Difficult Mothering of Adult Children through Mental Illness and Addiction

Episode 73: This episode sheds light on the overlooked struggles of mothers supporting adult children with mental health or addiction challenges. Balancing unconditional love with setting boundaries and preserving their own well-being requires immense resilience. Psychotherapist and author Judith Smith, PhD, shares research on mothers navigating these challenges later in life, while Cathy Pereyra, a mother and a mental health education and support group leader, offers her lived experience and practical insights. Together, our guests and several contributing mothers discuss the support needed to help these mothers not just survive, but thrive.