In this powerful episode of 'Navigating Mental Illness: Parent Stories,' hosts Bill Nowicki and Laura Nowicki welcome Kim, a resilient mother who shares her emotional and challenging journey navigating her daughter's bipolar disorder. Kim recounts her struggles from initial denial to becoming a fierce advocate for her daughter's health, detailing episodes of crisis, multiple hospitalizations, and exploring alternative treatments. As she discusses setting firm boundaries and the importance of self-care, listeners will gain invaluable insights into the complexities of mental health within a family dynamic. Join us for an inspiring conversation about love, resilience, and the ongoing fight for mental wellness.

00:00 AI Edits from NMIPS Kim

01:41 Kim's Background and Career

02:17 Family and Personal Life

04:07 Challenges with Mental Health

05:34 Kim's daughter's Struggles and Episodes

07:50 Seeking Help and Rehabilitation

15:02 Recent Developments and Reflections

22:02 A Mother's Unwavering Love

22:30 The Struggles of Long-Distance Support

23:53 Setting Boundaries for Healing

28:15 The Importance of Self-Care

38:04 Finding New Beginnings

42:14 Reflections and Future Plans

In this episode of Navigating Mental Illness: Parents Stories, the hosts interview Sarah Boes, who shares her compelling journey from rural Kentucky to becoming a nurse practitioner and a mother. Sarah details her daughter's diagnosis with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, and discusses the emotional highs and lows from selling her business to managing her daughter's multiple surgeries.

She opens up about her personal mental health challenges, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Sarah stresses the importance of being a strong advocate for one's child and highlights the crucial role of collaboration with medical teams. Additionally, she talks about her advocacy work for congenital heart disease, aiming to improve future care and outcomes for affected children. The episode offers invaluable insights into coping with uncertainty, managing mental health, and the resilience needed in the face of life's unpredictable challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:27 Meet Sarah Boes: A Journey from Kentucky to Nursing

04:08 Navigating Pregnancy and Unexpected Diagnoses

06:07 Understanding Tetralogy of Fallot and Early Surgeries

08:25 Mental Health Challenges and OCD Diagnosis

15:19 Coping Mechanisms and Family Dynamics

22:18 Advocacy and Future Goals

33:12 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

1. Early Signs: Mary noticed her son's unusual behavior at 18 months old, which progressed to intense meltdowns and rages as he got older.
2. Diagnosis and Treatment: After trying various therapies and medications, Mary's son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He has been on lithium, which has helped stabilize his mood.
3. Parenting Challenges: Mary and her husband have had to adapt their parenting style to meet their son's unique needs, including setting boundaries, providing structure, and seeking support from therapists and support groups.
4. Impact on the Family: The family has faced numerous challenges, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and trauma. However, they have also experienced moments of hope, love, and connection.
5. Self-Care and Support: Mary emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking support from friends, family, and therapists, and finding ways to manage stress and anxiety.
6. Hope for the Future: Mary hopes that by sharing her family's story, she can help others who may be facing similar challenges. She also hopes to help her son develop coping skills and strategies to manage his mental health.
7. Giving Back: Mary is pursuing a certification in mental health coaching and hopes to help other families navigate their own mental health journeys.

• Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.
• Early intervention and diagnosis are crucial in managing mental health conditions.
• Parenting a child with mental health challenges requires adaptability, patience, and self-care.
• Seeking support from therapists, support groups, and loved ones is essential for navigating the journey.
• Hope and resilience can help families cope with the challenges of mental health conditions.

• The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene