh.gov/about-us/commissioners/smith-eric/  -- here is a link to my Commisioner bio for the Texas Judicial Commision on Mental Healthhttps://www.texasjcmh.gov -- here is a link to the main page for the Texas Judicial Commision on Mental Healtheric@ericwtsmith.com -- people can email me directly if they would like to do so https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.teamdanielrunningforrecover.org Eric on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewsmith/-CURESZ has a new book available for purchase (as of 2/9/24 on Amazon, although it may also be for sale elsewhere), and I contWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Schizophrenia, a complex and harrowing illness, presents an ongoing challenge for caregivers. In this groundbreaking book, discover the missing links that empowers you to navigate the labyrinth of decisions and actions required to provide the best care for your loved one.Nicole Drapeau Gillen is a mother who recognized that caregivers like herself often find themselves thrust into this challenging, complex and stressful situation with little clear guidance on how to help a loved one with a serious mental illness.Her goal is to create a practical and actionable handbook that offers valuable insights into caring for your loved ones facing this formidable condition.  With a 35-year background in the business world as a former IT executive and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), NIcole now aims to channel her skills into a more meaningful endeavor - supporting fellow caregivers.She lives in Virginia and loves teaching fitness, taking care of her family and learning how to be a better caregiver.This book addresses everything from setting up disability support, to legal support (guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney), to financial support (Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance), to insurance (Medicaid), to estate planning and trusts. It further provides resources on the role of the government, jails, rehabilitation, housing and homelessness.What was your motivation for writing this?3 moms - what are your favorite sections?Nocole - What's happened since the book has been released?Is there anything I would have done differently, now that it is released?What kind of response have I received, and from whom?What has surprised you most in the responses?What's next?Links:Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: A Handbook for Caregivers: https://www.amazon.com/Schizophrenia-Related-Disorders-Handbook-Caregivers/dp/B0CQMM889HSchizophrenia and Other Related Disorders. Handbook For Caretakers Nicole's  Website, Facebook page; and Tiktok.Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Ending the Criminalization of Mental Illness: Guest Judge Steve Leifman(Ep. 82)It is estimated that more than two million arrests in the United States each year involve people with Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) – half of which are homeless at the time of their arrest.Jails have become places where a disproportionate number of people with SMI spend significant amounts of time; their ties to the community severed, their treatment needs unmet, and their illnesses made worse. But it doesn't have to be that way - This episode dives into a system that works, saves money, and helps those it used to harm.Judge Steve Leifman is the Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court Criminal Division.He will discuss his journey into the mental health system, the legal and medical history that led to America's mental health crisis and the essential elements necessary to create an effective system of care that ultimately will transform the mental health and criminal justice systems and make jail the last option for people with serious mental illnesses, not the first.Links:The 11th Judicial Circuit Mental Health Project was featured on the cover of Governing Magazine - August 2015 edition.http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-miami-mental-health-jail.htmlThe Definition of Insanity – PBS Documentary (April 14, 2020)https://doifilm.com/Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery Website:https://miamifoundationformentalhealth.org/ https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-center-for-mental-health-and-recover-on-the-verge-to-opening-its-doors/  Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ)/ Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts' Response to Mental Illness Report and Recommendationshttps://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/84469/MHTF_State_Courts_Leading_Change.pdfMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Youthcast Media Group (formerly Urban Health Media Project) trains high school students from under-resourced communities to report, write, and broadcast stories about health and social issues that affect their neighborhoods and cities. The goal is to help students better understand and communicate about health issues and disparities that directly affect them, and to foster a generation of diverse journalists that will enter and enrich news organizations across the country.The students learn to harness the power of their voices as journalists to share the rich experiences of their communities in a way that honors, informs and empowers.And today, they turn the tables to ask the 3 Moms the questions that matter to them - as youth, and as journalists.The founder Jayne O'Donnell, is on a plane and couldn't join us, but we do have producer/instructor Marianne O'Hare .O'Donnell  won numerous awards in her nearly 30 years as an investigative reporter (broke the story on how early airbags were harming small children - which led to the industry standard changing) and later health care journalist at USA Today. She founded Youthcast Media Group about 6 years ago, understanding that people in underserved communities are more impacted by the social determinants of health. And that it was important to provide the tools of journalism to inspire young people from these communities to shine a light on issues impacting their lives and their futures.Our High School Journalists:1)     Carmah Owen: Freshman at Herndon High School, Herndon Virginia. Recently joined as a student contributor to YMG. She is just embarking on her journalism training journey.  