A Mother’s Journey Through Her Son’s Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide with Barbara Legere

Ep 067: The abuse of prescription opioids is a serious national crisis. While the opioid epidemic has been declared a national public health emergency, in Maine the situation is particularly alarming: Our state’s rate of opioid-related overdose deaths is among the highest in the country. As you may know from listening to our show, we attempt to find experts that look to provide solutions to real problems that our clients face or may face in retirement. So what do we do when our child, grandchild, spouse, or loved one becomes addicted to substances? How do we live with ourselves when a loved one commits suicide? 

When our next guest's son Keven begged her for permission to die, she refused. Keven had spent half his life struggling with addiction while his single mom battled courts, health care companies, rehab facilities, and mental health professionals in an effort to protect him. As their relationship strained and his drug use progressed, she was forced to accept and love Keven as he was in their limited time together—two years before his suicide. In her book, "Keven's Choice: A Mother's Journey Through Her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide," she tells the story of trying to navigate the dark worlds of her son’s substance use and depression while also addressing her complicated guilt and regret over how she handled it. In the process, she shines a light on the hidden anguish of countless parents taking care of children that society tells them to abandon. Please welcome Barbara Legere to the Retirement Success in Maine Podcast!

Chapters:

Welcome, Barbara Legere! [3:24]

When did Barbara start to see signs of mental illness in Keven? [10:12]

Does tough love work in a situation like Keven’s? [19:39]

How do you manage money in a situation like Keven’s? Does the money help or cause more harm? [27:14]

What kind of barriers did the stigma against mental illness and addiction cause for Keven? [38:41]

What does Barbara think Keven’s lasting legacy is on this world? [49:09]

Ben and Curtis highlight the conversation. [57:56]