While Ashley is out sick, Sammi’s best friend Jessica—who also happens to be Phil’s sister-in-law—steps in for a deeply meaningful episode. (Fun fact: without Jessica, there’d be no Trauma Candy Salad at all.)

This week, we read three submissions that explore the quieter sides of trauma: emotional neglect in a marriage, caregiver guilt and exhaustion, and the lifelong ripple effects of childhood abuse. These stories are raw, brave, and heartbreakingly honest—and they remind us that even when we think we’re alone in our pain, someone else might be sitting with the same ache.

TW: Emotional neglect, child loss, suicide ideation, postpartum depression, disability caregiver fatigue, sexual assault, CPTSD.

Want to submit your story? Visit TraumaCandySalad.com or click the link in our bio.                                                               💛 Mental Health & Crisis Resources:

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (24/7, free, confidential)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (U.S. only)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org

• RAINN (Sexual Assault Support) – 800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org

• Postpartum Support International – 1-800-944-4773 or postpartum.net

• Find a Therapist – psychologytoday.com or therapyden.com