A Mother's Struggle: Coaching Through Teen Addiction and Mental Health
Episode Overview
Olivia shares her son's turbulent journey, from his father's brain injury and substance misuse to daily THC use and resistance to therapy Brenda Zane offers guidance on managing chronic stress and making tough decisions The conversation delves into the effects of trauma on both Olivia and her son Brenda provides actionable advice and empathy, creating a safe space for Olivia to share her challenges and vulnerabilities
I'm at this place where I am just completely depleted, exhausted. I am counting the days. I just can't live with him anymore. I want to, I want to help him, but it's like, it's just this roller coaster.
Imagine being a single parent, juggling work and home life while also dealing with your child's severe mental health and substance abuse issues. That's Olivia's reality. In this episode of 'Hopestream', host Brenda Zane sits down with Olivia to discuss her heart-wrenching journey. Olivia's challenges began long before she became a single mom. Her son's troubles started with his father's brain injury and subsequent substance misuse, leading to a tumultuous divorce.
Things only got more complicated as her son, grappling with his own trauma, started using marijuana at 13, escalating to high-potency THC concentrates. By 15, he was experiencing psychotic breaks and had been diagnosed with a slew of mental health disorders including OCD, PTSD, ODD, and anxiety. The pandemic added another layer of difficulty, disrupting his education and leaving Olivia to manage everything on her own. Without family support, she turned to coaching for guidance.
Brenda, a Mayo Clinic Certified health & wellness coach, offers Olivia practical advice on handling chronic stress and making difficult decisions. Their conversation sheds light on the immense toll trauma takes on both parent and child. Brenda's empathetic approach provides a safe space for Olivia to share her story, making this episode a poignant exploration of resilience and strength in the face of overwhelming adversity.