Season 5, Episode 3: Meggin Part 1

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Meggin Rose"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 FamilyMeggin 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 ChallengesMeggin 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 TreatmentMeggin 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 AdvocacyMeggin 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 ChallengesMeggin advocates for changing standards for involuntary hospitalization in psychotic cases, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach.Parental Feelings and SupportMeggin opens up about intense parental emotions and the importance of seeking support, emphasizing advocacy and trust-building.Advocacy and Fierce Advocacy SkillsThe 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.