Michelle is a mom living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD — and raising children diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, and DMDD. In this candid and compassionate episode, she describes how she juggles emotional overwhelm, fights toxic productivity, and clings to small moments of self-care. You’ll hear real strategies from her therapy sessions, how she recognizes early signs of a crash, and why talking to yourself with kindness matters. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep parenting through your own darkness, Michelle’s story will speak to you.Key Topics Discussed:Parenting with depression, anxiety, and ADHDRaising kids with OCD, ADHD, and DMDDFeeling physically and emotionally weighed down by depressionTherapist advice that actually helpsLearning to speak to yourself with compassionSetting boundaries and making space for your own needsManaging toxic productivity and self-worthThe power of naming what your soul needsCreating emotional check-in routines with your partnerThe importance of showing kids real coping strategiesTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:12 Parenting with Depression and Mental Illness in the Family02:12 Michelle’s Mental Health Journey Begins03:10 Physical and Emotional Experience of Depression04:14 Caring for Young Kids When You Feel Weighted Down05:40 Therapist Tips for Self-Care Amidst Chaos07:03 Learning to Speak Kindly to Yourself07:59 How Michelle Manages Intrusive Thoughts08:52 Daily Emotional Dump Strategy with Spouse09:41 Empathy as a Parenting Tool (and Challenge)10:22 Balancing Self-Care and Motherhood12:32 Early Warning Signs of a Depressive Episode14:03 Preparing During the “Good” Days15:35 ADHD and Depression: Coexisting Conditions16:59 Medication Helps — But It’s Not a Cure17:24 Micro-Actions to Shift Out of a Depressive Fog18:50 What’s Missing? Soul-Check Questions21:27 DMDD Explained (Childhood Mood Disorder)24:10 Toxic Productivity and Survival Mode25:41 “Pain is Pain” – Validating Emotional Struggles26:00 Closing: You're Not AloneExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/