In this episode of I’ll Start, Michelle shares what it’s like to be changed by bearing witness to suffering, and to carry that impact home in ways that don’t neatly resolve. Through multiple trips serving Ukrainian refugees, she reflects on the cumulative weight of what she’s seen, the loneliness of returning without shared language for the experience, and the tension of still feeling called to keep showing up.

In the post-story conversation, Heather and Morgan explore the mental health impact of repeated exposure to trauma, why coming home can feel harder than being in the middle of the work, and how faith can hold space for tension without rushing toward answers.

Key Takeaways

• Bearing witness to suffering can change us in lasting ways, even when we feel called to keep showing up
• Repeated exposure to others’ trauma requires unique self-care Coming home after intense experiences can feel isolating when others don’t share the same language or context
• Faith doesn’t always provide perfect answers, but it can hold space for tension, trust, and continued peace
• Healing often includes being seen and understood, not rushed toward resolution

This episode invites listeners to slow down, listen gently, and honor stories that stay with us.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going!

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One of the most difficult parts of mental health struggle is feeling alone. Shame, fear, and stigma keep us isolated and reinforce the belief I am the only one who struggles with mental health. When someone shares their struggle with us, suddenly we have hope. Even when pain is present, there is something so healing about being in community. How do we build a community in the middle of our struggle?

Someone needs to start the conversation.

Most of the time we are hoping someone else will be the one to do it. What if we stopped waiting on others and told our story. What if we said, “I’ll start.” “I’ll Start” is a podcast where individuals bravely share their stories, listen with compassion, and connect through their faith and mental health experiences.

Each episode of “I’ll Start” highlights a personal story of mental health challenge, endurance, and hope. At the end of each episode, you will receive mental health tools and theological truth from our Co-hosts, Morgan Arseneau and Heather Kaloupek.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 9-8-8 to speak to a professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone.