Childhood is supposed to be a time of innocence, freedom, and the sturdy security of family. But that’s not the hand everyone gets dealt in life. 

Sometimes, things are more complicated, and children have to grow up fast. 

Having a parent who experiences mental health issues is no easy feat in life. But today’s guest channeled those feelings and experiences into much-needed advocacy work and a fitness empire, to boot.  

Today, Ginni Saraswati welcomes New York Times best-selling author and the Co-founder of the fitness company Tone It Up, Karena Dawn. After a childhood spent under the mental health influence of her mother, Karena ultimately discovered her passion and a healthy way to manage the complex feelings that come with complicated parental dynamics. Since her mother’s passing in 2021, she has made it her mission to raise awareness around the stigma surrounding mental health.

You’ll hear about the reality of a childhood under the shadow of a parent with mental health issues. She shares the difficulties she experienced and the fears that pushed her toward not-so-great coping mechanisms. You’ll also hear her amazing story of redirecting those life experiences into something healthier for her mind and body, and how she’s helping other women like her do the same. 

What You’ll Learn:

• What it’s like having a parent with a mental illness (2:50)
• Her emotional final moments with her mother mid-pandemic (6:18)
• How fitness entered her life and its impact (12:57)
• Connecting mental and physical health (18:44)
• The biggest lie about mental health (22:35)

Connect with Karena Dawn:

Website: https://karenadawn.com/

Tone it Up: www.instagram.com/toneitup/

Insta: www.instagram.com/karenadawn/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/toneitup/featured

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarenaDawn/

Her memoir: https://thebigsilence.com/pages/memoir

The Big Silence: www.thebigsilence.com

Instagram: @the.big.silence - www.instagram.com/the.big.silence/

The Big Silence podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597

Connect with Ginni:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theginnishow

Website: www.ginnimedia.com

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