Additional Resources
The Realities of Youth Homelessness
In the U.S., 4.2 million youth experience homelessness every year. Around 700,000 of those youth are unaccompanied, meaning they are not in the care of their parents and caregivers. In Minnesota, over 13,000 unaccompanied young people experience homelessness in a year. That’s a lot of kids without safe shelter!
Sarah LaBrie’s Mom Had Severe Mental Illness So Sarah Had to Figure Out Her Past and Her Future
Sarah LaBrie reflects on growing up with a mother living with severe mental illness, including psychosis and schizophrenia, and the impact it had on her life. Supported by her grandmother and aunt, Sarah navigated childhood instability, complex family relationships, and the long-term effects of trauma.
Honoring My Kids’ Roots in a Multicultural Family
Foster and adoptive parent Cherie Johnson shares her journey of raising a multicultural family, honoring her children’s diverse cultural roots through language, traditions, mentors, and connection. She reflects on the challenges, joys, and intentional efforts it takes to help every child feel seen, valued, and loved.
Comedian Maria Bamford Loved Her Parents, Learned From Them, Makes Fun of Them
Comedian and author Maria Bamford reflects on growing up with loving parents who did their best to support her through bipolar II, OCD, and intrusive thoughts—despite not having the mental health awareness we have today. Maria shares how their compassion, humor, and willingness to adapt shaped her life and continues to influence her work, including the way she lovingly (and hilariously) portrays them in her comedy.
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health While Keeping Cultural Identity with Vivien Lee
Vivien Lee recalls the first inklings of an existential crisis when she was eight years old. As she grew older, Vivien endured severe trauma. As the oldest of several children in a family that was part of Minnesota’s Hmong community, mental health was not something that was discussed in her family.
Supporting Mental Health Across Cultures
For care professionals, providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support means taking the time to understand each person’s unique background. By approaching these differences with curiosity rather than judgment, professionals can build trust, foster meaningful connections, and communicate more effectively.
Gender Identity and Mental Health in the Family with Aaron and Asher
Dr. Michelle K. Murray sits down with her brother Aaron and nephew Asher to discuss Asher’s journey with depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how discovering his gender dysphoria helped him find clarity and self-acceptance. Aaron shares how he and Asher’s mom supported him along the way, guiding him toward a more peaceful and confident place.
Ana Marie Cox on Alcohol and Having to Become Your Parent’s Parent
Journalist and podcaster Ana Marie Cox opens up about growing up too soon — taking care of her alcoholic mother, navigating divorce, and facing her own struggles with addiction. In this powerful conversation with Dr. Michelle K. Murray, Ana shares how she turned pain into purpose, finding healing, sobriety, and peace with her past.