Different from the Other Kids: Recent Episodes
Angela Tsounis
I want to talk about what no one else wants to talk about... Children with mental illness.Raising a child who is ‘different’ from the other kids takes a great mental and emotional toll on the parents. They are worn out and pushed to the brink, totally exhausted. Many are tapped out financially and in some cases, they have had to quit their jobs or take lesser ones to be there for the next episode when their child can’t cope. There is little or no support from a system caught up in process and willfully lacking in parental resources.As a parent of a challenging child, you can also brace yourself for the stigma of a lifetime. We look like the accomplice to this very badly behaved, poorly mannered and emotionally unstable child. If you don’t have a diagnosis it’s worse. If you don’t have money it’s worse still. So much of what we require to help our children isn’t covered by extended health insurance.The general parent community is unsupportive at best; hostile and judgmental at its worst. This compounds the pain and stress we live through every day. We go through things very few parents can relate to.This podcast is a collection of my interviews with kids affected by challenges, parents of those kids, and even medical professionals from the mental health community. In many cases, the name of the child has been changed or last names of the contributors omitted to maintain privacy for themselves and their children.
In this episode of Different from the Other Kids, we meet Carley, who is a parent struggling to get mental health services for her son Lee. She is dealing with persistent truancy and some general aggressive and challenging behavior. Carley is trying in vain to work with the school system, psychiatrists, and organizations that provide services that might help her situation. This is another unfortunate story about a family diligently seeking assistance in a system that is not set up to assist so many of our families.
In this episode of Different from the Other Kids, we check in with our good friend Bob Koven. Bob is a businessman, a new Grandfather, amateur photographer, standup comedian in the mental health space, a fly fisherman, and a general first-class advocate for all things in this mental health space. Bob gets us up to speed on what he has had happened in his life and how he is managing his mental health these days.
Grace is the Mother of Julianne, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 7, the author of Children of Autumn, a vocal teacher, a theatre enthusiast, and playwright. Grace updates us with what’s happening with Julianne and lets us know about her latest project for coaching and educating caregivers in the autism space.
“My motivation is to serve our community in a way that enhances our health as individuals, as well as the health of the ecosystems which support us. The Green Party of Canada offers a vehicle for People Planet and Prosperity which resonates with my personal and professional values. I am driven to bring economic equality and justice to the social and environmental conversation currently crucial to the future of our country.”
Eleanor Hayward is running for NPP with the Green Party for Milton, ONT. Spiritual with a powerhouse of skills, her mandate for candidacy as Member of Parliament in Ottawa’s House of Commons is her driving force for conversation in relation to healthcare and mental health, education, business, energy, environment, indigenous relations, transportation, water, biodiversity, solid waste management, senior’s and women's issues.
Her professional and volunteer experiences are listed below:
2003-2019 - Registered Massage Therapist and sole proprietor of Dynamic Balance Holistic Healing in Halton Region.
2006-Present - Co-founding member of MiltonGreen Environmental Association Inc. Currently Past-President and Social Media Volunteer. Over the years participated in:
Advocating implementation of Halton Region’s Green Cart Organics Compost Program as an alternative to an Energy from Waste incinerator.
Blue and green cart waste diversion at events such as Milton Fair, Milton Canada Day and Downtown Street Festival.
Installation of a Monarch Waystation Pollinator Garden at the Italian Canadian Club of Milton.
Co-hosting Halton Green Screens for film screening events.
2016-2019 - Mature student of Social Sciences at McMaster University. Courses of particular interest range from Social Psychology to Microeconomics and Canadian Politics to Global Political Economy.
2018 - Represented the Green Party of Ontario (GPO) as Milton’s candidate.
2019 - Invited to join GPO’s Shadow Cabinet as Critic on Women’s Issues.
Leadership Training and Experience:
2012-2016 Toastmasters International - Competent Communicator and Leadership designations. Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure.