2)     Safa Janjua: She is a sophomore at Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia. She recently joined the Youthcast Media Group and is producing social media posts on topics around mental health and distracted driving. She's not sure what her college major will be yet. But she thinks her dream job would be in photography.  3)     Kayla Johnson – is a Senior at Christo Rey High School in Philadelphia. She loves to read, write, cook and do art – anything that allows her to showcase her creativity. She has been producing content for the Youthcast Media Group on topics such as distracted driving and the decriminalization of mental illness. She is the president of several clubs at her high school and is looking forward to studying broadcast communications or public relations in college.  She's applied to several colleges including Howard University and Princeton.They ask:1)    Could you help us understand what that diagnosis really means - and why it's so devastating? 2)   What's it like from their perspective? How do they describe what it feels like to them? Delusions. Voices. It must be so terrifying for them. 3)    And what you think is wrong about how our system responds to mental illness? How do we ‘decriminalize' it? 4)     You all write about how you had to deal with the fact that sometimes, during psychotic episodes – when they were having delusions - your sons have threatened violence, against you, or themselves, or others. How have you learned to handle that phase of the illness?  It must be so frightening. How do you protect yourselves as well as them? 5)     You all talk about the fact that the laws have to change to better support families going through this. Mindy – as a state lawmaker – you actually DID change some lawWant to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Tony is a man with an unquiet mind who delights in the One who delights in him. He is diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder with psychotic features. With a lot of professional and spiritual help, he has published three books — Delight in Disorder: Ministry, Madness, Mission; When Despair Meets Delight: Stories to Cultivate Hope for Those with Mental Illness. And, Hope for Troubled Minds: Tributes to Those with Brain Illnesses and Their Loved Ones.(contributors to Hope for Troubled Minds include friends of the podcast Katie R. Dale (associate editor), Jerri Clark,  Laura Pogliano, Charla Collins, Leslie Carpenter,Kevin “Earleybird” Earley, Catherine J. Rippee-Hanson and Randye Kaye)Q; What are the 3 top things you hope listeners will take away from your personal journey/ story? - many accomplishments, yet in your own words, a “mental health disability”Q: What are the top 3 things you want people to take away from your latest book?Q; All net proceeds from the sale of this book will be evenly distributed to three vital mental health causes: the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC), and Delight in Disorder Ministries (DiDMin). - can you say more about these choices?Q;“It is impossible to read this collection without a moist eye, an overwhelming anger at the cruelty of brain diseases, exasperation at society's failure to help, and a deep admiration for the undaunted spirit of those who speak out and advocate for their fellow travelers on such a difficult path.” - Pete Earley, author of CRAZY: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness, finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer PrizeBook TOC:Part I. LettersChapter 1. To the ChildrenChapter 2. To the ParentsChapter 3. To the PartnersChapter 4. To God, Self, and OthersPart II. Song Lyrics and PoetryChapter 5. Song LyricsChapter 6. PoetrySZ 3 moms Episodes referenced:Clubhouses - Episode 30One excerpt:He's Still in There - GibbyHe is still in there. From time to time, I get to see my sweet, loving son. We get a few words that remind me of the son he once was. Then the creature that has taken up residence in my son's brain realizes he is gone and comes for him. Then we are back in the land of conspiracy and I know he is gone again. Let the worry begin again. Till the next time, my son. I'll be waiting.Links:Tony's Website:https://delightindisorder.org/Hope for Troubled Minds book:https://a.co/d/5aLk5jfMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Katie R. Dale is no stranger to the storms of Serious Mental Illness. Blindsided by an intense episode of bipolar disorder at 16, she has come a long way. Katie has written a memoir on her psych hospitalizations and how God helped her heal. Dale has conquered many losses including her sanity and firstborn child. Despite these challenges, she has been an award-winning author and advocate, working toward equity for those with Serious Mental Illnesses through herbooks, blog, and work with nonprofits including National Shattering Silence Coalition, Delight in Disorder, and Fresh Hope for Mental Health. Her passion is to share practical answers to living with and advocating for Serious Mental Illnesses.Questions:1. Tell us a bit about you and your experiences with Serious Mental Illness.2. How did you start advocating for those with SMI, and what does that look like in all the various channels you serve?3. On the outset you are a strong advocate for those with SMI, and a professing Christian. How do you advocate for SMI within the faith-based communities and churches?4. What do you tell people who are not as faith-oriented about the difference between hearing voices in a psychotic state, and hearing God's voice in your state of stability now?5. What are misconceptions of those within the church who believe SMI is spiritually-based?6. How do you reconcile your faith in a good God with the reality of a chronic mental illness?7. What are benefits of leading a faith-informed life with a Serious Mental Illness?Links:But Deliver Me From Crazy (Katie's memoir)https://a.co/d/cu7DYg6When she isn't crafting her next book, you can find Katie playing with her daughter, watching a movie with her husband, or training for a 5k. You can find out more about her at https://katierdale.com/ and social media @KatieRDale.Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Kevin “Earleybird” Earley - peer specialist, speaker and artistHis challenges with mental health are documented in his father, Pete Earley's 2007 best selling book, "Crazy - A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness", which chronicles his 2002 incident where Kevin broke into a stranger's house and took a bubble bath before being apprehended by the police. His work deals with mental health, race, privilege and resilience through adversity.  He speaks to inspire and resolve stigma through art.  He currently works with youth who live with mental health issues and helps mentor them to recover from their respective challenges.We Ask about:Kevin's Story - from breaking into the house to being invited to the white houseThis is My Brave Hiding in Plain Sight (Documentary)Kevin's ArtKevin's MusicPete's Book - Kevin's initial reaction and later thoughtsWork as a peer specialistHealing Power of Sound and MusicLINKS:https://www.getthatworm.com/musichttps://www.getthatworm.com/https://www.pbs.org/show/hiding-plain-sight-youth-mental-illness/Kevin's YouTube Music:https://www.youtube.com/@birdboogieHosts: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.Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

A Just Us EpisodeCan Families Help Prevent Tragedy? “The family of the gunman who killed 18 people last week in Maine contacted police with concerns about his mental health and access to guns more than five months before the massacre, according to their local sheriff.”Listen to families!!!!TIME magazine:Five months before the deadliest mass shooting in Maine's history, the gunman's family alerted the local sheriff that they were becoming concerned about his deteriorating mental health while he had access to firearms, authorities said Monday.The Harris Project (see Episode 53) and the national PSA film, “You Don't Know the Half of It,”The film will be shown to policymakers in Washington, DC and has the support of social media influencers. the harris project hopes the film not only raises awareness for co-occurring disorders but also jumpstarts system transformation nationwide.  A listener asks: What is your relationship like with your son — NOW?“How was it before he was sick — not how was he - but how were you all as mother and son? How has it changed? How are you mother and son now?I'd love to hear how you three women have learned to cope specifically with this - not the medicine, the addictions, the system, policies, laws, judicial system, stigmas - but how did you live through this and cope with the loss?”Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Gordon Lavigne, CEO,  Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action AllianceAnd Alfonso Guido Jr., JDThe vision of S&PAA (The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance is this: to see schizophrenia and psychosis spectrum disorders universally recognized and treated as neurobiological brain illnesses.Its mission?:to create a movement for systemic change to improve care, support, and equity for the millions of people living with schizophrenia and psychosis spectrum disorders - and to find a cure.Sounds good to us! We ask:1. When and why was Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) formed?2. Some may recall that the name was originally SARDAA. Why did you rebrand?3. Why did each of you come to work in mental illness/health advocacy? Are you family members?4. What are two or three of the most important things S&;PAA does?5. What kind of research is most needed?6. How do you work with NAMI? Weren't they formed for similar reasons as S&PAA?7. What other mental health organizations do you work with and how?8. Do you think there are too many groups or that some may someday consolidate?9. What issues does S&PAA follow and advocate for in Congress?10. Mimi was at this spring's Congressional educational event and participated in the Angry Momsdemonstration. Mindy is also a member of the Angry Moms. Will there be more events like this?11. How can our listeners engage with S&;PAA? Can they join as a member?12. What one change would each of you most like to see in national mental health policy?13. What most needs funding?14. Anything else you would like to add to this conversation?LINKS:https://sczaction.org/https://www.guidelobby.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Jonathan Rosen, author The Best Minds is Jonathan Rosen's brilliant and heartbreaking account of an American tragedy. It is a story about the bonds of family, friendship, and community; the promise of intellectual achievement; and the lure of utopian solutions.“Brave and nuanced…an act of tremendous compassion and a literary triumph.” – The New York Times“Immensely emotional and unforgettably haunting.” – Wall Street JournalAcclaimed author Jonathan Rosen's haunting investigation of the forces that led his closest childhood friend, Michael Laudor, from the heights of brilliant promise to the forensic psychiatric hospital where he has lived since killing the woman he loved. A story about friendship, love, and the price of self-delusion, The Best Minds explores the ways in which we understand—and fail to understand—mental illness.We Ask:1.       What was the main reason you wrote this book? 2.       