About this episode

This episode discusses how caregivers can support teens with serious illnesses, featuring insights from a patient and a child life specialist.

When a teen has a serious illness, it can be hard to know how to help. Teens often want to do more on their own as they grow. Caregivers may wonder how to talk with their teen. They may also want to know how to include teens in care choices and help them handle hard feelings. In this episode, Erica Sirrine, PhD, LCSW, talks with St. Jude patient Michelle and Tori Hinton, PhD, CCLS, senior child life specialist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They share ways family caregivers can help teens during a serious illness. Michelle discusses what she learned during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. She talks about how her family communicated, made care choices together, and handled difficult emotions. She also shares how art, journaling, calming exercises, and support from friends helped her manage stress and stay connected to who she is. Tori explains why giving teens a chance to take part in care decisions matters. She shares ways caregivers can support a teen’s independence while staying connected. The group also explores how to talk honestly, handle stress, and help teens feel heard. A special thank you to our host, Erica Sirrine, director of Social Work at St…

People in this episode

Host: Erica Sirrine

Guest: Michelle

Topics covered

• teen health
• serious illness
• caregiver support
• communication
• independence
• emotional well-being

Keywords

• teen illness
• caregivers
• acute myeloid leukemia
• communication
• emotional support
• independence
• stress management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Jude

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