Get to know Bobbi and Her Inclusion Needs (Female, Queer, Autism, Parent, Trauma Survivor, Depression, Mental Illness)

Summary: Bobbi, a queer, autistic parent, and trauma survivor, shares her journey with mental illness, finding self-love, and creating a coaching program to empower others.

00:02 The podcast focuses on inclusivity and understanding diverse lived experiences. Dr. Liz interviews guests to explore their identities and inclusion needs for a more inclusive world where everyone thrives.
-Bobby’s diverse identities and commitment to making the world better for trauma survivors.
-Bobby’s unique career start in a children’s circus and the impact of creative programs in shaping her path.
-Bobby’s journey as a trauma survivor and the lack of support during her struggles with mental illness from a young age.

05:27 Experiencing trauma at home can lead to complex behaviors in teens, such as using anger or isolation as coping mechanisms, which may be misunderstood by teachers and impact their mental health and relationships.
-The importance of emotional connection and support for teens facing trauma at home, beyond what teachers can provide in a classroom setting.
-Different coping mechanisms exhibited by teens in response to trauma, such as using anger or isolation, and how these behaviors can be misinterpreted by teachers.
-The long-lasting impact of trauma on mental health, relationships, and daily life, even after being discharged from psychiatric care.

10:17 Bobbi shares their struggles with depression, homelessness, and navigating systems that failed to provide adequate help, highlighting the challenges faced due to neurodiversity and buried queer identity.
– Bobbi discusses the limitations of antidepressants and how only 30% of people find relief, questioning the focus solely on brain chemistry in treating depression.
-The impact of neurodiversity on Bobbi’s mental health is explored, emphasizing the challenges faced due to their autistic traits and how it affects their response to treatment.
– Bobbi reflects on burying their queer identity to fit in, leading to added depression, people-pleasing behavior, and the toll it takes on their physical and emotional well-being.

15:15 Depression can be a constant experience of physical and emotional pain, but learning to love oneself can be a game changer in overcoming it, as demonstrated by a therapist’s love and guidance.
-The importance of self-love in overcoming depression and the transformative impact of a therapist’s love and guidance.
-Behaviors healthcare professionals can demonstrate to show love and support to individuals struggling with mental health issues like consistency, presence, and empowerment.
-Challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum in understanding self-love and actions that can help build self-love and self-awareness.

20:19 Self-love and understanding what feels good are crucial for trauma survivors and neurodivergent individuals to reconnect with their bodies and heal, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
-Building relationships based on shared experiences like trauma can lead to deep connections and understanding, fostering healing and growth.
-Using inclusive terms like ‘queer’ creates a sense of belonging for individuals across the LGBTQI+ spectrum, promoting acceptance and unity within the community.

25:22 Empowering individuals struggling with mental health, regardless of their background, is crucial in aiding their recovery process, rather than dictating their next steps, fostering a supportive environment for growth and healing.
-The importance of recognizing and respecting gender identity separate from sexual identity, advocating for the inclusion and celebration of diverse identities within mental health fields.
-Overcoming challenges and stigma in the mental health field, transitioning from therapy to coaching to support trauma survivors, emphasizing the value of lived experiences in guiding others towards healing.
-Encouraging empowerment and support for individuals facing depression, whether as a therapist, family member, friend, or educator, by empowering them to navigate their journey out of darkness.