Early in the book, you note a couple times how drawn Michael was to marijuana. We all noticed that in our sons as well. Knowing what you now know, what do you say to young people about marijuana?3.  We often talk about family loss, but friendship loss is seldom addressed. Do you miss Michael - the “old” Michael? What in the friendship stayed alive for you? 4.       You often reference how intelligent Michael is. When did you first suspect Michael had a serious mental illness? Did you think his intelligence would protect him? 5.       When Michael thought his parents were Nazis, he patrolled the house with a kitchen knife, to the point where his mother locked herself in the bedroom and called the police. This happened years before he stabbed Carrie to death under similar circumstances. Knowing what you now know, what help should Michael have gotten to head that off? 6.       Mothers like us grieve terribly when our children become ill with schizophrenia. Part of that grief is the loneliness they endure. We see their friends becoming uncomfortable around them and eventually, when they have little or nothing in common anymore, moving on with their lives. We understand this, but still, it adds to our grief. Could you describe for us how this process feels from a good friend's perspective? 7.       You noted that,” Everyone said insight was the key, but the more insight Michael got, the sadder and lonelier and angrier he became.” We have noticed that in our sons. Do you think this is part of why the mental health rights groups advocate against involuntary treatment? What is your response to their position? Links: Jonathan's Book, The Best MindsBook,Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and violenceIn addition to "The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions," published in April 2023 by the Penguin Press, Jonathan Rosen  is the author of two novels: Eve's Apple and Joy Comes in the Morning, and two non-fiction books, The Talmud and the Internet: A Journey Between Worlds and The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature. His essays and reviews have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic,Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Alisa Roth,author :Alisa Roth is a print and radio journalist who has reported extensively on the criminal justice system. Her first book, Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness, investigated the mental health crisis in our courts, jails, and prisons. The New Yorker called it an “essential exposé” and The New York Times said it “is rife with sharp, brutal details that pull the reader beyond the realms of abstract policy debates.” She is former mental health correspondent for American Public Media.1. Describe one example of the worst (e.g. solitary confinement or punishment for self harm) and the best (e.g. PACE, program for accelerated  clinical effectiveness) you saw in your travels. How did we get here?2. What is it like for the officers who work in prisons? What is in their training or lack of it that stands out? This isn't what they signed up for…yet they are asked to do it.3.Is it hard to identify those with mental illness at first?4. What works , and what could help make it work better?5. Could family involvement help?  Do prisons request or get histories of patients?6. We often hear that during deinstitutionalization we took people out of institutions and the mirror image number people are now in jails and prisons. In “Insane,” you contend that the story is far more complicated. Please explain.7. You note that race, poverty, and mental illness overlap in the criminal justice system, but of all the gross imbalances of our current approach to criminal justice, perhaps no group has been hurt as much as people with mental illness. Why is that your conclusion?8. Why is society more willing to spend money on jails and prisons (e.g., mental health units) than regular mental health care?9. You write that about 80 percent of people with mental illness in the criminal justice system have a substance use disorder in addition to the mental illness. Have we made any progress in treating these illnesses in tandem?10. You write that 30 % of those with serious mental illness receive no treatment at all. What kinds of mental health care do we need more of?11. You note that in many states, much of the inventory of beds is reserved for forensic patients, at the expense of civilian ones, thus sending more people with mental illness to jail and prison. Do we need more inpatient care and long-term care?12. What should a better mental health care system look like?13. You write that since the changes of the 1970s, many cite the barriers to involuntary commitment as one of the reasons for the increased criminalization of mental illness. Do you also subscribe to that theory?14. Why is enrollment in mental health courts so limited, making them, as you write, unable to make a dent in the number of people with mental illness who end up in the criminal court system.Links:AlisaRoth on twitter/X - @alisa_rothWebsite: http://alisaroth.com/Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

Guest: Charla CollinsCharla's daughter Kylee lives with severe mental illness. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in her teens she eventually turned to drugs, and with little resources available to get her the long term mental health care she needs, she often disappears into the streets, going long periods without contact. During a particular instance in 2021, Charla went out to look for her.Here, she shares the knowledge and wisdom she has gained through her many searches to find, and help, her daughter.Be prepared.Tips include:Calling the PoliceDatabases of Missing PersonsProviding PhotographsFlyersGetting HelpBudgeting your Money and TimeWhat Happens When You find Them?and more.Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.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.

