Cheryl Miller Dellasega

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Published by: Random House Publishing Group
Release Date: ‎ October 1, 2002
Pages: 272
ISBN13: 978-0345455383

 
OVERVIEW

Why are the teen years fraught with crisis for so many girls? Why do so many mother-daughter relationships deteriorate drastically at this time? When her own teenage daughter began to spiral out of control, therapist Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D., launched a nationwide search to find answers—and hope. In this inspiring, compassionate book, Dellasega shares the strength and the wisdom of mothers who have seen their daughters through the tumult of adolescence.

Drawing on the experiences of scores of mothers and daughters, Dellasega takes a hard look at the lives of girls in crisis—once happy, carefree children who are now struggling with eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, substance abuse, and severe mental problems. These are stories of girls on the edge, and mothers who are trying everything to save them. Yet even in the most desperate situations, Dellasega hears the same clear message: the key to survival is the support and the understanding of others going through the same thing.

Surviving Ophelia is a book that provides the community that mothers of troubled teenage girls need more than anything. Powerful and heartfelt, this book captures both the pain and the strength of mothers who are living with the daily challenge of raising teenage daughters today.

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PRAISE

“This book has been a comfort to me to read other mom's stories and what they've done to make their situations better for themselves and their daughters. It helps to know that other moms have "been there, done that" and survived. I'm glad someone put this book together, because it always helps to know that I'm not alone. This book also opened my mind to other alternatives when the norms aren't working for our daughters. I highly recommend this book to other moms who are struggling with their daughters.”
—Lemonade Maker, Amazon Review

“Many mothers share their insight and their personal stories on raising teenage daughters. Cheryl Dellasega has created a book that allows mothers across the country to share their own personal challenges on raising teenage daughters.

You will read about anorexia, dishonesty, vulnerabilities, crisis intervention, boundaries, love, survival and so much more. Cheryl's book is a gift and like many gifts it was born of pain. She reveals much of herself and her own struggles with her teenage daughter Ellen. Ellen writes a piece in the end as to where they are now. Her portion brought me to tears as her relationship with her mother remains intact…This book gives you a sense of community, a book that allows mothers to feel less isolated.

Congratulations Cheryl, you did it! My own written contribution appears in Chapter 14 titled "Ophelia: With and Without Fathers." Well researched and well written for any/every mother of a daughter.”
—Bernadette Moyer

“This collection of narratives by moms with "troubled" daughters should definitely be on the bookshelf of every mom with a girl... even if she isn't yet "in trouble." The relationship between mothers and daughters has always been complicated, and you'll find if you search the internet, what Dellasega says about there being no community for women to exchange their experiences is true. There are plenty of places for parents to ask questions and share experiences about toddlers, and pregnancy, but it's like the communities disappear as soon as the real trouble starts.

This book, as well as Dellasega's website, which you can find in the book's notes (which I found out about through an online discussion of her book) try to create a community (both online and off) of moms' and daughters' voices for those who need it, and those who might someday need it. And how will we know we need it, until it's too late? Read this book now...”
—dandelion dreamer