<p>From a young age, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/manic.dream.pixie.xo?igsh=MWpmdzAwN3c4OGM4bA%3D%3D">Mikaela </a>felt the pressure to please those around her, men especially. At seventeen, she met the father of her firstborn in the chaos of partying and substance use. What began as young love slowly turned into a life she felt trapped in. With a mortgage, a baby on the way and no income of her own, leaving no longer felt like an option.</p><p><br></p><p>When she finally did leave, Mikaela was on her own with a three-month-old and little to no resources. Starting again from scratch, she navigated the highs and many lows of online dating before being introduced to the world of sugar babying. In this episode, she shares what it means to balance single motherhood, sobriety and the emotional weight of living with personality disorders.</p><p><br></p><p>Trigger warning: This episode explores sensitive topics including substance use, mental health and personality disorders.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/manic.dream.pixie.xo?igsh=MWpmdzAwN3c4OGM4bA%3D%3D">Follow Mikaela on Instagram: @manic.dream.pixie.xo</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliarangiheuea/?hl=en" target="_blank">Creator &amp; Host: ⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea</a><br>Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<br>Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.</p><p>The National Alcohol &amp; Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015</p><p><br></p><p>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0" target="_blank">https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p>In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.</p>