Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches

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 Thinking Seeing laughter from challenged kid Reminds me of all things I hid About everything I did And Joke I made was big mistake As claim "I'm GOD" I did make Which at last turned out to be fake Though reason I sought out Godhead Was due to a great sense of dread I felt knowing I will be dead At least physically one day And so I found alternative way To fight my body's slow decay By saying I shall live forever And pass into next life never Not ready Earth ties to sever So now I am guided by Lord Who's my integrity restored The ONE Whom I always adored. 4/28/24 National Poetry Month 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 Kaye Mindy 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 worker Each guest will share their stories, and the moms will ask questions. Links: Awakenings Book: https://a.co/d/9fMt9oz CURESZ: https://curesz.org/ Bethany TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/iPGd6l76l9A?si=ZZI42ecdh24MxZkS CURESZ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cureszfoundation7671 Here is Lesley's website: www.lesleymccuaig.com Leif's blog: www.edmontonwriter.com J Peters' blog https://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/ Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Annie Slease, Co-Founder of the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative Do 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 Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Lauren Yasuda Rainey , DDS We 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 @raineydds https://www.catapulteducation.com/blog/laurenyasudarainey Randye on Lisa Wexler show re incarceration and SMI: https://shows.acast.com/6398bb70ee249200127c1182/episodes/randye-kayes-personal Products: https://carifree.com/ https://cocofloss.com/ (The founder of Cocofloss, another mom dentist, is providing the PROMO code for your podcast listeners to purchase pH 8 toothpaste! THREEMOMS for 15% off sitewide thru 6/30 on Cocofloss.com) https://www.voco.dental/us/home.aspx To 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 teeth https://risewell.com/products/scrubby-floss Cocoshine toothpase, pH 8, whitening and remineralizing, mint and lychee breeze flavors: https://cocofloss.com/collections/brush-and-shine ReminPro, 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.aspx Not available for purchase unless through a dental distributor. Ask your dental office! Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guests are: Karlyn Nelson and Michelle Post Karlyn Nelson Survivor of Suicide Loss | Breast Cancer Warrior | Realtor Michelle 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 area According 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: 988 https://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 throug Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy 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 Hope We 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 Advocate 3. 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.org Dr Pauline Boss books Facebook: TAC Family Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tacsupport 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 Kaye Mindy 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 LLC Part 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 Health Eric 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, LLC https://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 business https://www.texasjcmh.gov/about-us/commissioners/smith-eric/ -- here is a link to my Commisioner bio for the Texas Judicial Commision on Mental Health https://www.texasjcmh.gov -- here is a link to the main page for the Texas Judicial Commision on Mental Health eric@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 cont Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy 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/B0CQMM889H Schizophrenia 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 Kaye Mindy 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.html The 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 Recommendations https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/84469/MHTF_State_Courts_Leading_Change.pdf 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 Kaye Mindy 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 law Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy 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 Prize Book TOC: Part I. Letters Chapter 1. To the Children Chapter 2. To the Parents Chapter 3. To the Partners Chapter 4. To God, Self, and Others Part II. Song Lyrics and Poetry Chapter 5. Song Lyrics Chapter 6. Poetry SZ 3 moms Episodes referenced: Clubhouses - Episode 30 One excerpt: He’s Still in There - Gibby He 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/5aLk5jf 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 Kaye Mindy 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 her books, 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/cu7DYg6 When 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 Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Kevin “Earleybird” Earley - peer specialist, speaker and artist His 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 house This is My Brave Hiding in Plain Sight (Documentary) Kevin’s Art Kevin’s Music Pete’s Book - Kevin’s initial reaction and later thoughts Work as a peer specialist Healing Power of Sound and Music LINKS: https://www.getthatworm.com/music https://www.getthatworm.com/ https://www.pbs.org/show/hiding-plain-sight-youth-mental-illness/ Kevin’s YouTube Music: https://www.youtube.com/@birdboogie 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 Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

A Just Us Episode Can Families Help Prevent Tragedy? 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 Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Gordon Lavigne, CEO, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance And Alfonso Guido Jr., JD The 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 Moms demonstration. 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 Kaye Mindy 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 Journal Acclaimed 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 Minds Book,Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and violence In 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 Kaye Mindy 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_roth Website: 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/ Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Charla Collins Charla’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. Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

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 grief 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 Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

Guest: Kathy Day, Senior Family Resource and Advocacy Manager,Treatment advocacy center In 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.org https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/ “Broken” Blog: www.facebook.com/ourbrokensystem TAC Gala: https://tac25thanniversarygala.org/ Want us to cover a topic? comment to share? Facebook page @Schizophrenia3Moms @SZ3MomsTrenches - twitter Randye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”, “Happier Made Simple”) Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It” Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“) Want to know more? Join our facebook page Our websites: Randye Kaye Mindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman