Overcoming Trauma: Celebrity Stories of Healing and Family Resilience

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actress Lake Bell and Angel Carter Conrad, sister of the late Aaron Carter, reflect on their challenging journeys through family trauma and healing in recent interviews. Both women highlight the importance of mental health awareness while also advocating for strong family relationships.

In her interview, Lake Bell discussed the arduous process of maintaining a healthy relationship with her ex-husband, Scott Campbell, for the sake of their children. The couple attended therapy sessions for two years after their separation, emphasizing that despite difficulties, they were committed to bettering their family dynamics. ‘We did it for the good of our children and for us too,’ Bell said. ‘We can resent each other for all the things or do something about it.’

Bell’s dedication to her family comes in the wake of significant challenges, including the near-death experience of their son, Ozzi, at birth, and their daughter Nova‘s epilepsy diagnosis in 2020. ‘We went through the trenches together,’ Bell said. ‘So we have respect for each other, sort of like army buddies.’

Meanwhile, Angel Carter Conrad shared her own story of resilience after the loss of her siblings, including Aaron. In her interview, she discussed the importance of mental health as she narrates the upcoming documentary titled ‘The Carters: Hurts to Love You’, which premieres on Paramount+ on April 15, 2025. Angel, who was notably the only sibling to accept therapy offered by Nick Carter, reflected on its impact. ‘Going to therapy gave me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with Nick,’ she said, noting the bond they forged through their shared experiences.

In the documentary, Angel seeks to shed light on the challenges faced by her family, including their parents’ struggles with addiction. ‘This is an epidemic, and the more we start talking about it, we can reduce that stigma and that shame,’ she stressed. The emotional and physical toll of their tumultuous childhood is at the heart of her advocacy work for mental health awareness.

Conrad encourages open and honest conversations about mental health with her own daughter, Harper. ‘The first thing you can do as a parent is start asking your kid questions that are age-appropriate and tailored to their mental health,’ she advised. Meanwhile, Bell emphasizes the necessity of modeling imperfection for children, allowing them to witness the full spectrum of human emotion. ‘Having some grace with being imperfect is important,’ she noted.

As both women navigate their unique challenges, their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength often required to foster healthy family dynamics, especially in the face of adversity. Their experiences resonate with many, highlighting that even in the darkest of times, there can be hope and connection.