The Just A Mom Podcast Susie Gurley

The Just A Mom podcast will be re-airing some of the earliest episodes of the podcast the next few weeks.  The first re-air is the very first episode of The Just A Mom podcast with my son, Will.  This show is the whole reason I became a mental health advocate and, ultimately, started the Just A Mom Podcast.  Will is my youngest son, and he struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.  When Will was in the worst of his battle, I felt alone and hopeless.  There were basically no resources that I could find other than one book to help support me as a parent of a child with mental illness.  And then Will started the You Matter Festival, which reached over 10,000 people in its five-year lifespan.  Will became a local teen spokesperson and advocate for mental health.  Will is a musician, actor, director, writer, singer, and overall creative with many talents (www.WIlliamGurley.net).  I am so thankful that he is my son and he asked for help when he was struggling. 

The final episode of Season 5 is the conclusion of Susie’s conversation with Kyle. Kyle shares candidly the many challenges he faced as the parent of a child struggling with depression and suicide attempts. Don’t miss this story of hope and perseverance that will undoubtedly encourage all.

In this episode of the Just A Mom podcast, Susie converses with Kyle about his journey as a parent raising a child grappling with mental health issues. Kyle delves into the hurdles he encountered in identifying early indicators and the opportunities for intervention. He sheds light on the struggles of securing suitable treatment and the toll it took on his family. The dialogue underscores the pressing need for enhanced accessibility and resources within the mental health care framework. Throughout the discussion, Kyle reflects on his experience navigating parenthood amidst his child's mental health challenges, highlighting the adversities faced, such as bullying and mental health societal stigma, stressing the importance of empathy, and fostering candid discussions on mental well-being. Kyle also underscores the significance of attentive listening and the necessity for parents to prioritize their therapy. Offering guidance for parents of young children, he emphasizes the value of trusting instincts and commemorating minor victories while maintaining optimism and acknowledging the transient nature of tough times.

Key Takeaways

Early detection of mental health issues in children is pivotal for timely intervention.Even parents, including those in healthcare, can overlook signs and must remain vigilant.Challenges persist in mental health care accessibility and insurance coverage.Mental illness profoundly affects family dynamics and warrants support and understanding.Parenting a child with mental health issues can reshape healthcare professionals' approach to medicine.The effects of bullying on mental health and well-being.Addressing bullying and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health remain pertinent issues.Promoting the importance of empathy is crucial despite potential developmental constraints in youth.Open dialogue about mental health and empathy cultivation are vital for children's well-being.Providing support through attentive listening, devoid of a solution-driven agenda, is immensely impactful.Prioritizing personal therapy is essential for parents navigating a child's mental health challenges.Parents of young children should focus on individualized understanding and foster open communication.Trusting instincts and seeking early assistance are pivotal when suspecting a child's mental health struggles.Embracing a day-by-day approach and celebrating small victories aids in navigating parenthood amidst mental health challenges.Maintaining hope and acknowledging the transient nature of adversity is crucial for resilience.
Topics: bullying and mental health, the effects of bullying on mental health and well-being, the importance of empathy

This is the second in a two part series with Ryan LeFevbre, Kansas City Royals Announcer. Ryan continues his story by sharing more about his mental health journey and his road to healing. We discuss Ryan’s book, The Shame of Me: One Man’s Journey to Depression and Back (https://www.amazon.com/Shame-Mans-Journey-Depression-Back/dp/0984113029). Don’t miss the conclusion of this honest and vulnerable conversation that is sure to encourage you.

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Ryan Lefebvre"In this episode of the Just A Mom podcast, Susie engages in a conversation with Ryan Lefebvre, the baseball announcer for the Kansas City Royals. Together, they delve into Ryan's profound journey through depression and his subsequent recovery. Ryan candidly shares his upbringing in a fractured family, shedding light on its impact on his self-worth and self-esteem. He explores the relentless pursuit of external validation in shaping his life. The episode delves into Ryan's battle with major depression, highlighting the moment when he reached out for assistance. Ryan also reflects on the role that counseling, journaling, and medication played in his path to recovery.
Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health, particularly for men who might be hesitant to share their struggles. He advocates for seeking help and support and delves into how his faith significantly contributed to his healing process, stressing the significance of surrendering to God's plan. Ryan also touches on the different facets of intimacy in relationships and underscores the need for balance. He addresses the stigma surrounding mental health in religious communities and underscores the importance of recognizing mental health as a medical condition.
Key Takeaways:
Childhood experiences and family dynamics can have a profound impact on one's emotional well-being, self-worth, and self-esteem.The pursuit of external validation and material success may lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.Seeking help through counseling can provide valuable insights and support in navigating depression.Journaling and creative outlets are effective tools for processing emotions and gaining clarity during the journey to recovery.Discussing mental health is crucial, especially for men who may be hesitant to open up about their struggles.Faith can play a significant role in the healing process, offering hope and purpose.Intimacy in relationships involves physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual connections.Understanding mental health as a medical condition helps reduce stigma and promotes effective treatment.If you want to hear more about Ryan’s story we warmly recommend his book “The Shame of Me”. This book represents Ryan’s sincere wish to help others by sharing more stories from his life.Topics: mental health in religious communities, mental health and religion, self-worth and self-esteem

Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Carron Montgomery, Licenced Professional Counselor and Award-Winning Author Part 2"
Introduction: Welcome back to the Just a Mom podcast! In this highly anticipated episode, Susie is joined once again by Carron Montgomery. Carron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, delving into topics ranging from neuroplasticity to the therapeutic benefits of nature. Throughout the conversation, Carron shares invaluable insights into the challenges faced by individuals and families in today's digital age, emphasizing the importance of balanced emotional expression and the power of human connection. As an added treat, Carron discusses her new book, "The Invisible Riptide" , a testament to her dedication to empowering individuals of all ages with the tools they need to navigate life's complexities.
Parental Concerns Amidst the Pandemic:The discussion starts with the anxiety parents face during the pandemic while needing to work.Emphasizes the difficulty in reverting to a pre-digital era but stresses the importance of understanding and communicating these concerns to children.Exposure to Inappropriate Content:Concerns were raised about children encountering explicit material online, including pornography and inappropriate pop-ups, even on seemingly safe platforms like Roblox.Advocates for open conversations with children about these topics rather than avoiding them, referencing resources like "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" and "Yes, Your Kid."Embracing Emotions and GrowthDiscussion on the importance of allowing children to experience and process emotions without immediately seeking to fix them.Recognition of the value of mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning.Introduction to The Invisible RiptideCarron shares the inspiration behind writing The Invisible Riptide series during the pandemic to address the shared struggles people face while feeling isolated.Emphasis on the book's aim to reassure readers that they are not alone in their experiences and to guide managing emotions.Providing Resources and SupportCarron discusses the additional resources provided in The Invisible Riptide, such as discussion guides, songs, and a toolbox for emotional management.Recognition of the overwhelming nature of seeking resources and the importance of presenting information in a manageable and accessible format.Upcoming Graphic Novel on Social MediaIntroduction to Carron's upcoming graphic novel on social media, aimed at providing non-preachy guidance on navigating online interactions.Discussion on the role of generational wisdom and character dynamics in the graphic novel, fostering understanding between different age groups.The Importance of Human ConnectionDiscussion on the intrinsic need for human connection and the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.Carron emphasizes the significance of understanding emotions and using them as guides for healthy technology usage.Carron stresses the importance of education over-reliance on protective apps, highlighting children's resourcefulness in bypassing parental controls.Impact on Mental Health and Peer DynamicsExploration of the phenomenon of self-identification with mental health diagnoses among tweens and teens, influenced by peer dynamics and trauma bonding.Carron shares anecdotes illustrating the complexities of adolescent social dynamics and the importance of fostering open dialogue and support networks.Parental Support and Modeling BehaviorReflects on the challenges of balancing support and guidance without controlling or fixing children's problems.Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging children's struggles and providing unconditional love and acceptance.Advocates for validating children's experiences and offering support while respecting their autonomy and boundaries.Recognizing the Need for Professional HelpExplores indicators that may signal the need for professional intervention, such as persistent emotional distress or changes