At 14 or 15 years old, Celeste learned her parents’ marriage was unraveling.

Affairs.
Addiction.
Secrets.

Her siblings didn’t know.

But she did — because she was the oldest daughter.

And before long, she wasn’t just watching the marriage fall apart… she was managing it.

In this episode, Celeste shares what it was like to grow up as the “third parent” in a family where divorce was unthinkable — and what that responsibility did to her nervous system, her faith, and her ability to trust.

We talk about:

• Carrying secrets to protect the family’s image
• Panic attacks and anxiety that she didn’t know how to name
• The guilt of moving away and “leaving siblings in a burning building”
• Why even a “necessary” divorce still deeply wounds children
• And why dating now triggers intense anxiety

Celeste’s story is honest, raw, and hopeful. Because while you can survive being the third parent… At some point, you have to stop carrying everyone else.

If you were the responsible one…
If you feel guilty for wanting your own life…
If anxiety follows you into relationships…
Or if you’re afraid you’ll repeat your parents’ marriage…

This episode is for you.

Suicide Hotline: Call or Text 988 (English or Spanish)

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