The Episode We Didn’t Know We’d Record (But Knew We Had To)

Sometimes you start a podcast episode laughing, and end it in tears. This is that episode.

In one of the most vulnerable conversations we’ve ever aired, Danna shares what the last two years have really looked like behind the scenes—her son’s severe health decline, the baffling journey to diagnosis, and how the emotional weight of it all pushed her into full-blown burnout.

This isn’t a how-to guide. It’s not a comeback story (yet). It’s a moment in the middle of the mess. And it’s one of the most important things we’ve ever put out into the world.

💔 When the Health Coach Can’t Fix It

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching someone you love suffer, this one’s for you.

Danna’s son was the “healthy” kid—the adventurous eater, the foodie, the one who grew up surrounded by kale and probiotics. So when he started showing signs of digestive distress, anxiety, and food avoidance, the confusion (and guilt) came on strong.

As a gut health coach, Danna tried everything:

• Functional medicine

• Traditional Western medicine

• Acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, neurofeedback, supplements

• Literally everything short of voodoo

But nothing helped. And that’s when the self-doubt crept in: How can I call myself a coach if I can’t help my own kid?

🧠 From Confusion to Diagnosis: What is ARFID?

After years of suffering, a week-long hospital stay finally gave the family clarity: He was dealing with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a trauma-rooted eating disorder not based in body image—but in fear. In his case, a deep phobia of vomiting (emetophobia) spiraled into full-blown food avoidance and malnourishment.

It was terrifying. And also… weirdly validating. They finally had a name. And a path forward.

🏥 What Hospital Gave Them That Danna's Knowledge Couldn’t

That week in the hospital wasn’t just about tests and diagnoses. It was about seeing the full picture. Connecting his fear of throwing up to the exact moment his weight and food patterns changed. Realizing how phobia and trauma had completely overtaken his day-to-day life.

And most importantly? Letting Danna just be a mom. Not a coach. Not a fixer. Just a parent holding space for a scared kid.

🧳 The Fallout at Home: Burnout, Shame, and Identity Loss

This part gutted me as her cohost and friend: Danna was giving everything she had to help her son—and still couldn’t keep him from suffering. Meanwhile:

• Her other son felt neglected

• Her husband took on more financial burden

• Her business halted

• Her nervous system shut down

She describes the difference between depression and burnout with such honesty:

“Depression is the dark cloud. Burnout is the bag of bricks on top of it.”

She couldn’t function. She couldn’t post. She couldn’t even open WhatsApp without panic. And as someone used to being the helper… asking for help felt impossible.

🌿 What Helped: Therapy, Cannabis, and Radical Honesty

In the most powerful section of the episode, Danna shares how she finally found relief—and clarity—through a combination of:

• Therapy

• Antidepressants (initially)

• Medical cannabis microdosing, which brought back her energy, focus, and calm

She’s open about the stigma. The shame. The questions she asked herself. And ultimately, the deep sense of agency she felt when she stopped hiding and started healing.

“I’m "high" right now,” she joked, mid-recording. “And it’s the most functional I’ve felt in two years.”

💌 Megan’s Real Talk Moment

This episode left me humbled. As a friend, I knew Danna was going through something big. But hearing the full story laid out—her fear, her grief, her slow return to herself—was another level.

And here’s what I want to say to anyone listening:

You don’t have to be the perfect parent. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to do it alone.

This is what healing looks like: messy, nonlinear, and full of grace.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on [Spotify / Apple / YouTube]
📩 Reach out. If this resonated, you can comment directly on our website at SoFrickinHealthy.com

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#ARFIDAwareness #ParentalBurnout #MentalHealthMatters #SoFrickinHealthy #EatingDisordersInTeens #EmetophobiaSupport #CannabisForMentalHealth #RealLifeHealing #ParentingThroughCrisis #FunctionalMedicineFails #HealingInPublic