Episode 160: He Never Let Go: Growing Up with Mental Health, Surviving Chaos, and Finding Freedom Through Faith (featuring Pamela Waggoner)

What does it mean to grow up loving a parent whose mind is at war with reality?In this powerful episode, Pamela Waggoner shares the deeply personal story behind her book, He Never Let Go: Overcoming the Trauma of Mental Illness with God's Love. Pamela opens up about her childhood with a mother living with paranoid schizophrenia and a father overwhelmed by exhaustion and responsibility.She reflects on the survival strategies she developed — perfectionism, achievement, relentless activity — and how those coping mechanisms eventually led to emotional collapse. What looked like strength on the outside was masking unaddressed trauma and deep self-blame.This conversation explores:The hidden impact of parental mental illness on childrenWhat happens when treatment separates familiesPerfectionism and productivity as trauma responsesThe unexpected people who become lifelinesWriting as a path toward sibling healingReleasing blame and embracing compassionFaith, surrender, and discovering that you were never alonePamela’s message is clear: you do not have to carry burdens that were never yours. Freedom is possible. Healing is possible. And love — even in the darkest seasons — never lets go.About the Guest:In this gripping and heartfelt memoir, "He Never Let Go", Pamela, always trying to survive and had no time to dream takes you on an emotional journey through the depths of childhood trauma and the healing power of faith. From a young age, Pamela faced unimaginable challenges, enduring a childhood marked by neglect, rejection and emotional pain.  Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged - a relationship with Jesus Christ. As Pamela shares her story of resilience and redemption, she vividly recounts the harrowing moments that shaped her early years, painting a raw and honest portrait of the impact of emotional trauma.Links:Website: https://www.pamelawaggonergood.com/ Book:https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=Bs2zQkmAhxcHn7xi9o7pnOninhM7VjSRYc2y7Zl9rV7 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ9N19Z8?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_ZCWFXJWMHGCHPPJHKGNM&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_ZCWFXJWMHGCHPPJHKGNM&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_ZCWFXJWMHGCHPPJHKGNM&bestFormat=true Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail [email protected] podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education.  Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost.  Listen to an episode.  Take a quiz.  Complete an eval.  Earn a certificate.  Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-educationTalking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier.  This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery.  Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field.  Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery.  Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.