This is a topic near and dear to my heart. I spent many years fighting for my daughter’s mental well being. Adolescent years are hard for anyone but when you’re a teen with mental illness it is horrible. I will never forget the phone call from school telling me she had taken medication wanting to end her life. Something a Mom never wants to hear. You’re thinking where did I go wrong, is this for attention, but most importantly how do I get her the help she needs and let her know she is loved and that she matters! That day began a journey of hospitalizations, multiple counselors, psychiatrists, an endless list of medications to find what worked with her chemical makeup and to treat side effect symptoms from some of the medications, readjusting life as we knew it to include leaving my job to support her, locking up all sharp objects in the house, watching her take her meds and checking her mouth to ensure she swallowed them because she hated taking them because how they made her feel and the stigma behind meds, having her do school through homebound because school was too detrimental to her mental health because of the bullying, and constantly walking on eggshells and living with the fear of will a suicide attempt be successful. She has survived sexual abuse, daddy issues from abandonment, my divorce and the man who raised her also abandoning her, a physically and emotionally abusive marriage, dealing with my alcoholism following my divorce.
I could go on and on but instead I want to share the outcome. My girl is a 32 year old thriving Mom of 3 with a career she loves and wonderful man she plans to marry this year. She has overcome and been through more than any one person should have to endure. Her strength, determination, willingness to be different is so inspiring. I am so thankful that she took control of her mental health and chose to strive to be better. Everyday I am blessed that she is hear with us. I want to walk to raise awareness especially that there is nothing wrong with not being okay! Never assume anyone’s cry for help is just attention getting. Most importantly if you feel like you can’t go on or you are overwhelmed please reach out to someone whether it’s family, a friend, or a professional. No matter what you think , YOU MATTER!!!! Please donate to my walk to help support mental health awareness, it could be saving you or your loved ones.
