From Family Trauma to Advocacy: An Intimate Portrait of Living with Mental Illness: Meg Kissinger

What's Your Why?

There's two kinds of families, those with mental illness and those who don't have mental illness yet. - Thomas Insel

Are you seeking to overcome stigma and family trauma associated with mental illness? Join Emy Digrappa on What’s Your Why? podcast as she shares a compelling conversation with Meg Kissinger, where they explore managing mental illness and overcoming stigma and family trauma. Gain a new perspective and increased awareness. It's time to uncover the solution to achieving a better understanding of mental illness. Award-winning journalist Meg Kissinger reveals how her family was besieged by mental illness in an era of silence. With a Pulitzer Prize finalist's perspective, she shares heart-wrenching stories of stigma, trauma, and loss. Join us as she opens up about her own family's struggles and how they coped with the challenges of mental illness.

My special guest is Meg Kissinger

Meg Kissinger spent over two decades traveling across the country as an investigative journalist, delving into America's mental health system for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. As a Pulitzer Prize finalist and recipient of numerous awards including two George Polk Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Award, Meg's extensive experience and dedication to shedding light on mental illness make her a compelling voice for raising awareness and understanding. Her book, "While You Were Out," not only chronicles her family's struggle with mental illness but also explores the systemic challenges they faced, offering a testament to the enduring power of love.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the impact of mental illness on American families, and how to support your loved ones through it.

• Discover the detrimental effects of silence on mental health and how breaking the silence can lead to positive change.

• Explore the historical journey of mental health treatment and its evolution to better understand the present-day landscape.

• Learn about the role of medication in managing mental illness and how it can be a valuable tool in treatment.

• Uncover effective ways to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and create a more supportive environment for those affected.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Visit their website for education classes, support groups, and resources for families dealing with mental illness. Website: nami.org

• 988 Suicide Helpline - If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call 988 for immediate help and support.

• Learn about Tom lnsel, M.D., a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, has been a national leader in mental health research, policy, and technology.

• Wyoming Humanities - Visit thinkwy.org to learn more about the Wyoming Humanities organization and their events, including the book festival where Meg Kissinger will be in conversation with a doctor.

• Read Meg Kissinger's Book - While You Were Out: A Memoir of a Family Besieged by Mental Illness - to gain insight into the impact of mental illness on families and society.

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