The moment your teenager rolls their eyes, retreats to their room, or responds with a dismissive "whatever" can trigger something deep and primal within you. That feeling of invisibility, of being taken for granted after all you've sacrificed – it's a universal parental wound that cuts especially deep for those of us raising adolescents through mental health crises.
In this raw, heartfelt conversation, we explore what happens when our teenagers need space from us and how their natural biological drive to separate often reawakens our own core wounds. We share vulnerable stories from our personal parenting journeys – from throwing Tupperware in frustration to exploding when a simple request for help with dishes is ignored – and discuss how these very human moments become opportunities for growth and connection when followed by genuine repair.
For parents of adolescents with mental health challenges, the landscape becomes even more complex. How do we maintain appropriate boundaries without sending messages that our children are broken or incapable? When is it worth enforcing expectations, and when might we need to adapt our approach to meet our teenagers where they are? We tackle these questions with nuance, offering perspectives gained through years of navigating depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality with our own children.
At the heart of this episode is a powerful message about strengthening your own life force as a parent. Drawing from Phil Stutz's pyramid model, we explore how nurturing your relationship with your body, building meaningful connections, and developing self-understanding through contemplative practices creates the foundation needed to parent sensitive young people through crisis.
Whether you're in the thick of adolescent struggles or preparing for the journey ahead, this conversation offers both practical tools and the comforting reminder that you're not alone. Your experiences matter, your feelings are valid, and with the right support, both you and your teenager can emerge from these challenging years with deeper connection and resilience.

TERI
Website: https://teripotter.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teripottercoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teripottercoach

[email protected]

CATHERINE
Website: https://www.collaborative-insights.com/conscious-coaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collaborative_insights_coach/

[email protected]

Resources:
- Conscious Parenting (Dr. Shefali Tsabary)
- Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Maté, Sat Dharam Kaur)
Here are a few international resources:

• United States: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741
• United Kingdom: Samaritans: 116 123
• Canada: Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
• Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• International Helplines: Please visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html for a full list of helplines worldwide.
• https://www.helpguide.org/find-help

Please remember, there is always support available, and reaching out can be the first step in finding help. You are not alone, and support is there for you and your family.