When the Bough Breaks

When the Bough Breaks (WTBB) is a talk-show podcast for those who find themselves estranged from one or more family members. Guests call in the show to discuss events leading up to their estrangement while sharing resources that will help you cope!

Guests include psychologists, family counselors, life coaches, writers and more!

Show host, cult survivor and author, Alexis Arralynn is one of the few podcasters willing to tackle this difficult and often painful topic of estrangement. Estranged from her entire family for over 10 years, Alexis realizes that one important step toward healing and recovery, is vulnerability and has opened up about her own personal journey of estrangement in several episodes.

If you'd like to have Alexis guest on your show or speak at your event, click the following link to submit a request to Lexi. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScx_9yiOvMPW2EdheFjS6aoFcUz0Tc_RPUdxRX-LrZMcREcqQ/viewform?usp=header

All Episodes

When the Bough Breaks

Grief/Depression? Which is it?

December 24, 2025 • Alexis Arralynn • Season 2 • Episode 3

Grief and depression are often treated as the same thing—but they’re not. And confusing the two can leave people feeling broken, misdiagnosed, or deeply misunderstood.

In this special Christmas Eve “Healing for the Holidays” episode of When the Bough Breaks, Alexis explores the nuanced differences between grief and depression, where they overlap, and why so many people struggle to name what they’re actually experiencing. Through lived insight and grounded reflection, this episode dismantles the pressure to “heal on a timeline” and challenges the idea that ongoing grief is a personal failure.

If you’ve ever wondered why time didn’t fix it, why therapy didn’t “solve” it, or why you feel functional but still profoundly heavy—this episode is for you.

This is not a diagnostic episode. It’s a human one.

1. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)

Call or Text: 988

Available 24/7, free and confidential.

You can contact 988 if you are:

•Thinking about suicide

•Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

•Experiencing emotional distress

•Facing a mental health or substance use crisis

•Concerned about someone else

You can call or text—whatever feels safest.

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2. Crisis Text Line (U.S.)

Text: HOME to 741741

Available 24/7, free crisis support via text with a trained counselor.

This option is especially helpful if:

•You prefer texting over talking

•You can’t speak freely where you are

•You need immediate emotional support or grounding

Text HOME to 741741 for support.

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3. SAMHSA National Helpline

Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Available 24/7, free and confidential.

This is not a crisis line like 988.

It’s for:

•Treatment referrals

•Mental health or substance use resources

•Help for yourself or someone you care about

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4. Dr. Rob Kelly – Substance Use & Mental Health Support

Dr. Rob Kelly, a previous guest on When the Bough Breaks, offers risk-free substance abuse treatment programs, meaning there is no financial or personal risk to you or your family.

A link to his episode and resources is included below for listeners who want additional support.

https://robbkelly.com/

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5. NAMI Helpline

Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Available Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET

NAMI provides:

•Education and referrals

•Peer support

•Guidance on next steps such as therapy, support groups, and navigating care systems

•Support for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions

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