Meg Kissinger, author of While You Were Out, discusses the impact of growing up in a family affected by mental illness and the importance of breaking the silence. Topics covered include the motivation behind writing a memoir on mental illness, an exploration of hormone-free birth control options, the power of simple acts of support, and the significance of authentic relationships and reaching out for help.
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Quick takeaways
Supporting loved ones unconditionally can help them navigate the challenges of mental illness.
Breaking the silence surrounding mental illness and creating compassionate environments is crucial for individuals to feel safe in sharing their struggles.
Deep dives
The Importance of Love and Understanding in Supporting Those with Mental Illness
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of loving and understanding individuals who are dealing with mental illness. The speaker shares personal experiences within her own family, highlighting the importance of being present, listening, and supporting loved ones unconditionally. She expresses that by truly understanding and offering love, we can help individuals navigate the challenges of mental illness.
The Era of Silence and the Need for Openness about Mental Health
The episode discusses the era of silence surrounding mental illness and the need for open conversations about mental health. The speaker shares her experiences growing up in a family that faced profound mental illness, discussing how the lack of discussion and societal support affected her family. She emphasizes the importance of breaking this silence and creating compassionate and understanding environments for individuals to feel safe in sharing their struggles.
Taking Care of Oneself and Finding Joy in Life's Fundamentals
The speaker explores the importance of self-care and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. She shares her own strategies for self-care, such as meditation, yoga, spending time with loved ones, and embracing activities that bring joy and relaxation. Additionally, she emphasizes the significance of focusing on the fundamentals, including exercise, humor, and supportive relationships, as crucial elements in taking care of oneself.
Do you come from a family that has been marked by mental illness? Many of us do, but it's not always the mental illness that breaks us down, it's the silence. Meg Kissinger joins today's show to discuss her new book, While You Were Out, a story about family mental illness in an era of silence.
Get your copy of While You Were Out on Amazon, Bookshop, or at your local bookstore.