Brett Helsham - co-founder of the Luka Shai Foundation, had a blast speaking with Iván Martínez Dunckerand Karen Morici on Glycoast with my co-guest @albertfreedman https://lnkd.in/eqRbAzQ5 . The roll of parent is hard enough - so stressful that the Surgeon General just issued an advisory on the mental health of parents!!! Adding a child with a rare disease and special needs creates a special dynamic that can be especially tough to navigate - not just as a parent, but between siblings and your spouse. It was a privilege to share my own journey as having a child with a rare disease sandwiched between two "typical" children, how my perception of what it means to parent has changed, and most importantly, (and on world mental health day no less!) how speaking to therapists and getting on SSRI's helped get my mental health back on track so I could make the space, not just for myself, but for my children. Oxygen mask firsts! Take a listen! xx https://lnkd.in/eq3iCTHV
Joining us in this episode of Glycocast are two incredible guests: Brett Helsham, a mom navigating the world of rare diseases and a growing family, and Dr. Albert Freedman (https://lnkd.in/gp4hc6-s), a practicing child and family psychologist, advocate, and rare disease dad. Brett, Dr. Al and my co-host Karen Morici, bring valuable insights and personal stories about balancing family life, advocacy, and self-care. We’re thrilled to share their perspectives on returning to our passions, even as life grows more complex. In this episode we will explore the intersection of family, personal growth, and the complex realities of living with rare disorders when your family grows. Together we will share experiences and advice on managing the challenges and rewards of balancing parenthood and self-care in the context of rare diseases, particularly when you are managing the arrival of a new family member where joy but also chaos meet face to face. https://lnkd.in/griK4qMEq