The last time we invited our listeners to share their stories, the response was incredible - so we are doing it again!Here are stories from families dealing with SMI (serious mental illness), including one gentleman who lives with the diagnosis himself.You are not alone.You'll hear about early symptoms, incarcerations, fear, finances, the roller coaster of diagnoses, medications, and relapses…second hits, good periods, HIPAA barriers, and more….including, yes, some success and hope.We end with ways we care for ourselves. Here is the list from the chat:outdoors/naturefamily and friendsfaithSwimwalk, talk with friends, familyinside Schizophrenia podcastNAMI/ Family to Familyhelp otherscry when you need toresearchBeing an advocate!!!enjoy the good momentsvacations...breaks1. Antipsychotic drug 2. Family and friends 3. Disclosure - talking with peoplewalk, podcasts, audiobooks, escapecelebrate the smallevery little moment is bigmindfulnessLEAP is the best communication tool to help with your relationship with loved one with SMIconnecting with peoplepermission to have joyMeditation… chanting monks… Dr. Jeffrey Thompson has some great CD's with brainwaves that help to calm the rough waters and bring peace.you don't have to give up joy just because you have griefMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.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.

Guest: Kathy Day, Senior Family Resource and Advocacy Manager,Treatment advocacy centerIn her role as the senior family resources and advocacy manager at Treatment Advocacy Center*, Kathy Day helps families across the country find resources and strategies to work within the system of mental healthcare for their loved ones who have severe mental illnesses. She supports, coaches, strategizes, and listens to people whose loved ones live with SMI. She helps families help their loved ones help themselves. Kathy shares her own journey through the process of getting her family member conserved in CA on her public Facebook blog, Broken.We Ask:What 2 or 3 things would you most like families to know as you tell us about your work?The immediate catalyst was when a listener asked us to address: why do so many people with schizophrenia "choose" to live on the street? What are your thoughts? (Related issues:  Anosognosia, Substance abuse, Criminalization)Are there other reasons family members contact you?What have you found helps families most?What help and tips can you offer  families who have family members living on the street?Any success stories?What resources do you most often refer people to?How did you get into this work (a bit of your story),?*The Treatment Advocacy Center is dedicated to eliminating legal and other barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illness. The organization promotes laws, policies and practices for the delivery of psychiatric care and supports the development of innovative treatments for and research into the causes of severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Links:DayK@treatmentadvocacycenter.orghttps://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/“Broken” Blog:www.facebook.com/ourbrokensystemTAC Gala:https://tac25thanniversarygala.org/Want us to cover a topic? comment to share?Facebook page @Schizophrenia3Moms@SZ3MomsTrenches -  twitterRandye 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“)

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 learn:SSI/SSDI/SSA - review (for full info, see episode 50)Adult Function Reports - part of application - tips and instructionResources and info on Trusts for our loved one with disability:ABLE Spendthrift trusts or provisionsPooled TrustsResource for employment help: Ability OneLinks:https://specialneedsanswers.com/poole...https://abilityone.gov/https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/https://www.ablenrc.org/Want us to cover a topic? comment to share?Facebook page @Schizophrenia3Moms@SZ3MomsTrenches -  twitterRandye 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“)

Guest: Jeffrey Lieberman,M.D., author of Malady of the MindDr. 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 despiteAnosognosia.…and much more!LINKS:https://jeffreyliebermanmd.com/https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Malady-of-the-Mind/Jeffrey-A-Lieberman/9781982136420https://www.amazon.com/Malady-Mind-Schizophrenia-Path-Prevention/dp/1982136421Mindy 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.