Well-Child Syndrome with Laura Zigman, author of Small World

Dr. Dan welcomes back parent and author Laura Zigman to discuss parental grief, Well-Child Syndrome, sibling loss, and her book Small World.

Laura Zigman grew up in the shadow of her parents’ grief after her oldest sister died.  In her just released novel Small World, Laura fictionalizes and writes poignantly about her own childhood as a typical sibling of a disabled sister who died. Despite the fact that Laura Zigman (and her sister Linda Zigman barely knew Sheryl), Laura’s childhood and her entire life were defined by this loss.  

Dr. Dan and Laura honestly discuss the many ways typical siblings experience disability, sibling loss, and parental grief.  The concept of Well-Child Syndrome and supporting “well” or typical siblings is still not widely discussed. Today’s episode reveals the desperate need for mental health support for siblings and entire families – not just parents - when dealing with disability, illness, death, loss, and grief. 

This episode also addresses guilt, pain, and other complex emotions in order to shine a light on topics that many families are dealing with today in isolation. Laura’s interview with Dr. Dan today along with her recent essay in the New York Times will comfort listeners.

Laura Zigman is the author of five novels, including Separation Anxiety (which was optioned by Julianne Nicholson and the production company Wiip (Mare of Easttown) for a limited television series); Animal Husbandry (which was made into the movie Someone Like You, starring Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd), Dating Big Bird, Her, and Piece of Work. She has ghostwritten/collaborated on several works of non-fiction, including Eddie Izzard's New York Times bestseller, Believe Me; been a contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Huffington Post; produced a popular online series of animated videos called Annoying Conversations; and was the recipient of a Yaddo residency. Small World is her sixth novel.  Laura also founded and runs TALK THERAPY FOR YOUR WRITING™ for writers and authors. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  For more information visit her website: www.laurazigman.com and follow her on social media.