In this episode, I interview Michelle Sherman, a couple and family psychologist and author of Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma and I'm Not Alone. We explore how to love and care for someone with a mental illness while also taking care of yourself. We discuss balancing both individuals' needs, setting limits and boundaries, and navigating the challenges and gifts that arise.

Topics include homelessness, trauma, trust, social isolation, and the power of relationship, presence, acts of love, and social connection—both with your loved one and within broader support systems like NAMI. 

Michelle shares practical skills, tools, resources, and strategies for adults and teenagers living with someone who has a mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, or PTSD) or a history of trauma. She also emphasizes the importance of things like sleep, nutrition, exercise, and education.

A core backdrop to our conversation is my own recent, challenging yet beautiful journey with my brother, who has been struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and trauma. This conversation truly helped me, and I hope it provides support for you and your family as well.

RESOURCES

BOOKS
- I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help by Xavier Amador
- I'm Not Alone by Michelle Sherman and DeAnne Sherman
- Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma by Michelle Sherman and DeAnne Sherman


ORGANIZATIONS
- Minnesota Vikings
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

PEOPLE
- Xavier Amador

VOCABULARY
- Anosognosia
- Electronic benefit transfer (EBT)
- First Episode Psychosis Program
- Food bank
- Minister of Loneliness


**Connect and Learn More**
website: seedsofhopebooks.com