This interview was first published on Mormon Stories in August of 2011. It is now being rebroadcast here on Mormon Mental Health Podcast.
In this episode, Natasha Helfer Parker anonymously interviews a mother/son duo about the unique challenges of experiencing mental illness as an active Mormon family. Mother and son candidly discuss what they went through as she faced a nervous breakdown, comorbidity of several diagnoses including cancer, suicidality and her history of sexual abuse during her childhood. Discussion on how their Mormon faith both helped and hindered aspects of their healing is broached as well as thoughts and direction for others who may be facing similar situations.
Trigger Warning regarding discussions surrounding suicidal ideation/attempt and sexual abuse.
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Natasha Helfer Parker runs a private practice in Wichita, KS and writes at The Mormon Therapist for Patheos: Hosting the Conversation of Faith.
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