“All the reality that I had been putting off, and all of the denial, it all crashed in on me.”

Producers: Whit Missildine, Jason Blalock

Episode Summary: Growing up in the closet with a mentally ill mother, a man finds his true love, but as their past continues to weigh in, the only remedy he knows threatens to consume everything he’s built.

Today's episode featured Gabriel. Gabriel is now a psychiatric social worker and licensed therapist in Orange County, California. You can find out more about Gabriel on Instagram @gabriel.emmm.

Website for Jason Blalock: www.jasonblalock.com

Social Media: Instagram: @actuallyhappening

Website: www.thisisactuallyhappening.com

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Content/Trigger Warnings: drug abuse, drug addiction, opioids, overdose, death, suicide, explicit language

Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Ambient Themes by Nigel Coutinho

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Crisis Text Line: Within the US, text HOME to 741741

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