Renee M. on Childhood Trauma, Mental Health, and Emotional Growth
Therapy is great, therapy is awesome, but you can't call your therapist in between sessions and say: could you come over and hug me or could we go out to dinner because I need someone to talk to.
Picture growing up in a household where you had to be your own support system. That's exactly what Renee M. experienced. In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin chats with Renee, a 31-year-old PhD, about her journey through a tumultuous childhood and its lasting effects on her mental health and emotional development. Raised by a passive mother and a father with a gambling addiction, Renee learned early on that she couldn't rely on anyone but herself.
This upbringing left her grappling with issues of trust, intimacy, and the ability to ask for help. Renee candidly shares how these challenges have shaped her life and discusses the importance of therapy in her healing process. She emphasizes that while therapy is invaluable, it's crucial to set boundaries to protect oneself. The conversation also touches on the pressures of academia and the complexities of balancing professional success with mental well-being.
Renee's story is a raw and honest look at the long-term impact of childhood trauma and the ongoing journey toward emotional growth. Tune in to hear more about her experiences and insights, and perhaps find some solace and understanding in your own struggles.