At the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition, we know that behind every person living with a serious brain disorder, there is almost always a caregiver quietly holding the world together. Caregivers are parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and friends. They are advocates, record keepers, medication managers, transportation providers, crisis responders, and emotional anchors. They…
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…
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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…
