From Guilt to Grace: Parenting When Your Mental Health Is Suffering - with Marie Vakakis

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Dr. Jodi Richardson sits down with accredited mental health social worker and couples/family therapist Marie Vakakis to discuss a challenge every parent faces: how do we support our children when we're struggling ourselves? Marie shares practical strategies for parents who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or burnt out. From the importance of self-compassion to finding the right words to communicate with your family, this episode offers permission to be human while still showing up for those we love. Key topics include: Why self-compassion is the essential first step when you're struggling How to stop masking your emotions and start naming them (without oversharing) Simple phrases you can use to set boundaries and communicate your needs The hidden cost of the "I'm fine" response Why showing vulnerability actually builds connection with your children Practical tips for starting small when you've never talked about emotions before Marie also shares insights about the dangerous fantasy of needing a "break" so badly that minor injury seems appealing—and what this really signals about our need for rest and support. Whether you're navigating a difficult season or simply feeling the weight of daily life, this conversation offers both validation and practical tools for moving forward with more openness and less guilt. Guest Bio: Marie Vakakis is an accredited mental health social worker and couples and family therapist. She runs The Therapy Hub in Footscray, Melbourne, and hosts two podcasts: "This Complex Life" and "Inside Social Work."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.