By
Growing Up with a Schizophrenic Mother (Daughter2Daughter "bible")
Margaret J Brown and Doris Parker Roberts
An estimated two to three million people in the United States today were raised by a schizophrenic parent. Brown and Roberts offer a unique book based on interviews with over forty adult children of mothers diagnosed as schizophrenic. Such topics as the isolation their family felt, their chaotic home environments, their present relationships with their mothers, and the lost potential of mother and child are covered.
Their stories are fascinating and provide important information to both the mental health community and the lay public.
The offspring have been described as having higher rates of "increased aggressivity" and "sibling conflict," but often their circumstances strengthened these children and contributed to artistic and creative talents, resiliency, and high achievements.
The authors provide an overview of schizophrenia, the behaviors of the affected parent, and the marital relationship of the patient and her non-schizophrenic spouse. As adults, the respondents now share their grievances about the psychological community--what they needed and did not get. Brown and Roberts then present suggestions for treatment of affected children aimed at psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and health care providers.
Reviews
Angie rated it: it was amazing
Recommends it for: Anyone who has known a schizophrenic woman or child who grew up with schizophrenic parents.
There are not words to express how much I loved this book. My copy is stained with tears that dripped off my chin as I read and related to the anecdotes.
Wouldn't it have been easier had we been told as children what was going on? Easier, but impossible since nobody knew much about schizophrenia back in the day. Since we cannot go back and change what has been, we can at least read this amazing book filled with research, stories, and advice.
If you've ever known anybody with schizophrenia I urge you to read this book. Then, buy a bunch of copies and give it to anybody whose grown up with schizophrenic mothers!
Sharon rated it: it was amazing
Having lived this life, this book is the best I have ever read that covers the struggles in depth of children living with schizophrenic moms. Survivors jumped out of their comfort zone to bring a public awareness of what a child experiences emotionally and physically in all aspects of their childhood. Hats off to the Margaret Brown for taking the time to understand this illness and crediting the survivors. The survivors walked a long road full of potholes and survived with scars but they will carry what they have learned to all that will listen. Margaret thanks for depicting these survivors with the rainbows they deserved.
Felicia rated it: it was amazing
I recommend this book to anyone who grew up with a mother having schizophrenia. The book offers some helpful advice and stories that remind you you're not alone. I especially appreciate the empathy and compassion the author has for the mothers that fell victim to this terrible disease.