2010-2014 Citizen representative for Milton on the Joint Municipal Regional Waste Management Advisory Committee.
For more information on Eleanor please visit https://gpo.ca/candidate/eleanor-hayward/
Hello everyone! Different from the Other Kids is back with some new episodes!
Welcome back to Angela and her daughter Christina! They are here to discuss some essential oils that they use to help boost their immunity during the cold season! This episode contains some fun tips on how to use essential oils around the house and in your daily routine.
This episode was from a Facebook Live recording. For all things Different from the Other Kids, check out https://www.facebook.com/differentfromtheotherkids/ - new episodes are coming! Thanks for listening!
This week on Different from the Other Kids, Angela Tsounis welcomes back for a third time William Michael Forbes as they discuss William's work and his approach to life. William Michael Forbes is the author of "How to Kill Suicide: With Reason to Live" and often coaches parents and young people during difficult times in their lives. Angela and William continue their discussion from the past two weeks.
This week on Different from the Other Kids, Angela Tsounis welcomes back fellow author William Michael Forbes as they discuss William's work as a life coach and his approach to life. William Michael Forbes is the author of "How to Kill Suicide: With Reason to Live" and often coaches parents and young people during difficult times in their lives. Angela and William continue their discussion from last week.
Welcome back to Different from the Other Kids! This week, join Angela Tsounis as she interviews fellow author William Michael Forbes as they discuss William's work as a life coach and his approach to life. William Michael Forbes is the author of "How to Kill Suicide: With Reason to Live" and often coaches parents and young people during difficult times in their lives. Listen to the podcast for a fun conversation about a serious topic!
In this week of Different from the Other Kids, Angela Tsounis sits down once again with Jacquie Tyas, who is here to discuss ECT or electroconvulsive therapy.
In this week's episode of Different from the Other Kids, Angela sits down again with Jacquie Tyas, a frequent contributor to DFTOK. Today, Jacquie discusses her experiences with RTMT or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Therapy.
In this special segment of Different from the Other Kids, Angela and Shelly sit down and discuss Shelly's son and how he has been doing since last catching up. This is a segment from our Live launch which occurred May 31, 2017.
In this special episode of Different from the Other Kids, Angela welcomes back Robert "Bobby" Koven to discuss the future of Different from the Other Kids and all things mental health. This is a segment from our Live launch which occurred May 31, 2017.
In this special segment of Different from the Other Kids, Angela is joined by her daughter Christina, frequent contributor and catalyst of the DFTOK effort. Angela and Christina talk about how things have changed since the last update. This is a segment from our Live launch which occurred May 31, 2017.
In this special interview from Different from the Other Kids, Angela is joined by Jacquie for our launch of the Law & Disorder Edition. Angela and Jacquie sit down and discuss what Jacquie is up to today, and what she does in terms of keeping her life balanced. This is a segment from our Live launch which occurred May 31, 2017.
In this episode, Angela interviews Dr. Bilijana Kostovic, a pain management doctor in Mississauga, Ontario. According to “RateMDs.com” Dr. Kostovic’s patients are using words like compassionate, knowledgeable, helpful, brilliant, great listener, remarkable. She is a pain management specialist with special training in evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of pain.
Here is a special announcement from Angie regarding our upcoming book launch on Wednesday, May 31, 2017! Find us on Facebook for all the details!
In this week's episode of Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela sits down with special guest Sergeant Dave Tutte of the Halton Regional Police Services. Sergeant Tutte oversees the region's Community Mobilization Bureau, which works with community partners especially in the field of mental health and addictions. Listen to some of the programs that local police are utilising when dealing with a mental health related call.
This week on Different from the Other Kids, Angela sits down with Christina for a second interview, discussing Christina's life from the last time we checked up. Christina discusses her ideal day, and what that involves, as well as other aspects of her wellness routine.
