“I Had to Walk Away” - The Ultimate Caregiver Dilemma (S2 -E6 )
Host: Kathryn Lancioni
Guest: Gledis Vogli
Episode Overview:
In this revealing episode of Gut Punch, host Kathryn Lancioni welcomes her close friend and mental health advocate Gledis Vogli to share a deeply personal gut punch story. Gledis recounts the tumultuous journey of supporting a friend through a series of severe mental health crises and multiple hospitalizations, all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From sleepless nights, resource shortages, and heartbreak, to becoming an unexpected caregiver and finally launching a mission-driven mental health company, this conversation is a powerful exploration of resilience, the realities of mental illness, and the transformative impact of advocacy. If you’ve ever supported someone struggling with mental health, or wondered how to be an effective advocate, this episode is essential listening.
5 Key Lessons from This Episode:
1. The Role of an Advocate Is Essential—But Challenging
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis goes far beyond physical caregiving. Advocates must act as the voice for loved ones when they’re incapable of advocating for themselves—especially in hospital settings where patients may be misunderstood or overlooked. Gledis Vogli emphasizes the necessity—and emotional toll—of constantly fighting for proper diagnosis, treatment, and support amidst systemic barriers.
2. Mental Health Crises Are Unpredictable and Often Cyclical
Unlike physical illnesses with clear protocols and visible symptoms, mental health challenges can be deeply unpredictable. Gledis Vogli’s experience showed that relapse is common, hospitals often “catch and release” patients, and ongoing vigilance is required. The journey can entail repeated setbacks, confusion, and frustration, making persistence and adaptability crucial for both patients and their advocates.
3. The Impact on Caregivers Is Profound—and Often Overlooked
Being the primary support for someone facing mental illness can take a devastating toll on the caregiver’s own health. Gledis describes how the relentless stress, anxiety, and emotional strain eventually triggered physical symptoms, leading to ER visits and a diagnosis of chronic anxiety. This highlights how mental health struggles affect not just the person diagnosed, but also those around them.
4. Sometimes, Walking Away Is the Most Effective—and Hardest—Choice
A pivotal moment comes when a social worker advises Gledis to step back after exhausting every possible avenue of support. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it’s about recognizing personal limitations and allowing space for the individual to take responsibility for their recovery. Ultimately, Gledis’s friend improved after this shift, illustrating the complex interplay between compassion, boundaries, and healing.
5. Purpose Can Emerge From Crisis
Transforming pain into purpose, Gledis founded Kura Health—a company focused on improving mental health outcomes using science and predictive analytics. The experience as an advocate ignited a mission to fix what’s broken in the mental health system and ensure no one faces such crises alone. Gut punch moments can become the catalyst for personal growth and broader impact.
This episode dives into the raw, real challenges of being an advocate for someone facing severe mental health struggles, especially during the height of COVID. Feeling inspired? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and stay tuned for more honest conversations and lessons in resilience on Gut Punch.
For more information on Kura Health: https://www.kurahealth.ai/
Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.