Today’s guest is Mark Lukach, author of a brand new memoir titled “My Lovely Wife In The Psych Ward.” If the title alone isn't enough to grab you, this snippet from the book’s description says it all:
Mark and Giulia’s life together began as a storybook romance. They fell in love at eighteen, married at twenty-four, and were living their dream life in San Francisco. When Giulia was twenty-seven, she suffered a terrifying and unexpected psychotic break that landed her in the psych ward for nearly a month. One day she was vibrant and well-adjusted; the next she was delusional and suicidal, convinced that her loved ones were not safe.
Needless to say, when Mark was thrusted into the new role as his wife’s caregiver he inevitably found himself confused, frustrated, and worst of all — completely alone. So the two big questions Mark and I tackle in our conversation are: A) How does one take care of themselves and draw the strength to support your spouse during a difficult mental illness? And B) How is his love and admiration for his wife able to remain intact through this journey? Mark’s wisdom on the topic is definitely worth a listen.
WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE:
— Mark summarizes the story of his marriage and the onset of his wife’s illness and 3 hospitalizations [1:54]
— The (lack of) help Mark’s insurance company offered him when he considered counseling for himself [8:05]
— How Giulia’s illness actually made their family stronger in the long run [9:35]
— Mark’s frustration about the lack of information available for caregivers [12:20]
— How Mark’s love and admiration for Giulia has remained intact throughout her illness [15:05]
— How an active lifestyle, particularly running, became a great source of strength for Mark [16:25]
— The primal nature of running, and it connects us to our human ancestry [22:05]
— How surfing, and even just being in or around water can have similar effects [24:05]
— Mark’s advice to other caregivers [29:55]
On Greatness: My Story Of Leaving Accounting For Psychology
Turning Fear Into Health, Wealth, & Happiness with Akshay Nanavati
“Designing Your Ideal Day w/ John & Julie"
On College Freshmen & Loneliness
Undue Anxiety Quick Hit: On Weatherman Tom Skilling's Priceless Reaction To The Eclipse
On Navigating Transitions & Change
How To Have Your Best School Year Yet
Sean Griffin: On Strength, Health, Happiness and Finding Your Purpose
Steve Bartman Gets A World Series Ring!
Matt: On Teen Marijuana & Alcohol Trends
Laura: On Raising Confident & Resilient Children
What’s Going On? How to “Light Up” For Your Loved Ones
Shi*t Your Ego Says w/ Author James McCrae
Alex: A High School Coach On The Many Ingredients of Success
Susan: On Eating Disorders & The Nature of Addiction
Jaimal Yogis On Fear, Surfing & The Magic of The Ocean
It’s Undue Anxiety’s First Birthday!
On Edge: A Journey Through Anxiety with Andrea Petersen
Aaron: On Building the Confidence To Follow Your Dreams
Healing Chronic Pain Naturally w/ Dr. Joe Tatta
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Calm Parenting Podcast
The Art of War
The War of the Worlds
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Raising Good Humans