On this week's episode of Different from the Other Kids, Angela welcomes back her daughter Christina for another set of interviews. In the first part of two, Christina explains how her life has changed since the last time we chatted, and how she deals with her wellness from day-to-day. Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
In our second part of the return of Julie, she discusses what happens to her daughter after several run-ins with the law. Julie describes how difficult home life had gotten for herself and her husband, all in an attempt to help their daughter. This interview offers some hard truths from a parent stretched to the limit.
In this week's interview, Angela catches up again with Julie, a frequent contributor here at Different from the Other Kids. Julie continues from where we left off and describes how Julie and her daughter Sophie's lives have changed since then.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Deb Flowers shares the rest of her story. She discusses the strategies for more effectively working with the doctors during her son's second long-term stay at the hospital and how music helped him to find solid footing in his life.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela sits down with Deb Flowers to hear the story of her 18-year-old son. In this first episode of two interviews, Deb details the realization that her son struggled with mental health issues and his first long-term stay at the hospital.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela speaks with Julie, about the day to day life when raising with a teenager with mental illness. She describes the types of treatments that have helped her daughter and the variety of individual and family therapies that help her and her family keep their lives balanced too.
On this week's episode of Different from the Other Kids, Angela welcomes back Shelly S. Angela and Shelly discuss the rest of the journey with Shelly's son, including the moment Shelly knew that her son was "back on track." Shelly also discusses some possible avenues for assistance, in case your child becomes involved with the youth justice system.
This week on Different from the Other Kids, Angela and Shelly S. sit down and have a conversation about Shelly's son. After a tough break-up, and refusing to go to school, Shelly's son was eventually diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Shelly discusses how lucky her son was at receiving supports from the school board.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela finishes her conversation with Patrick. They explore specific strategies and potential barriers to getting children the accommodation they need from their schools.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela introduces Patrick James, a lawyer with wide-ranging experience. They discuss the intersection of Human Rights and mental illness, and strategies parents can explore when working with schools to best accommodate their children.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela sits down one last time with Shelley B. as they explore the fear that comes with living with someone with mental illness, and living compassionately in spite of it. Shelley talks about how her uncle and his partner were major figures in her life while she was growing up, and how they are still there for her to this day. Shelley also discusses how the day she knew her husband was the right man for her.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela continues her conversation with Shelley B. as she dives into the heartbreaking story of trying to find help for her mother. They discuss how hard it is to find help for someone who constantly refuses to be helped.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela sits down with Shelley B. to discuss the big role she played in a very difficult moment of Angela's life. Shelley then talks about growing up in a household with a parent suffering from mental illness and the skills it taught her from an early age.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela introduces Elizabeth. They discuss the issues that Elizabeth's daughter has faced with addiction and ADHD, how she hit rock bottom and finally realized that she needed to change her life. Elizabeth's candid account highlights that mental health is not a life sentence and that through compassion she was able to help her daughter.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Maria tells the rest of her daughter's story, including her trips abroad and the hard moments back home. Angela talks about the positive impact pets can have on mental illness.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition Angela introduces Maria M, a mother of a child diagnosed with ADD inattentive type and Aspergers. Angela and Maria explore her daughter's brilliance with languages and the problems of growing up in a world where mental illness is still very much misunderstood.
The movie referenced in the introduction to this week's episode is "Letters from Generation Rx" by Kevin P. Miller.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela sits down with Jacquie once more as they discuss youth engagement and the power of giving young people a voice. Things as simple as giving input on meals and participating in group activities can have a major impact on how young people come to view themselves and the world they inhabit.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, we welcome back Jacquie. She talks about her son's ongoing struggles with mental health and addiction issues, and the tragic reality of supporting a loved one when the available resources are inadequate. Jacquie navigates the difficulties of trying to find a psychiatrist who can provide long term monitoring of prescriptions for her own traumas and gives us insight into the disconnect between patients and service providers.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, Angela sits down with Maria, a Coordinator of Police Foundations at Durham College. They discuss the changing educational landscape for prospective police officers and how community outreach has become integrated into the foundational training they undergo. Maria explains how police evaluate and deal with escalating situations and also gives some advice to parents how they can aid police in helping their children.
