Michael and Matt Stick on Healing After Tragedy

In this powerful episode of All Things Mental Health with Mike and Joi, Mike Brose welcomes Michael Stick and his son, Matt Stick, to share their deeply personal and emotional journey of healing after tragedy. The episode touches on mental illness, grief, and the power of resilience. Michael recounts how their lives were forever changed when Matt experienced a psychotic break in 2012, leading to the loss of Matt's mother. Together, they discuss the challenges of navigating the criminal justice system, mental health treatment, and how love and support from family were critical during the darkest times. Matt bravely shares his perspective, describing his experiences with psychosis, the importance of treatment, and how art became a pathway to healing. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of mental health education, destigmatizing mental illness, and offering hope to those who may be struggling. Matt also talks about his artistic career and his initiatives to give back to the community, including his new clothing line, War Paint Society, and The Memento Project, which supports families affected by suicide. Don’t miss this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode about how the Stick family has turned tragedy into a story of survival, recovery, and advocacy for mental health awareness.