Member-only story

My Mother Was Nuts: A Memoir of Madness, Beauty, and Survival

Quincy Ward

·12.5k Followers· Follow

Published in My Mother Was Nuts: A Memoir

6 min read · 2 weeks before

76 View Claps

5 Respond

Save

Listen

My Mother Was Nuts: A Memoir

by Penny Marshall

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49173 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	351 pages

My mother was nuts.

That's not a metaphor. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was five years old, and she spent the rest of her life in and out of mental hospitals.

Growing up with a mentally ill parent is a strange and often lonely experience. I never knew what to expect from my mother. One day she would be the loving and attentive mother I adored, and the next she would be a stranger, lost in a world of her own making.

I learned to be careful around my mother. I never knew what would set her off. Sometimes it was something I said or did, and other times it was something that happened in the world around her. She could be triggered by anything, from the sound of a siren to the sight of a spider.

When my mother was sick, she was a danger to herself and others. She would sometimes get violent, and she was always unpredictable. I lived in constant fear of what she might do next.

Despite all of this, I loved my mother. She was the only parent I had, and I wanted to believe that she loved me too. I clung to the hope that one day she would get better, and we could have a normal life together.

But that day never came. My mother died when I was 19 years old, from complications of schizophrenia. Her death was a devastating loss, but it was also a relief. I was finally free from the fear and uncertainty that had haunted me for so long.

In the years since my mother's death, I have come to terms with her illness. I understand that she was not responsible for her actions, and I no longer blame her for the pain she caused me.

I have also come to appreciate the beauty of my mother's life. She was a brilliant and creative woman, and she had a deep love for her family. Despite her illness, she never gave up on life. She fought her demons with courage and grace, and she never lost her sense of humor.

My mother's story is a tragic one, but it is also a story of hope and resilience. It is a story about the power of love, and the power of storytelling to heal.

I wrote this memoir to share my mother's story with the world. I hope that it will help others who have been affected by mental illness. I also hope that it will inspire people to be more compassionate and understanding towards those who are struggling with mental health issues.

My mother was nuts. But she was also my mother. I loved her, and I will never forget her.

The Impact of Mental Illness on Families

Mental illness can have a devastating impact on families. It can be a source of stress, conflict, and heartache. Families may feel isolated and alone, and they may not know where to turn for help.

Children of mentally ill parents are particularly vulnerable. They may experience a range of problems, including:

Emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
Behavioral problems, such as aggression, withdrawal, and substance abuse
Academic problems
Social problems

Children of mentally ill parents may also be at increased risk for developing mental illness themselves.

There are a number of things that families can do to cope with mental illness. These include:

Educating themselves about mental illness
Getting support from family and friends
Finding a therapist who can provide support and guidance
Taking care of themselves

With support and treatment, families can learn to cope with mental illness and build strong and healthy relationships.

The Power of Storytelling to Heal

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can help us to heal from trauma and adversity. When we share our stories, we are able to make sense of our experiences and connect with others who have been through similar challenges.

For people who have been affected by mental illness, storytelling can be a particularly powerful way to heal. It can help them to:

Understand their experiences
Connect with others who have been through similar challenges
Find hope and inspiration
Reduce stigma
Promote healing

If you have been affected by mental illness, I encourage you to share your story. It may be the most powerful thing you can do to help yourself and others.

My mother was nuts. But she was also my mother. I loved her, and I will never forget her.

Thank you for reading.