Episode 97: [Series] Therapy Sessions: Snapshot 1 – A Decade+ of Caregiving & Everything Else

The Lesbian Mafia

For over a decade, I disappeared, not just from podcasting, but from my life. My mother was ill, and caregiving eventually became my full-time world for about 15 years. This series pulls back the curtain on some of that time, I'm sharing therapy sessions recorded during those years with my psychologist (modified voice for anonymity). It’s an unfiltered look into the struggles of balancing family obligation, lost dreams, and the challenge of remembering my-self. After so many years of giving everything to care for someone else, I was left with the terrifying realization that I didn't know who I was anymore. It felt like I'd disappeared entirely somewhere along the way, not sure when, and the hardest part has been trying to find myself again,. Even still. So these sessions aren't only about caregiving, though that’s a big part of it. Whether you're a caregiver, or someone navigating your own struggles, I hope maybe that some of my fragmented story offers connection and maybe through sharing my experience, you can learn from the challenges I've faced.
And dear God, the nursing home system is so broken beyond belief. If you think you’ll never be in this position, I hope this helps you understand how quickly things can change. It's one thing if it's just a few years, but long-term illnesses? It's a whole different reality. This is a conversation we must have, not only as a country but as a global community. When you’re faced with the reality of it, you’re shocked by what you witness.. No amount of personal wealth can save you from this mess. It's something that needs to be addressed, because when you experience it firsthand, you cannot believe how bad it truly is. We need to open our eyes, not just to learn from the past, but to ensure a better future for those in need of care and their loved ones.
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Just a heads-up, sorry if the volume's all over the place AGAIN in this episode! SORRY!
Always yours,
Sandi