Craving Spring: How a Greek Myth Fueled a Mother’s Quest To Save Her Daughter, with Ann Batchelder

ABOUT THE EPISODE:When Ann Batchelder discovered her daughter’s suicidal thoughts, bulimia and substance misuse, she desperately sought wisdom in the places many of us do: therapy, 12-step programs, and Buddhist teachings. But the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone gave her the greatest solace and understanding of parenting a wayward child. As Ann “did the work” to preserve mindfulness and realism about what she could control, she also began writing about her family's experiences.Now, a decade after it began, her book is complete. Craving Spring: A Mother’s Quest, a Daughter’s Depression, and the Greek Myth that Brought Them Together is not just a memoir but a universal call for the renewal of families strained by the burden of substance use, mental health, and eating disorders.In this episode, we discuss:the power of Demeter and Persephone’s story for mothers (and all parents) of children struggling with substanceswhy it’s so difficult for parents to accept that they are going through trauma as wellfinding the focus and willingness to care for our own well-being in chaotic timesthe burden Ann was unknowingly placing on her daughter and how she changed herselfhow the immense growth and change (of both Ann and her daughter) during recovery has led to a richer, more fulfilling relationshipEPISODE RESOURCES:Craving Spring, A mother’s quest, a daughter’s depression, and the Greek myth that brought them together (buy here)This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.