Recovery versus Recovering. State versus Process.
Why does recovery have to be the ‘goal’ in schizophrenia, when it may be unattainable?
And Yet, Another Uphill Battle: Navigating Medicaid for Adults with Serious Mental Illness
For caregivers of adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI), obtaining necessary support through Medicaid can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Despite Medicaid’s crucial role in providing health care and long-term services for people with disabilities, the process of securing and maintaining eligibility is often fraught with obstacles. Why is this journey so difficult and what […]
Navigating Mental Health Hospitalization Effectively
Hospitalizing your loved one is a heart-wrenching, hand-wringing, complicated event. On one hand, you are desperate for them to get treated (properly…a blog for another day). On the other hand, it is a dynamic that most of us are not familiar with. And, in fact, when a loved one (LO) with mental illness is hospitalized, […]
Let’s talk about Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder
The word schizophrenia comes from the Greek words schizo (splitting) and phren (mind). Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the term in 1908 during a lecture at a German Psychiatric Association meeting in Berlin. Bleuler coined the term to describe the separation of function between personality, thinking, memory, and perception in his patients. He wanted […]
Protecting Your Legacy: The Importance of Estate Planning for Caregivers of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
As caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), we dedicate ourselves to providing love, support, and care to our loved ones. Amidst the daily challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to overlook our own future and well-being. However, estate planning is not just about financial matters—it’s about ensuring the continuity of care and support for […]
Nurturing the Caregiver: The Importance of Self-Care in the Journey of Caregiving
Caregiving is often described as a labor of love, but behind the scenes lies a reality that can be profoundly taxing and emotionally draining. As caregivers, we dedicate our time and energy to supporting our loved ones, often at the expense of our own well-being. However, amidst the demands and challenges of caregiving, prioritizing self-care […]
The Power of Paper
What good documentation can do for your ability to work with, negotiate with and influence mental health professionals… In the intricate landscape of mental health care, having a well-documented paper trail can be a game-changer. It’s not just about compiling paperwork; it’s about crafting a comprehensive narrative that chronicles your loved one’s journey through the […]
30 Minute Memoirs
A Fireside Chat of Caregivers, Schizophrenics, and the Community Around Them Featuring: Rob & Michael Ramos A discussion of family, friends and the role of communication
Understanding Anosognosia: The Hidden Challenge of Serious Mental Illness
Living with a serious mental illness can be a daunting and often bewildering experience, both for the individual affected and their loved ones. While the symptoms of conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression are well-documented, there is another aspect of these illnesses that often goes unnoticed but profoundly impacts the journey toward […]
HIPAA Strikes Fear & Frustration in the Caregivers Heart
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that requires the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. On face value, this is a great thing. We need to hold our medical information close to the vest, […]