Family of Origin
Jackie’s parents were married until her father’s death five years previously, which Jackie handled without significantly increased depression. One of her major stressors was her relationship with her mother, who lived about a two hour drive away, and required significant care as she was in her late eighties and in ailing health. Jackie was her primary caregiver.
Her mother acted abrasively and callously, deriding Jackie and making demands requiring her to sacrifice self-care. Jackie said this was not a new dynamic. Her mother, a former model, had criticized, disparaged, or belittled her throughout her life, particularly regarding physical appearance. Jackie said that while she loved her, she found the relationship grating, and wondered if her mother had narcissistic personality disorder and depression.