Dealing with the Resentment and Shame of Inheriting a Genetic Disease

Mental Health Awareness Month + 4 Years of Us

In this episode, Erika reflects on Mental Health Awareness Month while celebrating four years of her podcast’s journey. Erika opens up about the personal growth, healing, vulnerability, and challenges that shaped both her life and the creation of the show, sharing how the podcast became a safe space for honest conversations around mental health, trauma, self-discovery, and resilience. Through heartfelt reflections and gratitude for her listeners, she reminds audiences that healing is not linear, vulnerability is powerful, and no one has to struggle alone. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood [http://betterhelp.com/themisunderstood] For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

Mental Health Support in the Deaf Community: Interview with Dr. Anna Lim

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Anna Lim, a lecturer in Deaf Studies at the Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Together, they explore the realities of navigating mental health care as a Deaf individual and unpack the systemic barriers that continue to impact access, equity, and culturally responsive support. Resources:  * Deaf LEAD – Free mental health and crisis support for Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and late-deafened individuals, including crisis intervention, trauma-informed counseling, emotional support, and referrals to additional services. * The DeafYes! Center – Provides Deaf-centered addiction and mental health counseling, research-informed services, and community outreach, with ASL-fluent therapists and accessible care options. * My Deaf Therapy – ASL-fluent therapists offering culturally responsive counseling for concerns such as anxiety, trauma, ADHD, relationships, and addiction, with nationwide telehealth options. * National Deaf Therapy – Network of Deaf-affirming therapists providing accessible mental health services designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, often through telehealth and ASL-accessible care (commonly referenced as a Deaf-friendly therapy provider). This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood [http://betterhelp.com/themisunderstood] For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

Dealing with the Resentment and Shame of Inheriting a Genetic Disease: Interview with Lori Jones

In this episode, Erika discusses genetic uncertainty, resilience, and the emotional realities of Huntington’s Disease with Lori Jones. Author and advocate Lori Jones joins the show to share insights from her memoir Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve and her lived experience growing up in a family affected by HD. Together, they explore stigma, secrecy, caregiving, and the psychological impact of hereditary illness, as well as how communication, kindness, and storytelling can create connection and reduce shame. This episode offers a compassionate look at courage, identity, and the power of speaking openly about difficult truths. Lori's Website: https://lorijoneswrites.com/ Lori's Book: https://lorijoneswrites.com/books This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood [http://betterhelp.com/themisunderstood] For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

Dealing with the Resentment and Shame of Inheriting a Genetic Disease

In this episode, Erika discusses the deeply emotional and often unspoken realities of inheriting or living in a family with a genetic disease — specifically the resentment, shame, and identity shifts that can come with living under a diagnosis or genetic risk. Grounded in both lived experience and psychological research, this conversation explores how inherited conditions can affect not only the body, but relationships, self-perception, and emotional wellbeing. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood [http://betterhelp.com/themisunderstood] For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Family Trauma: Interview with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz — clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of Post Traumatic Parenting — to explore how generational trauma shapes families and what it takes to break the cycle. They discuss the subtle patterns that can pass from one generation to the next, why breaking them can feel so challenging, and practical ways parents and caregivers can foster healthier, more connected relationships. Dr. Koslowitz also clears up common misconceptions about trauma-informed parenting and shares insights to help families heal with intention, compassion, and emotional safety.  Dr. Robyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.koslowitzpsychology/ Linktree: linktr.ee/dr.koslowitzpsychology Book: Post Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted To Be This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood [http://betterhelp.com/themisunderstood] For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com