The Just A Mom Podcast

Jason Reid knows the pain of losing a child to suicide. His youngest son, Ryan, died by suicide in 2018. Jason has since dedicated his life to preventing other parents from experiencing the devastating loss of a child to suicide. Jason feels like by not being vulnerable with his kids he didn’t invite them to talk to him. He thinks we need to show kids we are normal and human, that we all have had bad days. Jason founded Tellmystory.org and made a movie by that same name that explores the potential reasons adolescent suicide is on the rise and is available on amazon prime (https://www.amazon.com/Tell-My-Story-Jason-Reid/dp/B09QFZ3PQG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=12RCPCTM2MRF6&keywords=tell+my+story+movie&qid=1686511554&sprefix=tell+my+story+movie%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-5). Jason has also developed What I Wish My Parents Knew; this is a school program and a talk back that incorporates local resources. If you are interested in getting What I Wish My Parents Knew at your school, go to https://tellmystory.org/our-programs/for-schools/.

This episode is a continuation of my conversation with Courtney. Courtney’s daughter’s mental health journey didn’t end in high school. Courtney recounts her daughter’s time at The Renfrew Center ( https://renfrewcenter.com/) well as her young, toxic marriage and subsequent inpatient hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment at Hopeway (https://hopeway.org/) in Charlotte, NC. Courtney also talks about how she has learned from her daughter how to manage her own mental health.

Courtney’s story of parenting a child who has battled mental illness most of her life starts with the first of a two-part series. Courtney says her daughter has always been “the most”. Courtney’s daughter started struggling with anxiety around four years of age, survived a brain aneurism, and developed anorexia, all before graduating from high school. Listen as Courtney shares the challenges of their journey and parenting a “fiercely independent, wildly intelligent” daughter.

Dr. Brian Barash (www.cpa-kc.com) shares a wealth of mental health and substance abuse information on this episode of The Just A Mom podcast. Dr. Barash refers to several mental health facilities in the Kansas City area, including Marillac (https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/locations/Marillac-Campus-Overland-Park-KS), Crittenton ( https://www.saintlukeskc.org/locations/crittenton-childrens-center?utm_source=crittentonkc.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=redirects) and the Menninger Clinic (https://www.menningerclinic.org/). Dr. Barash also discusses the distinction between mental illness and mental health problems, the different levels of care for mental illness, and pharmacogenomic testing (https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/pharma.htm). As a certified addiction specialist, Dr. Barash gives a strong warning to parents. He is staunchly against the legalization of marijuana and warns parents about the dangers of kids mixing alcohol and antidepressants and the potential disastrous outcomes that could bring.

Josh is a husband, father, triathlete, coach, and suicide survivor. As a teenager, he deliberately drove his car into a tree—and walked away. Josh recounts his long-time battle with depression, trauma, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and his complex relationship with an abusive father. Josh talks about his significant distrust of mental health professionals based on his experience as a teenager and young adult, and how his mental illness is an ongoing battle still today.Josh has used his experience to help others and frequently speaks to groups and organizations about mental health. Here is a video Josh recorded with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) called It’s OK to not be OK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9z0Yi7Rhaw&ab_channel=NAMI.

In a continued effort to educate and bring resources to the listeners, this episode features Kori Hintz-Bohn, founder of Renew Counseling and the Anxiety Center at Renew (https://sites.google.com/anxietycenterkc.com/renewcounseling/home?authuser=0). Kori give parents valuable information on how to access help for a child experiencing mental health problem as well as some everyday tips for good mental health, including mindfulness apps like Calm (https://www.calm.com/app/meditate), Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) and Balance (https://balanceapp.com/) Kori and I also discuss what goes into the clinical diagnosis of a mental illness. Kori references the DSM 5, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm).

Tricia and I continue our conversation about her daughter’s lifelong battle with anxiety. Not only has Tricia’s daughter had serious anxiety related to school, but Tricia also shares a memory about a very scary time when she was afraid for her daughter’s life and called 911. Tricia shares that she has learned, over time, that her job as a parent is not to fix but to support her daughter and her mental illness.

This is the first of a two-part series with Tricia. Tricia chronicles her daughter’s journey with anxiety, starting as early as preschool when she experienced significant separation anxiety that did not resolve with time. Tricia talks about her strong advocacy for her daughter’s needs at school. Tricia talks about Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and a 504 plan, which help students with diagnosed disabilities access certain supports and accommodations. To learn more about what an IEP and 504 plan do, click on this link: (https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/504-plan-versus-iep-a-guide-for-parents). Things were going pretty well for Tricia’s daughter, and then Covid hit. Make sure and listen to Episode 3 for the conclusion of Tricia’s story.

My conversation with Rhonda is a no-holds-bared one. Her son battled an eating disorder and undiagnosed depression in high school. He found a bottle of narcotics after a family member’s surgery and took one to numb his pain—and was hooked.Ronda recounts the moment things changed when they realized her son had been hiding a fentanyl addiction for 31/2 years in college, the failed rehab stent, followed by a 2.5-year successful recovery journey. Ronda’s message to parents is this: addiction can happen to anyone.Ronda’s son celebrates six years of recovery on May 21, five days after the release of this episode. Sam has turned to extreme sports in his recovery, is partnering with SAFE (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), and is competing in an Ironman race in Tulsa, OK, too. If you are so inclined, you can donate by clicking this link to support Sam’s efforts for SAFE ( https://www.safeproject.us/race/?fbclid=IwAR04Jh9XJWGFHVeL3ftt9HdObWb-i7-LF1uNr_VwcnCXKtgR7m7zY0AnXzg).Ronda recently shared her story at a recovery group. You can watch that here: https://online.brushfire.com/cor/recovery/wb8xm9yc5r

My son, Will, and his girlfriend, Kayli, are back for another special episode of The Just A Mom podcast. After a very successful debut in December, The Brightest It's Ever Been, a play about living with anxiety, will be back for another limited engagement from May 11-13 at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 8801 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, Kansas. This show will sell out--get your tickets here. The Brightest It's Ever Been is an incredible portrayal of dealing with a mental illness. Anxiety is an actual character in the play. Unique and creative, The Brightest It's Ever Been helps audience members who have not personally struggled with mental illness truly understand what it must be like to do so. In this episode, Will and Kayli talk about the challenge and rewards of writing, performing, directing, and producing a show like this. For more information about the show, see Brightest's Instagram or Facebook or The Father's Club's Instagram and Facebook.

This inspiring episode features Vicki Love, co-vice president, and Jennifer Savner Levinson, treasurer, of The Good Faith Network (https://www.thegoodfaithnetwork.org/). The Good Faith Network is an interfaith justice group of over 20 different congregations in Johnson County, Kansas that has identified three pressing problems in our community: mental health, homelessness and affordable housing. They conduct research to discover solutions to those problems and speak with one voice to local leaders to press for the adoption of those solutions. Listen as these remarkable leaders talk about the work they are doing to make systematic changes in regards to mental health in our local community. For those who live outside of Johnson County, Kansas, you will want to listen as well—you may be inspired to start something similar in your community.For those in Johnson County, all are invited to the Good Faith Network’s Nehemiah Assembly on May 2, 2023 at 6 pm at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

For Sylvia Harrell and BJ Thomas, convincing young people that waiting just 20 minutes when contemplating suicide is personal. They have both lost children to suicide, and neither of their children gave any indication they were contemplating taking their lives. Sylvia and BJ want to make sure others have the tools to cope when dark moments arise. Listen as they share about #Giveme20 (https://giveme20.net/) and the positive impact it is having on the mental health of our community. While this is a local program, plans are in the works to expand. Sylvia and BJ also talk about their family foundations, Keep the Spark Alive (https://ktsa.org) and Shifting Gears for Reagan (https://shiftinggearsforregan.com/). These women and their families work tirelessly to end teen suicide in our community.

On this episode of the Just A Mom Podcast, Erin talks about the challenges of parenting a son with bi-polar disorder. She shares about his in-patient hospitalization, and how those were some of the most challenging days of her life. Erin also talks about her son’s transition to college during COVID, and how having an emotional support animal (ESA) has been an incredible support to her son.

On this episode of the Just A Mom Podcast, Erin talks about the challenges of parenting a son with bi-polar disorder. She shares about his in-patient hospitalization, and how those were some of the most challenging days of her life. Erin also talks about her son’s transition to college during COVID, and how having an emotional support animal (ESA) has been an incredible support to her son.

