Mindy Greiling
Mindy, a caregiver, is deeply concerned about her son Jim’s future care, especially after she and her husband are gone, as they navigate the complexities of securing supportive housing for people with mental illnesses. Despite legal and financial preparations, she advocates for more publicly funded housing options, recognizing the challenges families face in ensuring their loved ones receive the necessary care and support.
Nancy Pizzo Boucher
Nancy, a former special education teacher, became a caregiver for her son with a serious mental illness, learning that true recovery requires first healing the person behind the illness. She advocates for a shift in mental health care that emphasizes listening to the experiences of those affected, urging collaboration between families, consumers, and professionals to develop best practices in healing and recovery.
Caregiver Story
Despite the ongoing challenges, the support of other families and the love within their own gives them strength, as they envision a future free from the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Laura Desrosiers
Laura’s son experienced severe psychotic episodes for six years, with worsening symptoms and frequent suicidal thoughts despite multiple treatments. After switching to a new medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, his condition improved significantly within 2 1/2 months.
Laura Craciun
Laura Craciun has been facing a slow, ongoing crisis with her son’s mental illness, particularly his anosognosia, which makes him unaware of his condition. Despite her efforts to educate others and advocate for policy changes, she has accepted that her son’s fate is now in the hands of the legal system, while she continues to focus on her family and advocacy for systemic reforms.
Melanie
Melanie’s story is one of unwavering love and resilience, as she navigates the challenges of caring for a loved one with a serious mental illness. Despite financial and emotional hardships, she remains devoted, advocating for proper care and embracing the present, knowing that love can foster healing and growth.
