Mental Illness Happy Hour #795 Taking Off The Mask - A Best Of Ep w/Laurenne Sala
Apr 10, 2026
Laurenne Sala, author and storyteller who turned personal trauma into creative work. She talks about growing up codependent, her father coming out and dying by suicide, and the long road through grief and recovery. Short, candid stories explore masking pain, using storytelling and volunteer work to heal, and how vulnerability led to compassion and creative projects.
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Invalidating A Child's Feelings Causes Lasting Harm
- Paul and Laurenne note that parents who tell children their feelings are wrong cause deep harm and emotional illiteracy.
- The host stresses that simple validation (hug, I'm here for you) is often what a hurting child needs but rarely receives.
Pudding Prank Fueled Perfectionism And Popularity Quest
- A humiliating third grade prank (being made to sit in brown pudding) triggered Laurenne's drive to become the most popular person at any cost.
- That experience led her into perfectionism, cheerleading, and homecoming queen as a mask for inner loneliness.
Father Came Out Then Died After Years Of Depression
- Laurenne's father came out as gay, moved to the city, and later succumbed to depression and alcoholism before dying by suicide when she was 16.
- She recounts supporting him in gay pride events and keeping his memory with rituals like drinking his favorite scotch on his birthday and death day.
