Patricia's Reviews > While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence

Outstanding—heartbreaking and yet there was always hope. Meg’s memoir brings alive the facts and misconceptions about living with and advocating for, individuals and families struggling to care for their loved ones. Years of research matched with her personal experiences bring insight into the advances in medical care, the systematic shortfalls in housing and the need for different support from law enforcement. The stress on caregivers and patients is immeasurable but commitment to making things better goes so far to improving outcomes.

Meg’s labor of love will take you across the emotional spectrum. I loved how she opened and closed with Mary Oliver’s poem that reflects pillars of light.