Season 5, Episode 1: Will Gurley

Introduction: Welcome to a special episode of the "Just A Mom" podcast, where we kick off Season Five with a heartfelt and personal update. In today's episode, Susie is excited to be joined in the studio by a very special guest – her son, Will. As Susie expresses her joy at having Will home for the recording, the focus of this episode is centered around providing listeners with a detailed and intimate update on Will's life.School Journey:Will details his transition from Shenandoah Conservatory to Mid-American University, studying acting and directing, and anticipated graduation next year.Will reflects on his time at TCU, the decision to transfer to Shenandoah, and the challenges he faced with anxiety and social circles.Shenandoah Experience:Will discusses feeling isolated and the impact on his mental health.Will candidly opens up about his ongoing mental health struggles, highlighting that transferring to Shenandoah didn't eliminate the challenges.Support and Intervention:Susie intervenes after Will expresses depression, ensuring his safety and exploring therapy and medication adjustments.Will's psychiatrist increases his dosage to address current circumstances, emphasizing the importance of medication adjustments.Loneliness and Isolation:Despite a busy schedule, Will shares his experience of loneliness, challenges with roommates, and feeling like an outsider.Will discusses challenges in classes, rehearsals, and breaking into established relationships as a "freshman sophomore."Emergency Visit:Susie narrates the decision to fly Will home during a difficult month, emphasizing the difference between FaceTime and in-person observations.Will contemplates alternatives to going back to school, expressing determination not to give up and considering job options.Drive Back Home:The 16.5-hour drive home reflects on Will's hesitation to return to Shenandoah, navigating a challenging storm, and the importance of being together.Will shares positive aspects of the summer back home, acknowledging the internal struggle of giving college another try.Decision to Return to Shenandoah:Family discussions lead to the decision to encourage another try, emphasizing the importance of auditions and a new class.Will gets callbacks for several shows at Shenandoah, receiving positive feedback from industry professional professors.Susie praises Will's lead role as the only non-senior cast, highlighting his experience playing dark characters.Challenges Faced:Will reflect on challenges during the rehearsal and performance period, discussing the disconnect between personal values and the adaptation.Closing Thoughts:Susie summarizes Will's journey from struggles to returning to Shenandoah, teases upcoming episodes, and expresses gratitude for Will's openness.Susie asks Will about mental health preparations, leading to discussions on counseling as a couple, premarital counseling, and planning.Will discusses planning with fiancée Kayley, seeking advice from experienced couples, and staying flexible.Therapy and Professional Support:Susie emphasizes Will's ongoing medication and regular psychiatrist visits, recognizing the need for professional help.Will discusses ongoing therapy with personal therapist Dana Dahl, encouraging everyone to benefit from therapy.Will emphasizes the importance of being proactive and seeking support, acknowledging that mental health challenges require ongoing effort.Support System:Will describes reaching out to his wife, parents, and therapist if needed, emphasizing the importance of a united front.Discussions highlight the reality of ups and downs in every marriage, with Will emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset.Will seeks advice from experienced couples, recognizing their wisdom and acknowledging ongoing struggles with depression.Acknowledging Personal Growth:Despite ongoing challenges, Will acknowledges personal growth and positive changes, emphasizing the non-linear nature of the mental health journey.Recap of "The Brightest It's Ever Been":Susie recaps "The Brightest It's Ever Been," a play about anxiety, sharing its impact and plans for a regional tour.Fundraising Opportunity:A fundraising The Culture House link (designate Balladeer Theatre Company) is mentioned for supporting the regional tour, encouraging contributions from those interested in mental health and theater.Susie shares her impact from the play, urging listeners to attend when it tours and acknowledging bias as the director.Encouragement and Gratitude:Susie expresses gratitude for Will's openness, encourages listeners, and emphasizes the non-linear nature of mental health journeys.Susie mentions potential future updates from Will, thanks listeners for their support, and appreciates Will for the conversation.Closing remarks express gratitude, anticipation for future episodes, and thanks to the listeners for their support.