Episode 1: Who Is a Sib — and Why Does It Matter?
Welcome to the very first episode of Sib as a Human, the podcast dedicated to siblings of people with disabilities — not just as caregivers or advocates, but as whole, complex human beings.
In this premiere episode, host Sheena Brevig shares her own journey of growing up as a sib to her younger brother, who has cerebral palsy — and how she slowly uncovered the ways that experience shaped her self-worth, emotional regulation, physical health, and sense of self. From IBS to CPTSD, from people-pleasing to hyper-independence, Sheena opens up about what it took to start truly understanding herself.
She's joined by Kaitlin McNamara, Executive Director of the Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) and a sib herself, who shares her own story as the eldest of four sisters — two of whom identify as women with disabilities — and reflects on parentification, the shock of leaving home, and the long journey toward having honest conversations about caregiving, identity, and resentment.
Together, they also share results from a sibling survey completed by over 100 sibs, revealing just how profoundly this identity shapes people's lives — and how little space has existed to talk about it.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
What it means to be a "sib" — and why that term matters more than "glass child"
Parentification: what it is, how it happens (often without anyone asking), and how it follows sibs into adulthood
The mind-body connection of emotional suppression — from gut issues to TMJ to chronic stress
CPTSD and complex trauma in the sib experience
Intersectionality: how race, culture, gender identity, and other marginalized identities layer onto the sib experience
Survey highlights: 90% of sibs said their identity was profoundly impacted by being a sib; over 90% feel caregiving pressure — and most said that pressure is self-imposed
The "Pandora's box" metaphor — why opening it is scary, and why it's necessary
What it looks like to start celebrating yourself as a sib
📊 Survey Data Highlights
90% of respondents rated their sib identity's impact on their wellbeing as a 4 or 5 out of 5
74.3% selected the highest rating — "profoundly impacted"
Over 90% reported feeling the pressure of caregiving
Almost 90% deal with challenges around emotional expression
Over 80% reported feeling alone or isolated at times
Over 90% said the pressure they feel is internal, not externally imposed
Over 50% find it difficult to ask for help
Top topics sibs want to discuss: resentment, grief and loss, guilt and shame, burnout, future planning anxiety, codependency, family dynamics, and boundaries
👥 Guest
Kaitlin McNamara — Executive Director, Sibling Leadership Network Kaitlin is herself a sib — the eldest of four sisters, two of whom identify as women with disabilities. She has spent years building community and evidence-based support for siblings through the SLN, and brings both personal and professional depth to this conversation.
🔗 Resources & Links
Sibling Leadership Network (SLN): siblingleadership.org
Find local chapters, online communities, and free events for siblings
Follow us on Instagram: @sibAsAHuman
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Contact us: [email protected]
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sibasahuman.substack.com
