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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…

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…

Maine, USA, World Part I: Maine – A System in Transition Maine’s criminal courts are increasingly confronted with defendants whose actions stem not from willful criminal intent but from untreated brain disorders. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury, and severe depression often drive behaviors that bring individuals into contact with law enforcement….

The Sandy Pruett Project: Care Denied. Voices Rising. Behind every statistic is a story — the Sandy Pruett Project is an anonymous, family-driven platform that shines light on what happens when care for severe mental illness is denied. (from sandypruettproject.org) You can help: Read real stories of denied care and experience firsthand the impact of…

Anosognosia is a neurological condition in which a person is unaware of their own illness or impairment. It is not denial or stubbornness—it’s a brain-based symptom that affects self-awareness. This lack of insight is common in certain brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and some forms of dementia, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. When…

Honoring a Life, Sparking a Movement The Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition (BMSBDAC) was established in memory of Brett M. Staples, who passed away in 2024. Born in Farmington, Maine, and raised in Jay, Brett faced schizoaffective disorder and encountered the challenges many with serious brain disorders do: homelessness, inconsistent treatment, stigma, and…

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…

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.

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…

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…

One of the most harmful misunderstandings is the belief that brain disorders are somehow a personal choice. Let’s be clear: Nobody chooses epilepsy. Nobody chooses Parkinson’s disease. Nobody chooses schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Huntington’s disease, or traumatic brain injury. These are medical conditions of the brain, just like diabetes is a condition of the pancreas or…

Far too often, people living with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or traumatic brain injury end up without stable housing. This isn’t because they “choose” homelessness—it’s because untreated or undertreated brain disorders can make it nearly impossible to keep a job, manage daily responsibilities, or maintain housing. Without proper treatment and support,…

Hallucinations are one of the most misunderstood symptoms of brain disorders. A hallucination is when a person perceives something that isn’t actually present. This can involve any of the senses: Auditory: Hearing voices, sounds, or music that others don’t hear. Visual: Seeing people, objects, or patterns that aren’t there. Olfactory: Smelling scents without a source….

We, who love people suffering from serious mental illness, psychosis, and anosognosia, would all like to think that our loved ones can make their own decisions in seeking treatment. However, it has become apparent to many of us who have watched our friends or family members struggle for years, that one facet of anosognosia is…

There is nothing more confusing or more frightening than trying to make sense of behavioral changes that occur when our loved ones experience psychosis. In this video we will explain and help you make sense of psychosis and of the behaviors you may be encountering. For a deeper understanding of psychosis, please refer to Psychosis;…

Obtaining A PTP Order The least complicated and vastly most successful way to obtain a court order for PTP admission is at the time of discharge following a committed hospitalization. If this has not occurred, it will be necessary  to initiate a PTP application while the individual is living in the community.  To qualify for…