This week on Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition, we welcome back Tash, a manager of Mental Health and Justice Programs in the city of Toronto. She describes how the labels used when talking about mental health can be harmful to having a meaningful discussion. Angela asks about the positive trends in the justice system and what Tash would do if she had $25 million. They also explore strategies to help find balance in a world full of responsibilities.
Season three is here! Different from the Other Kids: Law & Disorder Edition is here welcoming all new guests and some returning ones as well. This season has a justice focus, highlighting the issues and struggles that challenging children can face while growing up in the education and (unfortunately sometimes) the justice systems.
Angela sits down with Tash, a manager of Mental Health and Justice Programs in the city of Toronto. This week, Tash talks about the work that she does with some of the most vulnerable members of our communities and how she brings her training in mindfulness and meditation into the workplace. Angela also explores Tash's journey and asks how parents can work towards remaining centered in their daily lives on the "front line".
In our final one-on-one with Robert “Bobby” Koven, Angela and Bobby get a little lighter with his experience with Tourette’s Syndrome. Bobby talks about the ups and downs, the challenges in his life and how he’s dealt with everything. From relationships to life advice, Bobby’s unique take is full of humour.
It’s Season Two’s final episode, so give it a listen! Bobby Koven and Angela delve into how life is different for someone with challenges. Bobby’s advice to parents is worth listening to, as someone who has lived to adulthood (and managed to find his own way), knows what it’s like to be different from the other kids.
In Angela's second interview with Bobby, we get a little more serious regarding Bobby's experiences with depression and finding yourself in what he calls, "The Dark Room." Bobby continues on the discussion with meditation, mindfulness and tai-chi to combat his excess energy.
Join us for another fun and funny episode of Different from the Other Kids, featuring comedian Robert Koven. Bobby even preforms a little bit of his routine this week and demonstrates his comedic and musical acts. It's a Different from the Other Kids podcast like no other!
Angela welcomes Robert Koven, aka Bobby, stand up comedian and businessman who has spent his life being told he was different. Bobby has a comedic take on life, and walks Angela (and our listeners) through the changes in his life, and how he has used comedy to overcome his struggles.
Tune in for this week's episode for a lighter side of things. Robert was diagnosed with Tourettes when he was younger and has struggled with depression and anxiety. Bobby explains how he's built his "BAST" (Bobby's Awesome Support Team), and now teaches a class to help support others with challenges and develop their own comedy routine. Intrigued? Listen to this week's podcast!
In our final interview with Grace Kohn, we hear more about the spiritual side to her work and how Spirit plays a role in health and all of our lives. Grace Kohn, author of the book "Children of Autumn," public speaker and autism advocate, tells us how having Julianne has changed her life for the better.
Join Different from the Other Kids in this moving discussion about a parent caring for a child with autism-spectrum disorder. What people may see as a challenge, Grace calls us all to see the positive in life, and how it's made her (and the people around her) better, fuller people.
This week Angela welcomes back public speaker and fellow author, Grace Kohn, who is currently describing her life and how she struggled at times raising her daughter. Grace has an interesting story in the interview... Which many parents might have found insurmountable, but Grace's strength did not diminish.
Join Angela and Grace in an extremely interesting and sometimes shocking interview. Grace, and her daughter Julianne, have a very life-affirming story that all parents should hear, one of hope, strength and perseverance.
Angela is talking to Grace Kohn, fellow author and mother of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Angela and Grace talk one-on-one exploring how life can change when presented with a challenging child. Grace discusses her daughter's difficulty getting diagnosed, difficulty finding treatment, and how she became a central part of her daughter's care.
