How psychiatric patients get caught in a cycle of homelessness and spotty care
Briefly

L recounts her painful journey helping her mother, K, navigate a fragmented mental health system in Montana. K, suffering from schizoaffective disorder, has faced homelessness for eight years, compounded by anosognosia and a refusal of treatment. After relocating from Colorado in late 2023, L seeks to reinstate mental health services for K amid Missoula's harsh climate. Their story illustrates the personal impact of mental illness and stigma, as well as the challenges faced by families seeking help within a failing system.
L's journey to help her mom navigate Montana's mental health crisis highlights the systemic failures in supporting those with severe mental illnesses, especially the homeless.
K's long battle with schizoaffective disorder exemplifies the struggles many face with mental illness, compounded by a lack of accessible treatment and support.
The emotional toll of caring for a loved one with mental illness, as experienced by L, reflects the complexities and challenges that family members endure.
Understanding the stigma surrounding mental illness is crucial, as seen in how L sought to protect her mother's identity while sharing their story.
Read at www.npr.org
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