S1:E2 | Childhood Back Story

In this episode of MENTALk, I start from the beginning, sharing my story. I talk about growing up, constantly moving from place to place, and living through some really tough times. We moved a lot when I was young, going from state to state, and I remember how hard it was to make friends and feel settled. My mom was diagnosed with CIDP, a condition that made it hard for her to walk and work, and my dad struggled with alcohol.

As a kid, I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals with my mom, and it was tough seeing her health decline. Eventually, my family got split up when Child Protective Services took me and my brother away. We ended up in foster care, moving from one house to another, and it felt like I was separated from my whole world. That experience changed me, and for a long time, I was angry at the world and just wanted to be back with my family.

But over time, we were able to reunite, and things got a little better, though there were still ups and downs. We went through a lot as a family, from my mom's health struggles to financial hardships, to dealing with the trauma of it all. I talk about what it was like going to school, trying to get through the day, and even simple things like going shopping with my mom in her wheelchair.

This episode is just the beginning of my story—there’s a lot more to share about the challenges we faced and the journey that shaped who I am today. I hope by sharing this, it helps someone out there feel a little less alone.