In today's episode of SMI Spotlight, Maria Sutherland joins Dr. Xavier Amador to discuss the systemic failures that led to the loss of her son Michael, following complications of his schizophrenia diagnosis. Their discussion touches on the need for supportive housing, dedicated behavioral health crisis response teams, extended family guardianship, increased access to long-acting injectables, and widespread understanding of anosognosia - the lack of insight preventing many with SMI from engaging in treatment. Sections:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:32) - Maria Sutherland
• (02:25) - Michael and his diagnosis
• (05:46) - First episode of psychosis
• (06:58) - Vulnerable brains
• (07:44) - Seeking and denying treatment
• (08:51) - Learning not to take things personally
• (10:44) - Stabilization through incarceration
• (12:35) Michael's decline post-incarceration
• (14:56) - The need for supportive housing
• (18:22) - Thoughts on intervention teams
• (21:28) - Thoughts on wellness checks
• (23:11) - Building trust through relationships
• (24:08) - Limitations of wellness checks
• (25:23) - Lengthening guardianship rights
• (26:33) - Anosognosia in depth
• (29:29) - Empathy and SMI
• (31:31) - Injections as treatment
• (33:47) - Brain scans aren't for diagnosis
• (34:36) - Efficacy of long-acting injectables
• (36:30) - Nutrition and gut-brain connection
• (38:02) - Supporting people with SMI, like other disabilities
• (39:34) - Self-care#schizophrenia #smi #xavieramador #anosognosia