Jeff Rosenthal on Grief, Family Dynamics, and Healing
I think so many of us can relate to the well-meaning parent that just doesn't realize how much they're getting on our nerves and ignoring who we are, and I don't know what causes that, but my guess is that there's an emptiness inside them and and that they there's some type of payoff when they believe they know something somebody else doesn't know
What happens when your mother is both a Holocaust survivor and a 'terrible mom but a great friend'? In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', Paul Gilmartin chats with his long-time friend Jeff Rosenthal about navigating the complex terrain of grief, family relationships, and personal healing. Jeff opens up about his mother's recent passing and the profound impact of her life story, which she detailed in her book, 'Shadows of Survival: A Child's Memoir of the Warsaw Ghetto'.
Their conversation touches on the emotional weight of losing a parent, especially one with such a harrowing past, and how Jeff reconciled his feelings about her. They also delve into the importance of therapy, self-care, and the role of community support in mental health. Jeff's candid reflections on co-dependency, intrusive thoughts, and the value of vulnerability make this episode a compelling listen for anyone grappling with similar issues.
As Jeff poignantly puts it, 'I'm glad I'm around because I love my life and I'm grateful for you guys'. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that offers both comfort and insight.