Joel: A Mother's Journey Through Grief and Addiction
Episode Overview
Joel was a talented writer and musician who struggled with ADHD and addiction. Patty shares intimate stories about Joel's life and his battle with drugs. The episode highlights the complexities of addiction and early drug use. Patty discusses her own journey through grief and depression. Practical advice for grieving parents emphasising self-compassion.
Give yourself grace. Wherever you are is exactly where you are. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
In this heartfelt episode of 'Grieving Overdose Death', host Susan Claire sits down with Patty to talk about her son, Joel, who tragically passed away from an accidental overdose at the age of 36. Joel was a talented writer and musician who had a knack for making people laugh. From a young age, he showed a unique brilliance, winning awards for his essays and captivating audiences with his music and rap lyrics.
Despite his talents, Joel struggled with ADHD and substance use, which ultimately led to his untimely death in November 2017. Patty shares intimate stories about Joel's life, his love for music, and his journey through addiction. She talks about the challenges he faced, including his early introduction to drugs and the impact it had on his life and relationships.
Patty also opens up about her own struggles with grief and depression following Joel's death, offering a raw and honest perspective on coping with such a profound loss. The episode touches on the complexities of addiction, the impact of early drug use, and the importance of finding the right support and treatment. Patty's story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as she discusses her advocacy work and the importance of giving oneself grace during the grieving process.
Her advice to other parents and loved ones dealing with similar losses is both compassionate and practical, emphasising that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. This episode is a powerful reminder of the human stories behind addiction statistics and offers hope and support to those who are grieving. If you're looking for a deeply moving and insightful conversation about love, loss, and resilience, this episode is a must-listen.