My Dad's Illness

Megan Plouzek shares her poignant and candid story about growing up in a home with a parent suffering with severe mental illness.  Told from her perspective (narrated by Megan), the brutal honesty of her story is powerful.  Megan spares no details as she discusses the dark nature of the illness’s effect on her father and her family.  But, at its core, this is a love story as Megan and her family continues to rally around her father with hope for his recovery.

Chronic Mental Illness and The Family

If you suspect someone close to you may be ill, this related program discusses avenues of help and general information about severe mental illness.   Mike Tobias, program host, talks with three experts who all members of the Serious Mental Illness Research Group at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

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About the Filmmaker
The film “My Dad’s Illness” was produced by former NET Television intern Megan Plouzek who grew up near Lincoln, Neb. She began her work on the film while attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln and taking video production classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Plouzek said she has always wanted to tell inspiring stories. “I tell this story in hopes it will spark a conversation about mental illness. It is sad to see so many families struggling and remaining silent,” she said.

Plouzek’s father struggles with depression, and “My Dad’s Illness” explores how mental illness affects not only the family member with the disorder, but also the entire family. The film features interviews with Plouzek’s father and mother, as well as her three brothers and paternal grandparents. It is narrated by Megan Plouzek.

A Special Note from the Filmmaker
"I know my family is not alone in our struggle with my father's severe mental illness; however, I'm taken back by the number of people who have approached me since the completion of my documentary. Story upon story detail similar frustrations that my family has faced.  It's sad to think many families suffer, but remain silent due to the stigma attached to brain-related disorders. It's my hope that this documentary will encourage more individuals and families affected by mental illneses to step outside the dark shadows, seek help, and raise awareness."
       -Megan Plouzek