About Embracing Mental Awareness

Words by our Founder Eleanor Tye

My journey has been profoundly shaped by my experiences with mental illness in my family, particularly with my mother. In the early 1990s, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia, manic depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Over the years, her battle with these conditions led to severe psychotic episodes that were both heartbreaking and challenging.

During these episodes, my mother would discard her belongings—clothes, dentures, and even furniture—tear up carpets, smash her fish tank, and isolate herself in her home. At times, her voice would change, taking on a frightening tone, and her face would transform into someone I hardly recognized. She often ran away from home at all hours, jumped out of cars, gave away her money, and shared false accusations about me. These claims led to investigations by the police and state social workers, initiated partly by her own siblings and their children.

I was accused of neglect, physical and verbal abuse, and even larceny. Yet the reality was far different—I was terrified to live in the same house as my mother. Thankfully, a kind neighbor provided me with a safe space where I could cook, do laundry, and sleep in peace. He also helped by driving us to her doctor’s appointments and pharmacy visits.

Eventually, we discovered that many of her episodes were triggered by improper use of her medications, medication resistance, or underlying infections. Despite the accusations, I was never convicted of any wrongdoing.

In June 2017, after another psychotic episode and hospitalization, my mother came to live with me. It was then that a nurse suggested I enlist the help of a social worker. This advice changed everything. The social worker guided me through documenting my mother’s behavior to protect myself and walked me step-by-step through the guardianship process. She continues to be my mother’s social worker and an incredible source of support to this day.

Through this journey, I traced the presence of mental health challenges in my family across five generations. Some relatives have been diagnosed, while others deny or avoid addressing their struggles.

This experience inspired me to create Form of Sound Words, a collection of spiritual and inspirational poems that helped me stay grounded during those chaotic times. To learn more about my journey, you can also read Living with Mental Illness and Coping with Mental Illness by Joelle Marceau, available on Amazon.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story.