Episode Details

Teen anxiety, depression, and self-harm aren’t abstract headlines—they’re inside our homes. In this direct conversation on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty talks with Jennifer (Jen) Robb—nurse practitioner, author of Warrior Mom Rising, and mom—about recognizing early signals, navigating counselors and crisis moments, and why moms must stop burning out in silence. You’ll learn practical first steps (10–15 minute daily self-care, nutrition, sunlight, movement), what effective CBT work really looks like, and how to support your teen without trying to “fix” their pain for them. This is a grounded roadmap for parents who need clarity, not clichés.

 About the guest   :

Jennifer Robb is a nurse practitioner, coach, and author of Warrior Mom Rising. Her work equips mothers navigating teen mental-health challenges with practical tools, community, and faith-informed resilience. Learn more at warriormomcoach.net.

Key takeaways:

• Early signs matter: withdrawal from family, loss of interest in loved activities, and isolation can precede deeper struggles—notice patterns, not one-offs.

• When crisis hits, act fast: medical evaluation, labs, and professional support save lives; follow with a structured care plan.

• Moms can’t pour from empty cups: sustained caregiving without recovery time leads to burnout; schedule 10–15 minutes daily for your own regulation (music, quiet car time, sunlight, short walk).

• Support, don’t “solve”: you can love, encourage, and coordinate care, but your teen must choose to engage in healing; release guilt for not “fixing” it.

• CBT and trauma work are hard—and effective: guided exposure and skill-building help retrain thought patterns and reduce triggers over time.

• Hope with discipline: change can take months or years; hold purpose, track small wins, and keep routines simple and repeatable.

• Community reduces shame: find values-aligned groups (peer moms, faith or secular) that provide practical support and perspective.

• Model healthy basics: nutrition, sleep, movement, and light exposure support both caregiver and teen nervous systems.

• Redefine strength: strength is steady presence, clear boundaries, and consistent follow-through—not carrying your child’s pain.

 Connect with the guest:   

• Website & resources: warriormomcoach.net

• Private Facebook community for moms: linked on her website

• Book: Warrior Mom Rising (link on website)

If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, please know you are not alone.
In the U.S., dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, available 24/7.
   

If you’re outside the U.S., please look up the local hotlines in your country or visit https://findahelpline.com/ for international crisis resources.  <