Introduction: Join us for a powerful and insightful Just A Mom podcast episode as Susie sits down with the remarkable Meggin Rose. In this emotional conversation, Meggin candidly shares her journey as a parent navigating the complex terrain of mental health challenges within her family. From the early signs of her child's struggles to the hurdles of finding appropriate care during a pandemic, Meggin takes us through the heart-wrenching moments of hospitalization, medication challenges, and the delicate balance between advocacy and respecting autonomy.

Background and Family

• Meggin provides an overview of her family, residing on a farm outside Ithaca, New York, and touches on her son's mental health struggles during high school.

Early Signs and Challenges

• Meggin reflects on the early signs of her child's mental health struggles, initially misattributed to typical adolescence. Challenges escalated during college, leading to serious mental health issues.

Hospitalization and Treatment

• Meggin shares the pivotal role of a compassionate psychiatric nurse in securing voluntary hospitalization. The family's connection with OnTrack New York and challenges with medication management are discussed.

Medication Challenges and Advocacy

• Meggin discusses the emotional roller coaster of medication changes, highlighting challenges with side effects, non-compliance, and the balance between mental health treatment and autonomy.

Involuntary Hospitalization Challenges

• Meggin advocates for changing standards for involuntary hospitalization in psychotic cases, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach.

Parental Feelings and Support

• Meggin opens up about intense parental emotions and the importance of seeking support, emphasizing advocacy and trust-building.

Advocacy and Fierce Advocacy Skills

• The discussion covers Meggin's advocacy within the mental health care system, addressing challenges and emphasizing the need for family support.

Join us in Part Two to hear more about how:

• Psychotic episodes can vary in symptoms and severity, and it is important to seek professional help for diagnosis and treatment.

• The impact of mental illness extends to the entire family, and support and understanding are essential for siblings and grandchildren.

• Coping and self-care are vital for caregivers, and finding joy in small moments can provide respite from the challenges.

• Marriages can be affected by the stress of caring for a loved one with mental illness, but open communication and support can help navigate the difficulties.

• Sharing the journey with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable support and understanding.

• While hope for the future may fluctuate, advancements in research and treatment offer potential for improved outcomes.

• Access to appropriate medications and treatment is crucial, and ongoing research is needed to develop more effective options.

• Anosognosia, the lack of awareness of one's mental illness, can complicate treatment and adherence to medication.