THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Advocating for Autistics, One Story at a Time

Episode 283-Turning Adversity into Advocacy: Carolyn Sophia's Story of Resilience and Mental Health

• Sara Gullihur-Bradford aka SJ Childs • Season 12 • Episode 283
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How do you turn a life-threatening accident and a struggle with mental health into a story of hope and resilience? The incredible Carolyn Sophia joins us on The SJ Childs Show to share her journey of overcoming a nonverbal learning disability, anxiety, and depression. Carolyn's life took a dramatic turn during her senior year of college after surviving a car accident, which became a pivotal moment for her to start advocating for mental health. Her story is a testament to the power of self-worth and the importance of how we treat others, even in the face of societal beauty standards.

Carolyn takes us through her profound journey of resilience and self-acceptance. Following her accident and a previous suicide attempt, she experienced a sense of divine intervention and gratitude that led her to write the book "Unbreakable." This book became her way of providing hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. We discuss how writing became a cathartic process for Carolyn, allowing her to highlight alarming youth mental health statistics and foster a message that life is worth living. Her story is a powerful reminder of overcoming societal pressures, especially those amplified by social media.

Managing social media usage for teens is a unique challenge, and Carolyn offers her insights from a parent's perspective. We explore strategies for setting boundaries and teaching self-regulation to teens, emphasizing the importance of real-life interactions. Carolyn shares her ideas of parenting while being neurodivergent and highlights the evolution of parent-child relationships. The conversation underscores the importance of open communication and validation of feelings to foster mutual respect and trust. Finally, we reflect on the passion for storytelling and the impact of sharing personal experiences through podcasting, aiming to inspire and connect with others. Join us for an inspiring episode that showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.

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