This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked experiences of mothers supporting adult children with serious mental health challenges or addiction. These mothers face the immense challenge of balancing unconditional love with the need to set boundaries, safeguard their own well-being, and navigate the weight of societal stigma.
Our guests are Judith R. Smith, psychotherapist and author of Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children through Conflict and Change, who shares powerful insights from her research on women over sixty who have become ongoing caregivers. Also joining us is Cathy Pereyra, a mother and mental health education/support group leader, who shares her personal experiences of navigating the challenges of supporting an adult child with schizophrenia.
Together, our guests and several contributing mothers reveal the struggles and resilience required on this journey, sharing their stories and insights into what mothers need to endure and thrive despite the challenges.
