Two years ago, I came across an article in the The New York Times about severe mental illness (SMI) and the broken system that many families struggle with every day. Dr. E. Fuller Torrey, TAC’s founder, was quoted extensively, and his words spoke to me on a deeply personal level and compelled my husband and me to reach out to TAC.
Unfortunately, my mom has spent much of her life in a battle against bipolar disorder, which was never properly treated. Though sometimes highly functioning – holding a job and appearing composed – at other times she would break down, cycle in and out of hospitals, and never receive the proper care she needed.
For many years, I had to navigate a maze of doctors, social workers, endless red tape and laws within a system that seemed designed to frustrate, rather than to help, those with SMI and their families.
TAC helps families to navigate the complexities of the system and works to drive systemic change so that ultimately no family will have to endure internal confusion or bureaucracy. Their mission is so important to me that, in addition to joining the Board of Directors, I am training to volunteer with TAC’s Helpline, allowing me to take a direct role in supporting individuals who feel as frustrated and lost as I once did.
