Leanna May Franklin shares her journey as a mental health advocate after her son experienced a psychotic break at age 19, revealing the challenges of navigating care even with resources and professional expertise.

• Experienced a life-changing moment when her son had a psychotic breakdown during a family gathering
• Recognized signs that she initially thought were typical teenage behaviors but were early symptoms of mental illness
• Her son is now diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder depressive type with polysubstance use
• Despite having resources and knowledge, faced enormous barriers in getting appropriate care for her adult son
• Co-founded a holistic mental health clinic offering integrated approaches including blood testing and IV therapy
• Advocates for successful community treatment models like one in Yakima, Washington that provides services with minimal budget
• Discusses "ambiguous grief" – the unique pain of losing someone who is still physically present
• Emphasizes the importance of documentation, understanding system language, and building support teams
• Believes in setting boundaries as an act of protection while continuing to advocate for better care
• Works with National Shattering Silence Coalition to influence mental health policy reform

If you'd like to learn more about Liana's work or need advocacy support, contact her at leanna@seattlenad.com or call/text 425-393-4762.

She is available to attend meetings anywhere in the US to support those navigating the mental health system.

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

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"Why Not Me?" podcast expands its mission to embrace both autism and mental health worldwide, creating a platform for raw, authentic storytelling that inspires and connects.

Host Tony Mantor welcomes listeners to join a global movement fostering awareness, acceptance, and understanding through powerful personal narratives.

• Broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee with a mission to share powerful stories
• Expanding focus to include both autism and mental health following 61 impactful episodes
• Commitment to raw, authentic storytelling that educates and heals
• Special events planned, including collaboration with Humanity Over Handcuffs
• Building an inclusive community where no one feels alone

If you have a story to share or know someone whose voice deserves to be heard, please connect with us at https://whynotme.world

Spread the word about Why Not Me, our conversations, our inspiring guests, the show - 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)

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Cindy Murphy shares the heartbreaking story of her son Tristan, who struggled with schizophrenia and died by suicide while incarcerated after being handed a chainsaw during a prison work detail.

Through her grief, Cindy has become a powerful advocate for mental health reform in the criminal justice system, working to pass the Tristan Murphy Act in Florida.

• Tristan developed schizophrenia in his 30s, unusually late compared to typical onset in teens or early 20s
• After his first psychotic episode, Tristan spent 8 months in jail before being declared incompetent to stand trial
• When properly medicated, Tristan functioned well and maintained a relationship with his children
• Florida ranks #1 in mental health needs but #49 in providing mental health services
• The Tristan Murphy Act aims to identify mental health issues within 24 hours of arrest and divert people to treatment
• Approximately 30% of prison inmates have mental health issues
• New treatments like long-acting injectable medications can help people with schizophrenia maintain stability
• The documentary "The Warehouse: The Life and Death of Tristan Murphy" is available on YouTube

If you know anyone that would like to tell their story, send them to tonymantor.com/contact with their information so one day they may be a guest on our show. Please tell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me ? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide

The World, the conversations we're having, and the inspiration our guests give to everyone that you are not alone in this world.

https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)