Nadia Sawalha & Mark Adderley

How To Stay Married (So Far)

Nadia Sawalha & Mark Adderley

  • #159 - A PAINFUL CONVERSATION ABOUT MARK'S FRAIL MOTHER & HIS MENTAL HEALTH

#159 - A PAINFUL CONVERSATION ABOUT MARK'S FRAIL MOTHER & HIS MENTAL HEALTH

Wednesday 17th September 2025

Nadia Sawalha & Mark Adderley discuss family addiction, mental health, and the impact on their marriage in a heartfelt conversation.
58 minutes
Honest
Raw
Inspiring
Supportive
Compassionate

About this podcast

How To Stay Married (So Far)
Author:
Nadia Sawalha & Mark Adderley
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Healing Relationships
Relationships & Community
Sobriety in Everyday Life
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Links:
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Balancing Love and Sobriety: Mark's Heartfelt Journey

Episode Overview

  • Family addiction history can have long-term effects.
  • Balancing empathy for loved ones with self-care is crucial.
  • Open communication helps navigate family challenges.
  • Support systems are vital in maintaining sobriety.
  • Recognising the consequences of past actions is important.
"It's not payback, but there are consequences to actions."
How do people cope with the challenges of staying sober, especially when family dynamics add layers of complexity? In this heartfelt episode, Nadia Sawalha and Mark Adderley open up about a deeply personal topic—Mark's frail mother and the impact on his mental health. The duo navigates the emotional terrain of dealing with an elderly parent struggling with addiction and the ripple effects it has on their marriage and family life.
Mark candidly shares the history of his mother's addiction, tracing it back to her teenage years when she was prescribed heavy pharmaceuticals. This poignant discussion highlights the long-term consequences of addiction and the emotional toll it takes on families. Nadia and Mark delve into the complexities of balancing empathy for Mark's mother while protecting Mark's sobriety, which he has maintained for over two decades.
They reflect on the importance of self-care amidst the chaos, with Nadia urging Mark to take better care of himself to avoid burnout. This episode is not just about Mark's journey but also serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems and open communication in relationships. Listeners will find this episode both raw and relatable, as it touches on universal themes of love, responsibility, and the challenges of maintaining mental health.
As Nadia and Mark share their struggles and insights, they offer a comforting reminder that even in the toughest times, you're not alone. How do you balance caring for a loved one while ensuring your own well-being? Tune in to hear how Nadia and Mark tackle this delicate balance with honesty and humour.
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