AwareNow Media is a storytelling platform dedicated to amplifying social causes through its digital magazine, podcast, films, events, and streaming services. By sharing powerful, authentic stories, AwareNow inspires empathy and action worldwide, connecting people and driving positive social change.
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HIPAA & Anosognosia: What Families Need to Know
The Problem Families caring for a loved one with a serious brain disorder often hear the same painful phrase again and again: “I can’t share that information because of HIPAA.” For families dealing with anosognosia—a neurological condition that prevents a person from recognizing they are ill—this response can feel not just frustrating, but dangerous. Understanding…
Short History of Psychiatric Treatment Laws
A Short History of Psychiatric Treatment Laws The way society treats people with serious mental and brain disorders has changed a lot over time—and the laws have been a big part of that story. 1800s – Early Asylums: In the U.S. and Europe, large state hospitals were built to house people with mental illness, often…
Common Early Signs of Psychosis – Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones
Common Early Signs of Psychosis – Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones Psychosis is a brain-based condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. While full-blown psychotic episodes can be frightening, research shows that early signs often appear weeks, months, or even years before a crisis. Recognizing these signs early can make a…
Unpacking HIPAA
Alright — let’s unpack HIPAA in the context of a parent trying to access an adult child’s health information, especially when that child has a brain disorder. 1. What HIPAA Actually Says HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a person’s medical information. For adults…
Why “Mental Illness” Needs to Be Replaced with “Brain Health” or “Brain Disorder”
For generations, the term “mental illness” has been used to describe conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and others. But as our understanding of the brain advances, it’s becoming clear that this term is outdated, misleading, and harmful. Words shape how we think, and when we use inaccurate words, we reinforce stigma, misunderstanding, and…
BELIEVE THE BEST
What is it like to live with a no fault brain disorder? Too often, family members, caregivers, friends, and even professionals focus on what they see from the outside. But what does the experience feel like from the inside? In this powerful and deeply personal piece, author M. Lissa Bailey shares lessons from her own…
