Q&A with Meg Kissinger, award-winning mental health reporter, journalism professor, and author of "While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence"
Q&A with Meg Kissinger, award-winning mental health reporter, journalism professor, and author of "While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence"
During an award-winning career at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Meg Kissinger made a name for herself writing powerful stories about mental health that led to important policy changes.
Loved Meg’s book. Brought me back to the days as eldest of too-many children in a neighborhood crowded with them (along with parents beset with similar problems.) Thanks to both of you for writing so honestly. We are survivors.
Great Q&A. Having grown up in the era of silence (1960s) around suicide, I discovered fifteen years ago how much the social stigma remained in effect when my husband killed himself. My grief complicated by the reactions from others to his death. Even this week, I refrained from dropping that emotional bomb on unsuspecting readers. It's other people's shame around suicide and mental illness that still unsettles me. While I don't keep silent out of shame, I am careful about the context in which I made such personal disclosures. I see the Appleton Public Library has Meg's book, but I'm ordering the new paperback from The Book Store. Thanks for this!
When I ordered the paperback at The Book Store in Appleton, Kalan (bookseller and owner) mentioned Meg Kissinger has an event here on September 14 sponsored by our local chapter of NAMI. I'm looking forward to hear her speak and have her sign my book. Thanks Debby for this inspiring post.
This is such a good Q&A with two people I highly respect. Thank you both.
Thanks, Sis. You're the reason this happened!
Loved Meg’s book. Brought me back to the days as eldest of too-many children in a neighborhood crowded with them (along with parents beset with similar problems.) Thanks to both of you for writing so honestly. We are survivors.
Thanks, Linda!
Debby and Meg, this is terrific. Sharing.
Great Q&A. Having grown up in the era of silence (1960s) around suicide, I discovered fifteen years ago how much the social stigma remained in effect when my husband killed himself. My grief complicated by the reactions from others to his death. Even this week, I refrained from dropping that emotional bomb on unsuspecting readers. It's other people's shame around suicide and mental illness that still unsettles me. While I don't keep silent out of shame, I am careful about the context in which I made such personal disclosures. I see the Appleton Public Library has Meg's book, but I'm ordering the new paperback from The Book Store. Thanks for this!
Jill, let me know what you think when you read it. I imagine you'll be blown away. Thanks for your comments!
Will do!
When I ordered the paperback at The Book Store in Appleton, Kalan (bookseller and owner) mentioned Meg Kissinger has an event here on September 14 sponsored by our local chapter of NAMI. I'm looking forward to hear her speak and have her sign my book. Thanks Debby for this inspiring post.
Oh wow, that's great, Jill! Next weekend!