Facing Tragedy: A Mother's Journey Through Addiction and Loss
Episode Overview
Kristen Gilliland shares her personal story of her son's battle with addiction. The importance of educating adolescents about brain health and neuroplasticity. How substance use can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Coping mechanisms for parents dealing with addicted children. Finding hope and resilience through tragedy.
I want to teach them why it is that they are more emotional during adolescence, to teach them why they will take more risks than adults do.
Tony LaGreca is back with another heart-wrenching episode of Courage to Hope. This time, he's joined by Kristen Gilliland, a mother who has faced the unthinkable. Kristen opens up about her twin sons, one of whom struggled with anxiety and depression, leading him down a dark path of substance use. Her story takes you through the painful journey of watching her son battle addiction and mental health issues, culminating in a tragic overdose.
Kristen's background as an associate professor of chemistry adds a unique perspective as she dives into the science behind addiction and the developing adolescent brain. She passionately discusses neuroplasticity and the importance of educating young people about their brains' capabilities and vulnerabilities. Through her grief, Kristen has found a way to honour her son's memory by advocating for mental health awareness and addiction prevention.
This episode is a raw and emotional look at the struggles families face when dealing with addiction, but it also offers hope and resilience. If you're looking for a deeply moving and informative discussion on mental health and addiction, this episode is a must-listen.