Suzanne McCartney: A sisters advocacy to reform system failures for SMI

Suzanne McCartney, who shares the deeply personal story of her brother's battle with serious mental illness. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and later autism, Suzanne's brother faced numerous challenges, including a tragic incident in 2020 that highlighted flaws in the mental healthcare system and the restrictive nature of HIPAA laws. Suzanne advocates for systemic reforms, greater mental health awareness, and compassionate understanding to prevent such tragedies. The episode underscores the critical need for mental health advocacy and support. 00:00 Introduction to Why Not Me The Struggles of Mental Illness A Tragic Incident The Aftermath and Advocacy Life at Bridgewater State Hospital Family Dynamics and Mental Health The Need for Change Call to Action INTRO; T. Wild Mantor Music The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.