Grace Kohn, is currently writing her book, "Children of Autumn" which tells Grace's story how she raised (and continues to care for) her daughter. Join us for an informative and energizing interview with Grace.
This week in Different from the Other Kids Angela welcomes back Rosa; physical, mental and spiritual healer, who uses a body-centered psychotherapy and mindfulness. Rosa helps clients strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits to help them transform their lives. She has been operating her own business, Rise - Mind Body Fitness, and has piloted her own type of therapy that really works.
Angela and Rosa talk more about how important the mind-body-spirit connection is to overall health, and how it can help everyone live a more balanced and grounded life. Listen to this week's episode for some great information and really sound advice!
Angela is interviewing Rosa this week, who is someone very hard to describe... Rosa is a physical, mental and spiritual healer. Rosa combines a combination of physical therapy and mindfulness in order to facilitate healing, personal growth and transformation. Rosa has a background in science and exercise physiology, with a minor in nutrition, specializing in preventative disease. Rosa has been a personal trainer and eventually opened her own business, Rise - Mind Body Fitness in 2012.
Listen to the discussion between Angela and Rosa to get a better idea of what Rosa does and how she does it. She has really changed the life of not only Angela, but Christina as well. Her story is one definitely worth listening to! Check out our interview today!
This week we welcome back Dr. Nyla Jiwani, who is a naturopathic doctor and been practicing naturopathic medicine since she was licensed in 2003. She operates out of the Oakville Naturopathic Wellness Clinic, which she opened in 2012. Her approach to health and wellness takes a whole-body perspective, using many different tools to help individualize care for her patients.
Join us for our second interview between Angela and Dr. Jiwani, and they continue their discussion about her treatments and how they can help children and parents alike. Listen to a great discussion about the importance of nutrition, as well as how intravenous therapy works. It's quite interesting, check it out!
As we continue our journey throughout the world of natural-based alternatives, this week Angela talks with a very special guest, one is who is very close to Angela and her family. Dr. Nyla Jiwani, is a Naturopathic Doctor having graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has been licensed to practice naturopathic medicine since 2003. Dr. Jiwani opened the Oakville Naturopathic Wellness Centre in 2012, aiming to bring a multidisciplinary approach to health and wellness.
Angela and Dr. Jiwani discuss how the doctor got into naturopathic medicine, how she approaches her patient's wellbeing, as well as a few of the "tools" she can use to assess someone's health. Join us for what is an interesting and illuminating interview. If you ever wondered about naturopathic medicine, hear it from a doctor!
It's our final catch up episode with Christina, Angela's daughter who inspired this effort! We've reached the final part of her story so far... Her decision to start taking herself off medication through natural supports. It's been a long journey and a tough decision to come to.
Join us in this exciting interview between mother and daughter. Christina has some great things to share, and her experience is one all parents should hear. She has a lot to say about how she has been doing since, and it's definitely worth a listen!
Our second interview this time with Christina and Angela focuses around the types of natural therapies she's currently using in her day-to-day life. It involves reiki, essential oils, stretching and meditation - all natural alternatives to support daily life.
Listen to this episode for some uplifting, informing, and exciting stories between Christina and her Mom, our podcast host Angela. Christina feels like a whole new person from the last time we met her (in the last book). Find out why!
You might remember Christina, Angela’s driving motivation for Different from the Other Kids, our original guest from our first book and podcast. Christina joins her Mom in catching up from August 2015, which you might remember was when she last joined us in the “Conclusion” section of the book.
Join us this week as we talk to Christina about how she's doing today. She tells us of her journey and how she's changed in the past few months.
This is our second catch-up interview with Jen, a previous contributor and great example of a “never give up” attitude. She explains more about how essential oils have been lost to history, but are making a comeback for all kinds of health reasons.
Join Angela in her latest interview with Jen, who offers some great advice on healthy living and a healthy mind.
