Grieving a Child: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Hope After Suicide Loss

When you lose a child, everything changes. In this powerful episode of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam, we meet Kristen Schindler, a courageous mother who shares her journey through the devastating loss of her 21-year-old son, Gavin, to suicide. Kristin opens up about navigating grief while parenting her other children, how undiagnosed physical and mental health issues played a hidden role, and the steps she’s taken to find healing, hope, and purpose.

If you're a parent terrified of missing warning signs or struggling to support a grieving family, Kristen’s story reminds us that love alone can't shield our kids from life's hardest battles—and that healing, while messy, is possible. This conversation offers real tools, deep compassion, and hope for anyone touched by loss.

Kristen Schindler is a passionate advocate for suicide awareness, a mother of faith, and a living example of resilience. Through her story, she helps other parents navigate the unimaginable with grace, honesty, and strength.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why even the most attentive parents can’t always predict or prevent teen suicide
• How hidden physical health issues (like undiagnosed heart problems) can impact mental health
• Why “grief masking” hurts more than it helps—and how to truly process loss
• How to create new family traditions that honor lost loved ones and foster healing

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

1. You can be a great parent and still face unimaginable loss: Kristen’s story removes shame and blame from grief.
2. Physical health affects mental health: Undiagnosed conditions can silently worsen depression and anxiety.
3. Grief isn't linear or tidy: Healing doesn't follow a timeline—and that's normal.
4. "Grief masking" backfires: Hiding your pain for others' comfort only deepens long-term wounds.
5. Honoring loved ones through new traditions brings hope: Small acts of kindness can keep memories alive and help families heal together.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Free Space for Grace Workbook
• Gavin’s Celebration of Life Tribute Watch on YouTube

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Kristen Schindler

• Website: www.kristenleeschindler.com
• Facebook: @kristen.schindler.3
• Instagram: @all.the.things.kls
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-schindler-2a8b755/
• YouTube: @kristenschindler9786e

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 Navigating Grief: A Personal Journey 03:02 The Impact of Loss on Family Dynamics 06:04 Understanding Mental Health Challenges 08:58 The Role of Faith in Healing 11:59 The Complexity of Grief and Healing 15:00 Lessons Learned from Loss 18:14 The Importance of Open Communication 21:04 Finding Joy Amidst Grief 23:59 Empowering Parents in the Face of Loss 32:06 Navigating Grief and Loss 34:55 The Impact of Addiction on Families 37:04 Finding Purpose in Pain 39:54 The Importance of Community and Support 43:14 Transforming Grief into Empathy 48:00 Honoring Loved Ones Through Kindness 52:39 Lessons for Parents in Grief

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Cas