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Episode 8: From "Fix & Save" to "Wait & Listen": A Mother-Daughter Mental Health Journey
Manage episode 523279286 series 3684236
When mental health challenges strike a family, the instinct is often to jump in, take control, and "fix" the problem. Parents get on the "rat wheel" of worry, looking for the next crisis, while their loved ones often feel over-managed and unheard. But what happens when "helping" actually hurts?
In this episode, hosts Robyn Priest and Charlotte Armstrong are joined by RoxAnne and Alix, a dynamic mother-daughter duo who have navigated the stormy waters of mental health together. They peel back the curtain on their transformation from a relationship defined by conflict, yelling, and "poking the bear," to one grounded in deep connection and mutual respect.
The conversation gets real about the scary parts of letting go. RoxAnne shares how Family Peer Support taught her to surrender the "savior complex," while Alix opens up about the crucial need for autonomy—including a revealing story about making a major medication change without her mother's knowledge for six months. Whether you are a parent trying to support a child or an individual fighting to be seen beyond your diagnosis, this episode is a raw, honest, and surprisingly funny look at why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply hold space.
In this episode, we cover:
* The "Fixer" Trap: Why trying to solve your loved one's problems can actually steal their discovery process and block their growth.
* Medication & Autonomy: Alix’s journey toward informed choice and the critical role that non-judgmental support plays in navigating treatment decisions.
* React vs. Respond: Moving from chaotic arguments to calm communication by learning to pause and listen.
* Interdependence: Challenging the Western ideal of total independence and embracing the fact that humans are designed to lean on one another.
Let's meet Alix and Roxanne:
"Hi, I’m Alix—poet by passion, culinary architect, film enthusiast, music explorer, and always ready to twirl around my home! I thrive on nature’s beauty and love the thrill of solving puzzles. Oh, and I embrace my journey with mental illness—it's just one part of my vibrant story!"
In RoxAnne's words "As Alix's mom, she’s opened my eyes to new perspectives on life. Thanks to Family Peer Support, I’ve been able to connect with her deeply, fostering a trust and friendship that I cherish and wouldn't have found otherwise."
Join Robyn, Charlotte, RoxAnne, and Alix for an unvarnished, often humorous, and profoundly insightful conversation. This episode empowers listeners to move beyond the urge to fix, towards the liberating and healing power of truly waiting and listening—a crucial step for fostering authentic connection and growth in any mental health journey.
Rate & Review: If this conversation resonated with you, please leave us a review to help us keep these important conversations going.
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