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Meg Kissinger, a distinguished journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist, takes us on an intimate journey through her life and work as she shares stories from her memoir, "While You Were Out." Raised in a family shadowed by mental health and addiction issues, Meg unveils the silent struggles that shaped her perspective on mental illness. Her investigative work on America's mental health system is both a career of advocacy and a personal mission.  Her passion is to challenge societal norms and encourage open conversations about mental health.

We've all heard the term "stigma," but what if we reframed it as "discrimination"? Dive with us into a thought-provoking discussion on societal perceptions of mental illness—comparing the bias faced by those with mental health conditions to that experienced by patients with physical illnesses like leukemia or ALS. Our conversation touches on the power of language, the complexity of diagnostic labels, and the evolution of mental health issues through generations. Meg’s personal anecdotes provide a profound insight into how past family secrets continue to impact our views today, urging for a more compassionate and enlightened approach.

Family dynamics can be a source of both struggle and healing, especially when mental health challenges are involved. We explore the intricacies of seeking help, the transformative power of therapy, and the need for self-care when navigating a loved one's mental health journey. Through Meg's authentic storytelling, we witness the strength found in vulnerability and the healing potential of being honest with oneself and others. With a nod to music icons like Bob Dylan and Carole King, we close with gratitude, acknowledging the universal power of storytelling to connect and heal, inviting you to reflect on your own journey of understanding and acceptance.

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