Parenting Through Mental Illness: Lessons Learned From Supporting Kids With Depression and Anxiety

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we sit down with Craig Kramer, a father, advocate, and former Johnson & Johnson executive, who shares his deeply personal journey navigating his children’s mental health challenges. From the shock of missed warning signs to the heartbreak of suicide attempts and substance struggles, Craig’s story highlights the realities parents face when mental illness enters the family.

He discusses the lessons he’s learned the hard way, including the importance of early recognition, support systems, safety planning, and reducing stigma. Craig also shares how his advocacy work in both family and corporate settings has shaped his mission to improve mental health awareness and care access for others.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or ally, this episode offers insight, compassion, and hope for families facing similar challenges.

Link to Craig's Johnson & Johnson video about his family's mental health journey: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/craigkramer1_asking-for-help-saved-craig-kramers-career-activity-7090004879254945792-wtoU/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The difficulty of recognizing early warning signs of children’s mental illness.
• Parenting through depression, anxiety, suicidality, and substance use.
• The role of family support networks and safety plans.
• Stigma around mental health vs. physical health (comparing cancer care to mental health care).
• The importance of parental self-care while supporting struggling kids.
• How workplaces can (and should) support employees with family mental health crises.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Craig Kramer
 02:11 - Craig’s career in global health and the contrast with his family’s hidden struggles
 03:45 - Early signs of children’s mental health challenges and missed warning signs
 05:16 - Suicide attempt, family loss, and delayed recognition of illness
 07:22 - Parenting during constant fear and sleepless nights
 09:08 - Building support systems and creating safety plans
 10:16 - Stigma and lack of a true mental health system in the U.S.
 12:21 - Comparing cancer care to mental health care
 13:40 - Lessons parents need to understand about struggling kids
 15:14 - The reality of depression as a legitimate medical condition
 16:50 - Family progress, advocacy, and ongoing mission for change
 18:44 - Parental self-care vs. judgment and stigma
 20:14 - The workplace impact of family mental health struggles
 22:14 - Corporate leadership, stigma reduction, and the role of “mental health ambassadors”
 23:08 - Craig’s reflections on speaking openly and reducing shame
 24:17 - Closing thoughts and podcast wrap-up

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