Content Warning: This episode discusses Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, and violence.
Please understand that today, Cohen Miles-Rath has a master’s in social work, is an operational training coordinator at the Suicide Prevention Center for New York State, and a successful author and mental health advocate. He also has a new baby and a great relationship with his dad. It was a different situation several years ago when, after a rapid decline in his mental health, Cohen developed psychosis. The vast majority of people dealing with that condition are not violent but unfortunately Cohen was. Cohen attacked his father, Randy, believing there was a devil inside his dad. The incident was all over the news, Randy was injured and lost part of his ear. Cohen ended up in jail, in solitary confinement, and then began a journey toward healing. Helping along this journey was Randy, who guided their relationship through rebuilding and assisted in getting resources for Cohen. Cohen is the author of memoir, Mending Reality: An Advocate’s Existential Journey with Mental Health, that details what went wrong and how he got better.
