Episode 39, Michelle’s Story

Healing What Hurt In this episode, Michelle shares her journey through bullying, identity struggles, unhealthy relationships, marriage repair, grief, and personal healing. As a first-generation Filipino American, she reflects on navigating cultural expectations, childhood shame, and insecurity, and how unaddressed wounds carried into adulthood, relationships, and marriage. Michelle discusses surviving a manipulative and emotionally abusive relationship, and how unresolved trauma later threatened the stability of a healthy marriage. Michelle also opens up about losing her mother during COVID and the complicated grief that followed, including a moment that reshaped her understanding of healing, faith, and hope. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes boundaries, counseling, personal responsibility, and the importance of healing in order to build healthy relationships and communities. Her story speaks to those learning to move beyond survival patterns, people-pleasing, and one-sided relationships—and choosing growth without being defined by the past. Your Host: Angie Sedore Our Guest: Michelle Carey Trigger Warning This episode includes discussions of bullying, emotional abuse, narcissistic relationships, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, death of a parent, marital conflict, and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast. Disclaimer The Survivor’s Voice Podcast provides a platform for survivors to share their personal stories in their own words. The views, opinions, and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Survivor’s Voice, its hosts, or production team. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you are struggling, please seek help from a qualified professional. What to Expect: · Growing up with cultural pressure and childhood bullying · The lasting impact of insecurity and unhealed trauma · Surviving narcissistic abuse and gaslighting · Anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional burnout · Marriage breakdown, counseling, and rebuilding trust · Grief, faith struggles, and losing a parent during COVID · Setting boundaries and letting go of unhealthy relationships · Healing yourself to become a healthy part of community Key Takeaways: · Unhealed wounds often resurface in our closest relationships · Boundaries are an act of protection, not punishment · Growth requires self-reflection, not blame-shifting · Healing yourself changes the quality of every relationship · Community thrives when individuals are willing to do the inner work Stay Connected www.thesurvivorsvoice.net @TheSurvivorsVoicePodcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok If Michelle’s story moved you, please share this episode and help us bring awareness to hidden struggles and unseen strength. New episodes every Tuesday. Please follow our show, leave us a 5-star rating, and a review. Do you have a story to share? Contact: [email protected] Together, we remind survivors everywhere: Your story matters. Produced & Edited by Krystina Elder | YouTube: @ElderHouseMedia A Special Thank You to Our Sponsor: Safe Harbor Supporting survivors with compassion and care. https://safeharborforfreedom.com Special Thanks to Dan Wise | YouTube: @NorthIdahoPodcastProductions Bowman Carter | YouTube: @BowmanCarterMusic | Spotify: Bowman Carter