Daughter Uncovers Mother's 30-Year Munchausen's Deception

In November 2025, Helen Naylor, now 42 years old, reflects on her traumatic childhood and the shocking truth she uncovered after her mother's death in 2015. Growing up, Naylor was made to believe her mother Elinor was chronically ill with conditions like ME (chronic fatigue syndrome). However, Naylor later discovered through her mother's diaries that Elinor had Munchausen's syndrome and had faked her illnesses for over 30 years.

Naylor's childhood was filled with fear, anxiety, and a deep sense of worthlessness, as her manipulative mother subjected her to cruel taunts and neglect. While Naylor thought her mother needed to rest all day, Elinor would actually go out with Naylor's father Alan and socialize with friends. Naylor, just a young girl, was forced to be a caretaker for both her parents.

Now, as Naylor watches her 14-year-old son Bailey happily playing football with friends, she realizes how different his childhood has been from her own traumatic experiences. Determined to break the cycle of abuse, Naylor and her husband Peter have created an open, loving environment for their children, encouraging them to pursue their passions. Naylor has also undergone therapy to help her reframe the memories of her difficult upbringing.

Despite the challenges, Naylor believes she has been "lucky" in life, having found a supportive partner and the strength to share her story in her memoir, "My Mother, Munchausen's And Me," published in 2021. Naylor's openness has helped others understand her mother's manipulative behavior, which was hidden from the world for decades.