Mikayla Matthews, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has opened up about her challenging upbringing, emphasizing the lasting impact of childhood trauma in her life. Born in California as one of seven children, Mikayla’s early experiences were marked by significant upheaval following her parents’ divorce during her fourth grade. This pivotal event led her and her siblings to relocate to Utah with their mother, further complicating an already tumultuous family dynamic.
In a recent interview on The Squeeze podcast, Mikayla candidly discussed her childhood, stating, “I actually blocked out a lot of my childhood,” and revealing the emotional chaos that pervaded her home life. Her reflection on growing up highlighted the absence of happy memories, overshadowed by a “toxic” environment rife with conflict and unresolved emotions.
Describing her parents as emotionally volatile, she shared that her mother exhibited extreme emotional reactions, such as anger, while her father was often emotionally withdrawn. This lack of healthy communication and resolution influenced Mikayla’s perceptions of relationships during her formative years. Despite their strained relationship, Mikayla expressed understanding toward her mother’s struggles, noting, “I don’t think she was taught those tools growing up to regulate her emotions.”
Following the divorce, the move to Utah saw Mikayla’s mother become preoccupied with work and new relationships, leaving Mikayla and her siblings to navigate their own lives largely unsupervised. Mikayla also reflected on a grave aspect of her childhood—experiencing multiple instances of sexual abuse from ages 6 to 15, involving three different individuals, including her mother’s second husband. In one of her most painful recollections, she recounted an incident that led her to confide in her mother, only to feel dismissed and disbelieved. This revelation was a turning point for her; “That was another traumatic moment,” she explained.
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At 15, after enduring years of abuse, Mikayla bravely chose to disclose her experiences, but the response she received from her mother—a disbelief and denial—deeply affected her. This critical moment of feeling unsupported prompted her to move out with one of her sisters shortly before turning 16, a decision that she has reflected on as necessary for her well-being.
Mikayla’s relationship with her mother remains limited; she sees her occasionally during holidays, but both have not addressed the trauma from her childhood. “If I were to bring it up, I think it would be met with the same deflection that I saw my whole life,” she stated, exemplifying her struggle with the complexities of their relationship.
Additionally, Mikayla’s father has faced health challenges, including early-onset Parkinson’s disease and arthritis. He currently lives with her siblings in California, while Mikayla continues to navigate her own health issues and the scars of her upbringing.
Despite the hardships, Mikayla emphasizes that she still holds empathy for her mother, acknowledging that as they age, the importance of their relationship remains significant. “I don’t want to ruin that [relationship], especially getting older,” she shared, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining a connection, albeit a cautious one. As she continues to share her story publicly, Mikayla Matthews not only highlights her personal journey but also brings attention to the broader issues surrounding trauma and resilience.
