Mary Woods
Mary Woods
Mind on the Run - A Bipolar Chronicle with Guest Dottie Pacharis
Mind on the Run - A Bipolar Chronicle with Guest Dottie Pacharis
Mind on the Run - A Bipolar Chronicle with Guest Dottie Pacharis
Monday 9th July 2012
Dottie Pacharis discusses her son's battle with bipolar disorder and the need for better treatment on 'One Hour AT A Time'.
57 minutes
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Mary Woods
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Get the buttons here!A Mother's Fight: Dottie Pacharis on Bipolar Disorder and Advocacy
Society really doesn't understand how preventable some of these symptoms are and how people and families don't have to go through the terror they go through to get treatment.
Dottie Pacharis has faced a parent's worst nightmare: the loss of her son, Scott Baker, to bipolar disorder. In her book 'Mind on the Run', she recounts the harrowing journey of her family through Scott's five major manic episodes and his tragic suicide. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', Pacharis sits down with host Mary Woods to share her story and the urgent need for better understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder.
Pacharis dives into the complexities of managing bipolar disorder, from balancing civil rights with necessary treatment to the constant fear when a loved one stops taking their medication. She shares heart-wrenching stories from her book, highlighting how untreated bipolar disorder can lead to devastating consequences, not just for the individual but for their families as well. One story that stands out involves a bipolar teenager who, in a manic episode, stabbed his friend multiple times.
Pacharis's own son experienced similar episodes that deeply affected his life and those around him. Despite these challenges, Pacharis is unwavering in her mission to advocate for proper treatment and support. She stresses the importance of medication management and personal responsibility in managing the illness. Her son's initial medication was effective, allowing him to manage his triggers over time. Yet, even with proper treatment, bipolar disorder remains a dangerous illness.
Pacharis's account of her son's suicide underscores the need for greater awareness and access to mental health care. She calls on listeners to engage with advocacy groups and push for changes in mental health laws. Pacharis's conversation with Mary Woods is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those living with bipolar disorder and their families. It highlights the critical need for understanding, support, and resources to prevent such tragedies.
Tune in to hear more about Pacharis's journey and her fight for better mental health care.