What prompted you to sit down and write Mommy I’m Still in Here and who did you write the book for?

From the time Chloe was diagnosed, I read everything available on Bipolar Disorder and never found a memoir or personal account that encouraged me, gave me hope. Despite the difficulty of living with serious mental illness, hope always exists. I want to imbue families following us down this rocky road with that hope. I want to acknowledge the challenges and encourage the love, acceptance, learning, and communication that lead to successful management of the illness and the development of healthy, intact relationships.

Many books have been written about Bipolar Disorder. What makes Mommy I’m Still in Here different?

“Mommy I’m Still in Here” infuses the reader with vivid mental pictures of what a psychotic episode or severe mania can look like. The rush of emotions including fear, anger, frustration, and joy are tangible. I don’t give esoteric, textbook descriptors. I guide you through a visual image so that when something similar happens to your loved one, you’ll understand it, you’ll feel less frightened. Let’s face it, mental illness is frightening, but mostly because its details are kept secret and stigmatized, and we dread the judgment of others. I had to get over that. I’m candid. As you read, you’ll witness some of my lowest personal moments, but you’ll also experience my personal evolution. You’ll watch and listen as I work on my own foibles and flaws. You’ll see all of us grow in faith and in knowledge, in love, and understanding.

What is the central theme of Mommy I’m Still in Here?

Life amazes, assails, and astonishes each of us. We choose our responses. We choose the kind of person we become in light of our gifts, our challenges, and our unfulfilled expectations.

What causes the severe depression and then euphoric or anxiety-laden highs that swing out of control?

Most scientists agree that several factors act together to produce Bipolar Disorder and its symptoms. Because the illness runs in families, researchers are looking for specific genes that increase a person’s chance of developing it. Findings suggest that, like other mental illnesses, Bipolar Disorder develops when a variety of genes act together, and in combination with other factors of the person, or the person’s environment. There is also evidence from imaging studies that the brains of people with Bipolar Disorder differ from the brains of healthy individuals.

Substance abuse comes up in the book. Why?

It’s nearly impossible to discuss mental illness without also discussing substance abuse. In a July 2007 report, Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse noted that some of the same developmental, genetic, and environmental vulnerabilities contribute to both addiction and mental illness. She also stated that illicit drugs can trigger mental disorders in those who are vulnerable, and conversely, that patients with mental illnesses are at greater risk for substance abuse. The two go hand-in-hand more often than not.

What is your message to caregivers? What can they take away from your story?

Self-awareness and self-care are essential to hanging in there for the long haul. Without fail, when I’m disappointed in my response to a situation it’s because I haven’t attended to my own needs. For me, getting outdoors every day, practicing yoga 4 or 5 times a week, and daily writing are vital to well being. Each of us has to figure out what keeps us balanced and well, and then do those things.

This is also very important: When your loved one is not well, remember how well he can be and know that he will be again. Take heart, have patience, love him, and maintain hope.

How does Hollywood portray the mentally ill? Does it matter to you?

Some of the most memorable media portrayals of mental illness are older-think of Jack Nicholson in “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “The Shining.” Fear and alienation are palpable. Newer portrayals, including Sally Field’s repeat performance in NBC’s “ER” and Marcia Gay Harden’s schizophrenic character in the movie “Canvas”, are more true to current life and illuminate the challenges of mental illness as well as the ability to get well with treatment. I’m thrilled that public figures like Congressman Patrick Kennedy and celebrities including Margot Kidder, Ben Stiller, and Linda Hamilton share their personal stories of illness and recovery. As more of us open up about our illnesses, the negative power of stereotypes will dissipate.

If you could say one thing to parents or teachers dealing with a child they suspect has a mood disorder, what would that be?

I actually need to say three things. First, educate yourself. Go online, head to the library, or read some of the books recommended on my website at www.katemclaughlin.net . Learn the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and mood disorders, and make note if your child exhibits them. For reference, complete a self-analysis or checklist about your child. Knowledge is power when it comes to any health issue, ant this is especially true with mental illness.

Second, keep a log, list, or journal of your child’s symptoms, as well as particular incidents that make you go “hmmm.” If your gut tells you something is wrong, document it with as many facts and details as possible. Include dates, times, and surrounding circumstances. Be specific. Your observations will either clarify that your child’s behavior is normal, or create documentation in preparation for the next step. Third, share your concerns and documentation with your family doctor and get a referral to a psychiatrist for further assessment. If this isn’t possible, contact your local NAMI or Mental Health America office for assistance in finding appropriate medical care.

How can your book be helpful to people outside the medical community?

Our experience taught us that extended family, friends, religious affiliates, and coworkers are supportive when they understand what you’re dealing with. “Mommy I’m Still in Here” is a great example of what it’s like to live with serious mental illness. It educates and informs, and may very well open lines of communication. It’s meant to be shared and discussed. It’s also a great resource for social workers, educators, and law enforcement officials, who often see these kids in their most negative moments. “Mommy I’m Still in Here” illustrates the complexities of the illness and reminds these frontline contacts to consider the whole person, not just the symptoms they observe in times of crisis.

What do you hope will be the outcome of publishing Mommy I’m Still in Here?

I hope families struggling with difficult teens or health problems see themselves in our story and feel less isolated and alone. I hope parents cling to the fact that these challenging behaviors are symptoms of a medical illness, not a sign of poor parenting or a “bad kid;” and I hope they seek help and continue to be supportive. I hope people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or depression feel connected to others, remain optimistic about their potential for wellness, believe that treatment helps, and get it. And I hope the healthy among us release long-held stereotypical and negative beliefs, and that the stigma associated with mental illness subsides.