The Conversation Every Parent With Mental Illness Should Hear

On this illuminating episode of Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama, Amy welcomes esteemed clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman for a heart-to-heart conversation about families navigating mental illness and trauma. Dr. Sherman shares powerful insights drawn from both her three decades of clinical experience and her longstanding collaboration with her mother, an educator and fellow mental health advocate. Together, they’ve co-authored a series of interactive books designed to help teens and adults thrive while supporting loved ones facing mental health challenges.

The discussion dives into the challenges families face around stigma, communication, and breaking cycles of self-blame, especially for teens with a parent living with a mental illness. Dr. Sherman offers practical advice—from when and how to talk to kids about mental health, to fostering resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The episode explores changes in societal attitudes over the past 20 years, the impact of social media on teens, and the evolving meaning of “recovery” in the mental health arena.

If you’re a parent, partner, or teen impacted by mental health, or a clinician seeking helpful resources, this episode is packed with wisdom, empathy, and actionable tools to spark hope and open up new pathways to well-being. Don’t miss Dr. Sherman’s perspective on why supporting families—rather than leaving them invisible—can be transformative, and learn about her latest books and free resources available at seedsofhopebooks.com.

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