CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this episode contains depictions and stories of siblings lost by suicide, homicide and/or domestic violence. We understand that some people may find these triggering, activating and/or disturbing.
How can you grapple with the devastating pain of losing a sibling to addiction and transform it into a beacon of strength? Emily's older brother Peter was a quintessential jokester with a magnetic personality that knew no bounds. But behind the mask, he waged a war against depression that led him down a spiraling path of opioid addiction.
Emily reveals the deeply personal of her family's battle with addiction, the impact of her parents' divorce on Peter, and the crippling belief he held that he was the cause of their separation. The episode further traverses the rocky terrain of coping with loss and grief. Emily shares the confusion she felt at trying to deal with such a loss at only 13 and the need to feel like a normal teenager. This conversation takes an introspective turn as Emily discusses her decision to enlist in the military in honor of Peter’s once shared dreams. The therapy, discovery of her ADHD, and the supportive leadership proved to be a transformative experience for her. Emily carries her brother's values and legacy in her life as a testament to his influence. Laced with an exploration of the opioid crisis, Emily's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of grief, the importance of communication, and the lasting legacy of a loved one.
In this episode we are covering:
(0:18:27) - Family Struggles With Addiction
(0:29:58) - The Impact of a Tragic Loss at 13
(0:36:15) - Funeral Planning and Seeking Normalcy
(0:44:54) - Impact and Legacy of a Loved One
(0:50:01) - Multiple Losses and Coping With Grief
(1:04:39) - Military and Therapy
This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE
For full episode show notes and transcript, click here
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