98. “My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward": A Conversation with Mark Lukach

Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" speaks with Kimi about the profound impact of mental illness on his marriage and family life. He shares the harrowing journey he and his wife Julia have navigated through bipolar disorder, from the frightening onset of her psychosis to the unpredictable waves of recovery and relapse. Mark provides a candid account of the emotional strain, the learning curve of caregiving, and the strength it takes to stay committed to a loved one during their darkest times. The couple's love and resilience shine through as they confront the challenges of the American mental health care system and find ways to involve their children in managing the illness, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Mark's perspective provides invaluable insights into the oft-hidden struggles many caregivers face and underscores the power of unwavering love and hope.

In this episode:

• Coping with Mental Health Challenges in Relationships
• Relationship Dynamics After Trauma
• Navigating Feelings As A Caregiver
• Optimism While Facing Health Challenges
• Accepting Support From Community
• Children's Resilience in Family Health Crisis

Links & Resources:

Website: www.marklukach.com

Book: "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward"

Charity: Access Institute

We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!

Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at [email protected].