He Came in with It: A Portrait of Motherhood and Madness - Paperback
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He Came in with It: A Portrait of Motherhood and Madness
Miriam Feldman is a celebrated artist in Los Angeles whose idyllic life was uprooted when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. In her tireless search for help and answers, she learns about the shocking shortfalls of our mental health system and the destructive impact of mental illness stigma, shame and isolation. He Came In With It reveals how one mother's struggle to help her son created for her a new definition of family, forgiveness, and forging ahead...with no false facades.
A Memoir of Mental Health Advocacy and Family Resilience
This compelling memoir documents one mother's journey through the American mental health care system after her son Nick's schizophrenia diagnosis in 2004. Feldman combines her personal narrative with unflinching observations about mental illness stigma, systemic failures, and the isolation families face when navigating psychiatric care.
The book addresses critical gaps in mental health resources while offering an intimate portrait of how serious mental illness reshapes family dynamics. Feldman's background as an MFA-trained artist informs her observational approach, creating a narrative that balances raw honesty with compassionate storytelling.
For Families, Advocates, and Mental Health Professionals
Written for parents of adult children with mental illness, mental health advocates, and professionals seeking family perspectives, this memoir provides practical insights alongside emotional truth. Feldman's work with Bring Change 2 Mind (founded by Glenn Close) and NAMI Washington establishes her credibility as both a caregiver and activist.
The narrative explores themes of maternal responsibility, the limits of love in treating serious mental illness, and the process of acceptance without surrender. Feldman's monthly blog contributions and podcast appearances have built a community around these issues, making this book essential reading for anyone touched by schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses.
Miriam Feldman is an artist, writer, and mental health activist who splits her time between her Los Angeles studio and her farm in rural Washington state. She has been married to her husband Craig O'Rourke, also an artist, for 34 years and they have four adult children. Their 33-year-old son, Nick, has schizophrenia.
With an MFA in painting from Otis Art Institute, Miriam founded Demar Feldman Studios, Inc., a distinguished mural and decorative art company, in 1988. At the same time, she built a strong career as a fine artist, represented by Hamilton Galleries in Santa Monica, CA.
When Nick was diagnosed in 2004, Miriam became an activist and a writer. With first-hand knowledge of our mental health system, she decided to be an advocate for those who have no voice. She serves on the advisory board of Bring Change 2 Mind, the non-profit founded by Glenn Close, and writes a monthly blog for their website. Miriam is active in leadership at NAMI Washington and writes for their newsletters. She is a frequent guest on mental health podcasts and is active on Instagram, where she has created a community of family and loved ones dealing with mental illness.
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