Madison Schmitt started struggling as a teenager. It lead to a diagnosis with forms of severe, persistent mental illness.

She said she was fortunate to have the support of her parents. Her father David said they learned many lessons watching Madison navigate highs and lows, in part with the help of NAMI Kansas.

Their conversation shares the realities of how mental illness does not come with a quick, permanent fix. They also reflect on the best ways to support someone who’s struggling.

Shawnee Co., Kan. Corrections Director Brian Cole says jails and prisons have become our society’s de facto mental health treatment facilities. It led to the county breaking ground in August 2024 on a dedicated behavioral unit at the jail.

In this conversation, Cole shares how the increased need for mental health care impacts inmates who need help, staff who care for them, and victims waiting for justice.

The most wonderful time of the year can be the toughest for many of us.

We dive into the emotions of the season on our latest Hear me. See me. podcast. Ariel Ludwig with Valeo Behavioral Health in Topeka says expectations can add to stress and anxiety, and also grief and depression.

Hear his strategies to understand why we’re feeling all the feelings, and how to cope with them.