Laura Craciun: A Son's Mental Illness and a System That Failed Him

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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Laura Craciun shares her son's harrowing journey with serious mental illness and the systemic failures that criminalize mental health conditions instead of treating them.

Her story highlights the urgent need for better policies to support individuals with psychosis and their families.

• Laura's son was misdiagnosed with ADHD before eventually being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age 20
• Cannabis use potentially triggered or worsened his psychotic symptoms
• Despite 16 attempts to get help through ERs and police, the family faced constant rejection from healthcare facilities
• Anosognosia (lack of illness awareness) prevented her son from voluntarily seeking treatment
• After a violent episode, her son entered the justice system rather than receiving appropriate psychiatric care
• Their state's mental health department only offers services to those who volunteer, excluding those with anosognosia
• The legal system spent resources on 72 court hearings rather than on treatment
• Laura advocates for Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws to bridge the gap between legal and medical systems
• Better education is needed for judges, lawyers, and medical professionals about serious mental illness

We ask that you tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.

Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.

Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

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1. Introduction to Laura Krachun (00:00:00)

2. Finding Support Through National Shattering Silence (00:01:39)

3. Early Signs and Misdiagnosis (00:03:11)

4. Psychosis Onset and Hospital Rejections (00:05:48)

5. Forced Hospitalizations and Treatment Gaps (00:08:09)

6. Understanding Anosognosia Through Nick's Experience (00:13:03)

7. Legal System vs. Medical Treatment (00:17:43)

8. The Need for Reform and Education (00:22:57)

9. Final Thoughts and Call for Change (00:25:39)