I want to give a big thanks to The Ricki Lake Show, Ricki, Rebecca, her producer, and the rest of the Ricki Lake staff for the amazing show today. Thanks for portraying our kids as kids that need support, not monsters, not stereotypes.
If you found The Mindstorm after watching the show, we have a club for Parents Like Us. It’s called – of course – The Parents Like Us Club. Come read stories of other families raising children with severe mental illnesses and share your story. Your story could be the one that helps another parent feel less alone.
We also have a closed Facebook group for Parents of MI kids that is associated with The Parents Like Us Club. You can request membership here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/144622772289553/
Please remember that you are not alone.
I was very impressed with the show today.I myself raised a child who has bipolar disorder,any mom out there knows the raising doesn't end after they turn 18.unfortunately the help seems to be harder to find for those over 18.does anyone have any advice on where to get help once they are grown
I want to thank you, Chrisa, for being a phenomenal advocate for our kids!
Kathy
Chrisa, thanks for sharing your part in this tough topic and educating others about our kids.
4everamber-if you are on Facebook, please go to the link above and request membership, and we will try to locate resources for you. Hang in there~
I work in on-air operations at WUPA CW69 in Atlanta. We air Ricki Lake.
I was extremely grateful Ricki covered this topic. While I have no children of my own, I am guardian to my 50-year-old sister who has schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. (She's 11 years older than me.) She had her first psychotic break seven years ago. She lives in an independent living facility, but gets assistance with certain things, like medication.
She doesn't see herself as being sick. However, when she is on her own, she doesn't take her meds and become catatonic. She's been hospitalized several times, once for almost a year. She really hates the situation she's in, but doesn't completely recognize what she's been through.
You, like all the guests on Ricki, are amazing people. I related so much to your stories, not only from my perspective, but from what my sister's been through. I try very hard to validate her feelings and work with her, but some days, I just feel it's a losing battle. Ladies like you, however, inspire me to keep up the fight.
I will refer my Facebook friends to your web site and hope to check in sometime.
Caught the beginning of this show the other day and DVR'd it because I had to leave. finally getting to sit down and watch it and LOVE that this issue is being brought out! my child doesn't display a mental illness yet but as both his father and I suffer from different mental illnesses I'm afraid its just a matter of time until he also starts displaying symptoms. I am glad someone with a bigger voice than mine is fighting to remove the stigma. thank you
Where can I view the full episode?
We haven't found a place online that has the full episode. If we do I will be sure to post a link.