207: Raising A Child With Special Needs With Heather Hutchison

Heather’s life changed drastically when her son began struggling with mental illness issues as a very young child. When he was three, she found herself sitting across from his doctor, as he recommended psychiatric hospitalization. This was the first but not the last time she’d had to do something similar as a result of the extreme behavior and violence that she attempted to manage everyday. All along the way her own guilt around the situation was compounded by other people trying to suggest what was happening was in some way her fault. What followed were 13 hospitalizations, each promising that life would move towards something more “normal”, but the problems remained upon each return. Eventually after some particularly explosive incidents, her son was admitted to a residential treatment program at age 15. She felt such complicated emotions. She didn’t want him in that setting, and she also felt immense guilt because she felt a sense of relief. She prayed that maybe someone there would be able to help. What followed was deep depression and a grief process that was incredibly complex all while trying to do what was right for her son and her other children. Today, she and her son have a great relationship and Heather uses her story to help other families not feel so alone in a situation that can feel as lonely as anything. She also shares her story with teachers, clinicians and parents in order to help them understand the unique limitations of families going through something similar. Tune In To Learn About: A Mother's Journey: Tune in to learn about Heather's profound journey as a mother, whose life was turned upside down when her young son began struggling with mental health issues. The Search for Help: Discover Heather's experiences as she sought help for her son's extreme behavior and violence at a very young age, and how this was just the beginning of a long and challenging path. Navigating Guilt and Judgment: Explore the complex emotions Heather faced, compounded by guilt and external judgments that made her situation even more difficult. The Healing Journey: Today, Heather and her son have a strong relationship, and she uses her experience to support other families facing similar situations. Discover how her story helps combat the isolation that often accompanies such struggles. To find other similar episodes by topic, click here. Connect with Heather TikTok | @heatherhutchison4 Instagram | @hhutchgirl Email | Email Heather Ready to Begin Your Recovery Journey? Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use. Already in recovery, find an online support community. Connect with The Courage to Change Podcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcast Podcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcast YouTube | The Courage to Change Podcast TikTok | @ashleyloebblassingame Podcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcast Lionrock Resources Lionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-app Support Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings