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A Mother's Journey: From Early Signs to Systemic Change

With Millie Christie.

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Stories to Solutions

When Millie Christie's preschool teachers first noted her younger son Derek "just doesn't seem to be having fun" at age three, she couldn't have imagined the decades-long journey ahead. Derek's mental illness became apparent during his first year of college when he experienced a psychotic break. What followed was a 23-year journey that illuminates both the deep challenges and potential solutions in our mental health care system.

The Christie family's story is particularly poignant because it highlights both the personal and systemic aspects of supporting someone with mental illness. After years of navigating various diagnoses, treatments, and housing arrangements, they finally found stability when Derek moved home in 2015. Under their care and with proper medication, he thrived - working in the family business and developing specialized skills. However, their story also reveals the fragility of that stability when Derek tragically took his life in 2024 after secretly discontinuing his medication.

When Millie Christie's preschool teachers first noted her younger son Derek "just doesn't seem to be having fun" at age three, she couldn't have imagined the decades-long journey ahead. Derek's mental illness became apparent during his first year of college when he experienced a psychotic break. What followed was a 23-year journey that illuminates both the deep challenges and potential solutions in our mental health care system.
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The Christie family's story is particularly poignant because it highlights both the personal and systemic aspects of supporting someone with mental illness. After years of navigating various diagnoses, treatments, and housing arrangements, they finally found stability when Derek moved home in 2015. Under their care and with proper medication, he thrived - working in the family business and developing specialized skills. However, their story also reveals the fragility of that stability when Derek tragically took his life in 2024 after secretly discontinuing his medication.

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Family Support is Critical but Challenging

Unlike many families that fracture under the pressure of mental illness, the Christies stayed together, demonstrating how crucial unified family support can be. As Millie notes, "Just the paperwork alone is too difficult for someone with mental illness to do it." However, families need better support systems and guidance to provide this care effectively.

Access to Quality Care Remains a Major Hurdle

Despite their financial ability to afford private care, the Christies struggled to find appropriate treatment options. Their experience highlights a critical gap in our healthcare system - "What are families supposed to do who can't afford?" The lack of quality intermediate care facilities between hospitalization and independent living remains a significant challenge.

Early Intervention and Continuous Support Matter

The progression from early childhood signs to adult diagnosis underscores the importance of comprehensive mental health support throughout a person's life. The family's experience suggests that consistent care, medication management, and supportive living environments can lead to significant improvements in functionality and quality of life.

Meet Our Guest

Millie Christie

Millie Christie is a parent of an adult child who died by suicide. She shares her story to help others understand mental illness. She is the neighbor to Dr. Robert McCarron UCI, Founder & Director of the TNT program.

Connect with Millie Christie

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/servingkidshope/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-patricia-md/