2 days ago

Grieving a Child: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Hope After Suicide Loss

When you lose a child, everything changes. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, we meet Kristen Schindler, a courageous mother who shares her journey through the devastating loss of her 21-year-old son, Gavin, to suicide. Kristin opens up about navigating grief while parenting her other children, how undiagnosed physical and mental health issues played a hidden role, and the steps she’s taken to find healing, hope, and purpose.

If you're a parent terrified of missing warning signs or struggling to support a grieving family, Kristen’s story reminds us that love alone can't shield our kids from life's hardest battles—and that healing, while messy, is possible. This conversation offers real tools, deep compassion, and hope for anyone touched by loss.

Kristen Schindler is a passionate advocate for suicide awareness, a mother of faith, and a living example of resilience. Through her story, she helps other parents navigate the unimaginable with grace, honesty, and strength.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

  • Why even the most attentive parents can’t always predict or prevent teen suicide

  • How hidden physical health issues (like undiagnosed heart problems) can impact mental health

  • Why “grief masking” hurts more than it helps—and how to truly process loss

  • How to create new family traditions that honor lost loved ones and foster healing

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

  1. You can be a great parent and still face unimaginable loss: Kristen’s story removes shame and blame from grief.

  2. Physical health affects mental health: Undiagnosed conditions can silently worsen depression and anxiety.

  3. Grief isn't linear or tidy: Healing doesn't follow a timeline—and that's normal.

  4. "Grief masking" backfires: Hiding your pain for others' comfort only deepens long-term wounds.

  5. Honoring loved ones through new traditions brings hope: Small acts of kindness can keep memories alive and help families heal together.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Kristen Schindler

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 Navigating Grief: A Personal Journey
 03:02 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics
 06:04 Understanding Mental Health Challenges
 08:58 The Role of Faith in Healing
 11:59 The Complexity of Grief and Healing
 15:00 Lessons Learned from Loss
 18:14 The Importance of Open Communication
 21:04 Finding Joy Amidst Grief
 23:59 Empowering Parents in the Face of Loss
 32:06 Navigating Grief and Loss
 34:55 The Impact of Addiction on Families
 37:04 Finding Purpose in Pain
 39:54 The Importance of Community and Support
 43:14 Transforming Grief into Empathy
 48:00 Honoring Loved Ones Through Kindness
 52:39 Lessons for Parents in Grief

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.
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 #grievingaparent #suicidelossawareness

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