Shame: The Silent Wound Teen Moms Carry

Teen Moms Anonymous / Podcast / Published May 12, 2025


Shame—we all feel it, but few of us understand its profound impact on our lives and relationships. In this eye-opening episode of our five-part series "Healing the Shame That Binds You," Dr. Chris introduces us to the critical distinction between healthy shame (a natural emotional boundary) and toxic shame (the devastating belief that we are fundamentally flawed and unworthy of connection).

Drawing from John Bradshaw's groundbreaking work and her own expertise working with teen mothers, Dr. Chris reveals how toxic shame first emerges within the family system through three key dynamics:

  1. Growing up with a shame-based parent.
  2. Being abandoned by a parent.
  3. Repeated exposure to shaming experiences like violence and sexual abuse.

For teen mothers, this pre-existing shame is often intensified by societal judgment during pregnancy, creating layers of emotional wounding that affect their ability to parent effectively.

The statistics Dr. Chris shares are staggering:

  • Up to 82% of teen mothers report disturbing memories from stressful past experiences,
  • 79% feel depressed or hopeless, and a heartbreaking
  • 61% have had thoughts about self-harm.

These numbers aren't just data points—they reflect the lived reality of thousands of young women carrying the burden of toxic shame.

But there's profound hope in this message. Dr. Chris vulnerably shares her own journey with toxic shame, including her recent realization about how perfectionism was where her toxic shame was hiding. Through her story of raising her son as a single mother—and the beautiful validation she recently received from a community elder—we glimpse what healing looks like when we confront our shame and find supportive communities where we can be our authentic selves.

This episode is the first in a powerful five-part series, Healing the Shame That Binds You, designed to help teen mothers and women who were teen mothers recognize, expose, and ultimately heal the toxic shame that has kept them bound. Whether you're a teen mother, someone who works with young parents, or simply someone struggling with feelings of unworthiness, this conversation offers the compassionate understanding and practical wisdom needed to begin the journey toward emotional freedom.

Connect with us on social media @TeenMomsAnonymous to join our supportive community and continue your healing journey.


Episode 1: Shame: The Silent Wound Teen Moms Carry