Sending a child to college is always challenging, but handing over one who struggles with mental health problems can be even more difficult. On this episode of the just a mom podcast, Rockhurst University Dean of Students Dr. Matthew Quick gives parents some strategies and tips on what to look for in a college or university and how to work will college officials to make a young adult’s transition to an institute of higher learning as smooth as possible.Dr. Quick refers to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), which parents and students should become familiar with before sending a student to college. He also suggests some resources like the Sanvello app (www.sanvello.com).

This may be the most difficult episode of The Just A Mom podcast to date. My incredibly brave and strong friend Suzanne talks about losing her son, Nic, to suicide in 2017. She started noticing signs of anxiety and depression before people were really talking openly about mental health. Suzanne shares deeply intimate details about losing her son and her grieving process, and how losing a child to suicide can happen to anyone. Suzanne encourages parents and says there is hope even when you lose a child.

What started in 2018 as a couple of dads with the vision of being intentional as dads is now in over 25 schools and counting. Brad and Tom share how they started the Father’s Club ( https://fathersclub.org) in their children’s high school to let kids know that you matter, right here, right now, and linking arms as dads to make a difference in their corner of the world. Brad and Tom share how over 100 dads became certified in mental health first aid, and how the Father’s Club works to utilize many resources in the community to help parents.If you are interested in starting a Father’s Club in your area/school, please go to https://fathersclub.org.

Mandy’s son deals with depression and anxiety. Mandy shares some deeply personal parts of their story, including her son’s marijuana addiction, his time at an in-patient psychiatric hospital, wilderness therapy (https://trailscarolina.com/) and ultimately his journey to sobriety through Full Circle (https://fullcircleprogram.com/), all before the age of 15. Mandy also talks about how sometimes conventional parenting wisdom had to take a backseat to what was best for her child on his road to healing, and how she learned not to always try to “fix” her son. Mandy discusses how her journey as a parent led to her founding BVWell (https://fundbv.org/bv-well), which helps parents and families navigate mental health and wellness with their children.

This is a do not miss episode for any parent! A myriad of studies link heavy social media use to mental health problems like anxiety and depression, and about 10 percent of teens have reported being victims of cyberbullying (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm). Tracy Foster, co-founder and Executive Director of Screen Sanity ( https://screensanity.org), joins me on this episode of The Just A Mom podcast to talk about digital health and the way Screen Sanity can help parents navigate this tricky digital world.

In this episode of the Just A Mom podcast, Sherri shares her story of parenting a child with sometimes crippling anxiety. Depending on what you read somewhere between 50-60% of teens and twenty-somethings are dealing anxiety, so I know you will find Sherri’s experience helpful. She talks about the difficulties in convincing her daughter to go to therapy as well as how hard it was to find a good fit once she agreed to go. Sherri also discusses the genetic testing that her daughter did to help figure out medications.

I learned so many things during the interviews for season one. Almost every parent to date that I’ve interviewed has told me they didn’t know what to do and they didn’t know who to call when their child needed mental health treatment. I’m excited to bring more resources to parents in season two.In this episode, Danna Dahl, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, shares invaluable information about how to find help, what kind of help your child might need and how to know you’re getting qualified help. Here are some helpful websites if you need to find a qualified therapist/counselor:Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists)-- the Therapist Locator through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (https://www.therapistlocator.net//), or through the American Association for Christian Counselors (https://connect.aacc.net/?search_type=distance). Danna also references Apria Healthcare but then realized later she said the wrong organization—it’s actually Acadia Healthcare (https://www.acadiahealthcare.com/programming-treatment/behavioral-health/).

This is a different episode and one that is a must-listen. Trevor is an adult who suffers from depression and suicidal ideation. Trevor was a middle school teacher and coach for my two oldest kids and went on to be a middle school principal. I can tell you from personal experience that Trevor was the teacher all the kids wanted for social studies—he was young, fun, cool, and energetic. But over the years the darkness started creeping in. Trevor helps us understand that even though a person can appear to have it all together, there is often a very different scenario going on inside. Trevor was at the top of his profession, being named National Digital Principal of the Year in 2021, when, for the sake of his mental health, he made a significant career move to the world of E-Sports. His passion for teaching and reaching kids through e-sports is inspiring, and he even gives us a glimpse into how e-sports can be a great activity for many kids.

