Jenn Robb on Supporting a Child Through Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts

Trigger Notice

This episode contains discussions of child mental health, self-harm, sexual assault, suicidal ideation, and mental health crises involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.
If you’re outside the U.S., visit https://findahelpline.com to find resources in your country.

When Jenn Robb’s daughter was just 12 years old, subtle changes turned into terrifying realities—crippling anxiety, depression, self-harm, and a moment that nearly took her child’s life. What followed wasn’t a clean, linear healing journey, but a relentless fight fueled by intuition, love, and a mother’s refusal to give up. In this raw and deeply human episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Jenn to talk about what it truly means to parent through a child’s mental health crisis—and how survival sometimes comes before understanding.

Kicking off this robust conversation, Jenn discusses the warning signs many parents miss, the unbearable tension between protecting your child and not pushing them away, and the hard decisions no parent ever expects to make. From navigating therapy and medication to learning when to speak—and when to remain silent—this episode offers honesty, clarity, and hope for parents walking similar paths. If you’ve ever felt afraid, overwhelmed, or unsure how to help your child without losing yourself, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

 

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3 million downloads and counting.

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Mental Health Quote

“You’re allowed to feel what you feel—but you don’t get to stay stuck there.”
— Jenn Robb

Episode Description

What do you do when your child is hurting—and won’t tell you why? For Jenn Robb, nurse practitioner, author, and Warrior Mom coach, that question became her reality when her daughter began struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-harm at just 12 years old. In this profoundly moving episode, Jenn joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share what it looks like to fight for your child’s life while learning how to respond instead of react.

Jenn walks us through the warning signs parents often second-guess, the importance of trusting your intuition, and why finding the right therapist can take time—and persistence. She speaks candidly about advocacy within the mental health system, pushing back against overmedication, and why “fixing it” isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, love looks like restraint. Sometimes, it’s a code word and a piece of cake instead of questions.

This conversation also highlights the caregiver’s experience—the burnout, the guilt, the loss of identity, and the slow realization that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Jenn shares practical tools for parents in the trenches, reminders that perfection isn’t required, and proof that healing is possible—even after unimaginable fear.

This episode is for parents, caregivers, and anyone who loves a child navigating mental health challenges. You are not failing. You are not alone. And you are stronger than you think.

SEO Keywords: Jenn Robb, child mental health, parenting anxiety, childhood depression, suicidal thoughts in kids, self-harm awareness, parenting through crisis, caregiver burnout, mental health advocacy, therapy for teens, suicide prevention, Warrior Mom

Meet Our Guest — Jenn Robb

Jenn Robb is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in functional and integrative medicine, author of Warrior Mom Rising, and founder of Warrior Mom Coaching. Through faith, practical tools, and unapologetic honesty, Jenn helps moms move from burnout to clarity, confidence, and hope while advocating for their children’s mental health.

Website: https://warriormomcoach.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriormom_jennrobb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15ue2hq9PL/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-robb-msn-aprn-acnp-c-fim-p-fmp-c-346992106

Key Takeaways

• Trust your intuition—you often notice changes before your child can explain them.
• Advocacy sometimes means pushing back against “quick fixes.”
• The right therapist matters more than the first available one.
• Love doesn’t always look loud; sometimes it’s a quiet presence.
• Caregivers need care too—burnout helps no one.
• Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.

Actionable Items

• Create a code word with your child to signal “I need support, not questions.”
• If therapy isn’t helping, give yourself permission to find a better fit.
• Take 10 minutes a day to do something that restores you—no guilt required.

Important Chapters

• 00:02:30 – Early warning signs parents often dismiss
• 00:09:45 – Discovering self-harm and navigating fear
• 00:17:30 – The moment everything changed
• 00:25:10 – Advocacy, therapy, and medication conversations
• 00:34:40 – Supporting without pushing
• 00:41:20 – Caregiver burnout and self-care realities
• 00:48:00 – Warrior Mom tools for everyday survival

Closing CTA

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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #ChildMentalHealth #ParentingThroughCrisis #SuicidePrevention #SelfHarmAwareness #CaregiverSupport #TeenMentalHealth #WarriorMom #AnxietyInKids #DepressionAwareness

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If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

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