The heart of this episode is deeply personal.

I share my story as a daughter and caregiver to my dad, who has lived with schizophrenia for nearly 43 years.

I was raised in a culture of stigma and secrecy around mental illness. We didn’t talk about it. We survived it quietly.

And yet — he was still my dad.

At 18 years old, I became his primary caregiver. In 2007, when his condition worsened significantly, I had to step into even more responsibility. I navigated difficult decisions.

I talk honestly about broken systems. Limited resources. The lack of safety nets for people like my dad. I share what schizophrenia has looked like up close — the delusions, the crises, the emotional toll. And I speak candidly about the pain of being treated like the enemy during episodes, even when you’re the one holding everything together.

This episode is about breaking the silence.

It’s about naming the stigma.

It’s about helping the Church understand that severe mental illness exists inside faithful families.

I challenge churches and leaders to talk openly about mental health, to partner with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and to create environments where families can seek help without shame.

I share how counseling has helped me — and I encourage you to pursue counseling sooner rather than later. Caregivers need care.

And ultimately, I anchor this whole journey in Jesus. I do not have the strength for this on my own. My endurance as a caregiver depends on Christ — His strength, His purpose, and the hope that suffering is not wasted.

My dad is not his diagnosis.

He is a great dad.

You are Invited In 🩵

Other Resources:

www.christineboyle.com

Disability and The Church Conference

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness