When Mental Illness Broke Our Bond: A Mother-Daughter Reconnection Story [Ep. 56]

When Mental Illness Broke Our Bond: A Mother-Daughter Reconnection Story [Ep. 56]

From Mother Daughter Relationship Show by Brittney Scott

February 20, 2026 · 49 min · Season 3 · Episode 56

About this episode

Genifer Salandy shares her personal story of estrangement and reconnection with her mother amidst the challenges of mental illness.

Reconnection and Loss: Genifer's Story of Mental Illness, Repair, and Saying Goodbye In this interview, I sit down with Genifer Salandy, school psychologist and founder of Rooted Joy Wellness, who shares her deeply personal story of estrangement, brief reconnection, and ultimate loss. From being parentified as a child by a mother struggling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder to navigating a crisis during the pandemic that led to complete estrangement, Genifer's story reveals the complexity of loving someone with serious mental illness. She walks us through the six-week period of harassment and social media attacks, her difficult decision to have her mother hospitalized, and the unexpected phone call that her mother was actively dying just as they were rebuilding their relationship. This isn't a traditional repair story - it's about honoring the ending you get, choosing love even when time is short, and recognizing your parent as fully human. With this episode you'll be able to: Understand how undiagnosed mental illness can create cycles of good and difficult periods in childhood Recognize the signs of parentification and how it shows up in adult caretaking patterns Navigate the…

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