Part 5/7:
The narrative shifted to a discussion of a young girl named Jo, whose recent mental health report prompted examination. Jo’s family history is marked by instability; both her mother and father have been inconsistent in their presence, often involved in the prison system. Despite her circumstances, Jo is described as a caring figure—a "big care bear"—who has endured significant hardship.
Her time in shelters exposed her to bullying, leading her to develop a personal coping mechanism: a protective barrier designed to shield herself from emotional pain. This self-created armor illustrates how trauma and adversity in early life can manifest in behaviors aimed at self-preservation, but often hinder genuine emotional connection.