Do you remember Jennifer Bitner from Season One of Different from the Other Kids : A Weekly Podcast for Parents of Challenging Children? She shared her story of how she struggled with anxiety throughout most of her young life, and had tried many different treatments and techniques to help control and maintain her challenges.
In this week’s episode of our podcast, we check-in with Jen, over two years since we last talked and see how she is doing today. Jen offers some information how using essential oils have factored into her health and well-being.
In this episode we sum Atticus' other two conversations with a circle back to what we at "Different from the Other Kids" believe to be cornerstones of having not only great mental health, but great overall health in general. We talk to Atticus regarding the changes he made to his life to help him deal with his challenges.
Join us in this week's brand new interview with Atticus detailing the final steps of his journey as he made major changes to his life. Easy tenets, such as eating right, exercising and thinking positively have the ability to change lives, especially someone who faces challenges.
In our second interview with Atticus, Angela discusses Atticus' decision to stop pharmaceutical medication to control his challenges... Of course, with the help of a naturopathic doctor who specialized in mental challenges.
It's a tough, but courageous story of how a young man changed his outlook on life from having a diagnosis to being able to take control and use techniques people have used to keep healthy. Join us in this interview to see what helped Atticus on his journey, and how he attributes a change in thinking to realizing his ability to transform.
This week on Different from the Other Kids, Angela interviews Atticus, a young man of 25 who was a challenging child. Last week, we talked to Deb, his Mom who told her side of the story. This week, we get to hear Atticus' story from Atticus in person.
We talk with Atticus regarding his journey, which he refers to as his "Transformation" while dealing with his challenges. Atticus talks about his childhood, his treatments and how he lives today pharmaceutical free, with a good life balance. It's really an interesting story with some ideas for us all to consider - join us for this weeks interview!
This week Angela welcomes back Deb K, a parent who raised a child who faced more challenges than most. Last week, we got to know a little bit about Deb and her son's struggles with anxiety, and their issues finding appropriate help within the system.
This episode, Deb discusses how her son was able to take control of his health through varied changes to his life. Although Deb sees him struggle occasionally, she shares a positive message about not losing hope and learning to accept things as they are, which is a message we can all take to heart.
Welcome back to another season of Different from the Other Kids! Thanks for all the support last round... We are back with all new guests, all new interviews, and all new stories!
This week Angela interviews Deb K, a mother of a now grown adult who was different from the other kids. She shares her experiences in raising a son who was more challenging than most. Deb discusses how difficult it is to find suitable help for a child who presents with these challenges.
We will be joined by her son in a later episode to hear both sides of the story. This actually is a successful tale... I'm happy to say the least. Tune in for a story of hope and healing.
In this special episode of Different from the Other Kids, Angela interviews her best friend, Christine and how her experiences with a naturopathic doctor helped spur Angela and Christina (Angie's daughter) onto a more natural path.
Christine tells a tough tale about her father, a man who was twice diagnosed with cancer, and at one point was given only months to live. Find out how Walter has not only survived his treatment, but is back to almost his old self! It's an interesting story of triumph that we should all hear.
In this episode, Angela wraps up Season One with some thoughts and hopes for the future. Stay tuned for Season Two - we will be back on March 7th!
As we finish season one of the Different from the Other Kids podcast, here are a few memorable moments on the podcast.
In this episode, we dive into the life journey of Jennifer Bitner, and her experiences dealing with high level anxiety. This is a moving story of a young woman trying to get help in a society where mental health is not discussed. Jennifer offers great insight into how we can start taking control of our mental health through some lifestyle changes.
In this episode we talk to Lynn, a woman who deals with mental illness day-to-day and describes to us different ways that she keeps a balanced life while also staying connected to people in the community. Lynn is a wonderful example of how people who struggle with mental illness can still contribute to our community in great ways.
In this episode, we speak with Wendy, a psychotherapist, and mother of a young woman diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Wendy holds postgraduate degrees in psychology and education, and is currently completing her doctorate in psychology. She brings thirty years of experience in counselling, consulting and training. Wendy utilizes her expert knowledge to help us take the positive from one’s situation, no matter what your circumstance is.
In this episode, Angela interviews Liana Palmerio-McIvor, Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Member of the OACCPP. She speaks directly to parents of children with mental illness. Liana provides feedback on different parenting techniques when dealing with a child with mental illness. Her aim is to encourage parents to listen, enabling your healthcare team to refine treatment, to better support your child.
In this episode, Angela talks to Liana Palmerio-McIvor R.P., (C)OACCPP. Liana is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Member of the OACCPP. She has been in private practice since 1994 and enjoys working with teenagers, families and couples. Her individual work with clients is often with Bipolar, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression and Anxiety related disorders. They discuss Liana’s suggestions as she sheds some light on the positive role that parents can play when their child is dealing with mental illness.
In this episode, we speak to Julie and Ian, a loving couple who work together to care for their daughter, who has a mood disorder. They offer some great insight into how to lead a healthy lifestyle and how to balance the needs of their daughter with the demands of everyday life.
In this episode Angela interviews Ian, the husband of Julie and father of Sophie from chapter nine. Julie talked a lot about Sophie’s struggles and history. She touched on the topic of getting lost in the system. Ian is here to tell us about both the father’s and husband’s perspective; the lack of support in our health-care system; and how it actually takes someone threatening a life to get the help they need.
In this episode, Angela interviews Julie, the mother of a young girl who has struggled with mental illness difficulties since the age of two. They discuss their battles and frustration with the healthcare system, getting her daughter diagnosed properly and receiving the proper treatment she needs. This episode highlights the most common problems of having a child with a mental illness and a society that hasn’t been educated about mental illness.
In this episode our host Angela again interviews Danica Brown, a membership and training manager for Workman Arts. Danica, through Workman Arts, is helping create positive changes in the area of mental health and addiction through art.
Jacquie opens up about the trouble her son had in the education system. She and Angela provide a deeper look at the emotions and mental strength it takes to care for a child with a mental illness. As well, they share some advice on how approach a school system that is failing to support your child.
In this episode, we continue our talk with Jacquie about the hardships she faced, and continues to face, with her son and his mental illness. Jacquie expresses many of the issues she encountered with different support systems, and offers some great advice from a well-informed perspective.
This episode discusses the tragic loss of Jacquie’s daughter and how this affected her and her family’s life. Jacquie’s story pulls on everyone’s heart strings while she reveals her motivations for helping others and gives an honest critique of society’s lack of effort towards helping those with mental illness and addiction.
Jacquie works as a mental health youth justice social worker. She is also the mother of two adult children. Her oldest son, who is now twenty-seven, has struggled with mental health issues for most of his life. His formal diagnosis was Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disorders (LDs), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and rage disorder. He has struggled since his teens and continues to, with serious addiction issues.
In this episode, we see a more personal side to Angela, as she interviews her daughter Christina about her bipolar disorder. Christina tells us about her own techniques that help her stay balanced in everyday life.
In this episode, Angela interviews her daughter Christina about her second big bipolar episode. She discusses the triggers that caused the episode, with both of their sides of the story and how they handled the situation. They get really in-depth into what goes on in the mind of a person with bipolar disorder during such a traumatic time.
In this chapter Angela interviews her own daughter Christina about her experience and feelings about her initial bipolar diagnosis. The extreme struggles of this seventeen year old girl eventually forced her be hospitalized and ultimately led to her being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They each share their perspectives, how they felt, what they went through leading up to the diagnosis, and what Christina went through during treatment.
Parents of mentally ill children live in a parallel universe where overcoming obstacles needs to be second nature. Through the interview process, we hope to add dimension to the stories of children affected by mental illness. The interviews provide a one-on-one candid conversation about what parents face in raising a child more challenging than most.
Interested in the Different from the Other Kids series? Check out this quick sampling of guests from our original season.