Family Ties and Trauma: A Sister's Perspective on Addiction
I think a lot of the trauma and the abuse is what plays into my life now, like um being indecisive or living your life in extremes or not feeling safe, making big decisions, um, you know, having a wounded inner child and, uh, having intrusive thoughts, and like not having to process normal day things, because I feel, like most of my life I was in like flight or fight, and so my nervous system is always like something's wrong.
What happens when addiction impacts not just one person, but an entire family? In this heartfelt episode of 'How I Met My Mother, Sober', Julianne and Donna are joined by Nina, Julianne's sister and Donna's daughter. Together, they dive into the raw and painful memories of growing up with addiction in the family. Nina opens up about her childhood experiences, shedding light on how being the child of an addict has shaped her life and trauma responses today.
The trio discusses the concept of ancestral trauma and how the past can influence present behaviors and emotions. They also explore ways to confront and rewrite these painful memories, offering a path to healing. Throughout the episode, personal stories of addiction, abuse, and recovery are shared, highlighting the importance of communication, forgiveness, and resilience. If you're seeking a candid discussion on the impact of addiction on family dynamics and the journey to recovery, this episode is a must-listen.