I’m not sure how I hadn’t met Kristen before starting the podcast. My oldest two kids went to the same high school, and we have many mutual friends and acquaintances. My husband, Dan, is the one who introduced us. He knew Kristen would be willing to share their family’s story and that it would have a tremendous impact on those who hear it. Kristen’s story is one of fear, patience, endurance, love, and hope. It’s also another example of how the mental health battle is a journey—more of a marathon than a sprint. Kristin and her husband have gone to great lengths to help their son with his mental illness. You will no doubt be both impacted and encouraged by their journey.

I am so excited to bring you this special edition of the Just A Mom podcast. “The Brightest It’s Ever Been” is a play written by Kayli Slayden about living with anxiety. It is based on Kayli’s personal experience with anxiety and is being directed and produced by my son, Will. Like the Just A Mom podcast, Kayli hopes that by sharing her story through the medium of a play people will know that they are not alone and there is hope. The play is also a great way for those who have not struggled with anxiety to perhaps gain a new understanding of what it’s like to live with anxiety or other mental illnesses. If you are in the Kansas City area, I highly encourage you to come see The Brightest It’s Ever Been on December 28, 29, or 30 at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 8801 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS. 66207. You can reserve seats here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-brightest-its-ever-been-tickets-482084095507. You can also follow the play on Facebook or Instagram at the Brightest Play.

This is the second time I’ve interviewed Shana. Yes, this is the same Shana from episode 12, but in this episode, she shares from a personal perspective as the mom of a child with Tourette Syndrome.Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder (https://tourette.org/), but often those with Tourette also battle mental illness. Shana talks about the challenges of raising her son with Tourette syndrome and his accompanying mental health struggles.

Shana Burgess serves as the Director of Prevention and Community Relations for Johnson County Mental Health (https://www.jocogov.org/department/mental-health) in Johnson County, Kansas, which is a suburb of Kansas City and the largest county in the state of Kansas.Shana shares several valuable nuggets in this episode, my favorite of which is “You don’t have to wait until it’s crisis enough” to call 988. 988 is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and wants people to know that if you are concerned about someone, please call them.

Jamie and I were connected by a mutual friend five years ago when Jamie’s son entered an inpatient mental health hospital. Jamie was quickly trying to figure out next steps after his release. I’ve kept in touch with Jamie over the years and am glad to report her son is doing well and managing his mental illness successfully.In this episode, Jamie references her son’s call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and how it saved his life. If you or anyone you know needs help, please call 988. Remember, you don’t have to wait until it’s “crisis enough” to call.

Once again, #Zeroreasonswhy(www.zeroreasonswhy.org) is part of this podcast and this episode. They connected Carrie and me, and Carrie was excited to share her insights as an about-to-be therapist (now a fully licensed practicing therapist—https://www.theporchswingkc.com/).Carrie shares her own journey and how it propelled her to become a therapist. She also gives valuable insight and information for parents and caregivers on tween and teen mental health. You don’t want to miss this episodes and all of the valuable insights Carrie has to offer.Make sure you check out the Just A Mom podcast website at www.thejustamompodcast.com.

I met Melanie five years ago at the first You Matter Festival. She was there representing her son’s organization as part of the resource fair. There is always an immediate bond when two moms who have fought similar battles meet. And that was Melanie and me.Melanie was one of the first people I reached out to interview when I started the Just A Mom podcast. And she was more than willing to share their ongoing parenting journey. I know you will find this episode poignant, raw, real and helpful as you listen to Melanie’s story.Make sure you check out the Just A Mom podcast website at www.thejustamompodcast.com.

I’ve known Denise for several years. But we were typical women who would be social with each other, neither revealing anything other than “everyone is doing well” about our kids.A little over a year ago Denise and I were on a trip together. We started talking more deeply about our kids, and I learned for the first time that, like me, Denise had a child who struggles with clinical depression.Please listen as Denise shares some amazing insights and vulnerabilities on parenting a child with mental illness.Make sure you check out the Just A Mom podcast website at www.thejustamompodcast.com.

When my mother passed away recently, an acquaintance asked my husband if her name was Alice. That’s because Alice is my surrogate mom. I’ve known, loved, and been loved by Alice for 15 years. Ironically, I met Alice when 4-year-old Will went to her house (next door to ours) when we were moving in because he was bored. I knew some of her story as a mom of a struggling child but I learned a lot more when we sat down to talk about it.

I’ve known Kari for many years. She is the wife of my oldest son’s high school football coach. My son was very close to him, and his tragic and early death in 2017 rocked our community.Kari is one of the many parents who have called me over the past few years because her daughter was suicidal. Kari was also an early encourager of the Just A Mom podcast. Kari has chosen to use her pain and experience as a young widow to help others as a professional grief coach (https://karidriskell.com/). In our conversation Kari shares her daughter’s mental health journey and some of the ways losing her dad at such a young age impacted that.

I first encountered Dr. Shayla Sullivant, child and adolescent psychiatrist, four years ago. My husband and I attended a mental health event in our area, and Dr. Sullivant was there presenting her research on safe storage as well as the prepped and ready program. And then COVID happened. But like it was for some things, COVID was a blessing in disguise for Prepped and Ready. Dr. Sullivant took this opportunity to tap into many experts to create an amazing video series for parents. You can find them here (https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/learning-opportunities/prepped-and-ready/).Dr. Sullivant shares her insights and expertise with parents who have a child struggling. She also helps parents know what to do if they ever face issues, even if they aren’t presently.Make sure you visit the Just A Mom website at https://www.thejustamompodcast.com/.

I first met Stacy in august of 2021 when her daughter, Isabel, sang and spoke at the You Matter Festival (https://youmatterfestival.net/). We immediately bonded over the common experience of parenting a child with mental health issues.Stacy and Isabel have been wonderfully candid about Isabel’s battle with Anorexia and Bulimia. They shared Isabel’s struggle on a Kansas City new station (https://www.kmbc.com/amp/article/kc-teen-who-struggled-with-anorexia-for-years-talks-about-moment-she-finally-got-help/36467872).My conversation with Stacy was real and raw and can no doubt help someone.Eating disorders are on the rise due to the COVID pandemic (https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/eating-disorders-pandemic). Parents, please listen to Stacy share her unfiltered account of parenting a beautiful young woman with an eating disorder.

This episode is a continuation of Episode 2 with my husband, Dan. We talk about the You Matter Festival (www.youmatterfestival.net) that our son, Will, started, and how a little video I did for #ZeroReasonsWhy (www.zeroreasonswhy.org) was the impetus to the Just A Mom podcast. And, to be clear, our journey as parents of a child with mental illness isn’t over. Will has a chronic disease that needs continual monitoring and treatment. Make sure you check out the Just A Mom podcast website at www.thejustamompodcast.com.

The first 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 (www.youmatterfestial.net) and became a local teen spokesperson and advocate for mental health. Will is a musician, actor, 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.Will and I not only talk about his mental health struggles, but Will shares some solid insights from his perspective that I think all parents would benefit from hearing. I wish I had heard a lot of these things when my kids were little!Check out more about the Just A Mom Podcast at www.thejustamompodcast.com and make sure you follow @thejustamompodcast on Instagram and Facebook.

I felt like this episode was important to tell our story from my husband and my perspective. We talk about feeling like failures as parents, the isolation, challenges to our marriage and lots of other hard things. We share things we’ve learned along the way and how we managed the hardest, darkest days. This is the first of two episodes with Dan.During those hardest, darkest days I felt very alone. That is one of the reasons I started the Just A Mom podcast. I want you to know that you are not alone and there is hope. Make sure you check out my website at www.thejustamompodcast.com.

My name is Susie. I have three children, the youngest of whom struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. I never thought this could happen to me, and I missed the signs. Being a parent is really hard, and I'm here to help! I'm talking to parents and experts to help you with the issues your kids may face. I want you to know that you are not alone and there is hope. Check out more about the Just A Mom Podcast at www.thejustamompodcast.com and make sure you follow @thejustamompodcast on Instagram and Facebook.