I was going to write a Mental Health Month wrap-up today, but then my friend Betsy shared this story, and it hit me straight in the heart. There are indeed taboos about mental illness. When your child is struggling, some people will make judgments about your parenting if they know. I was lucky to find a couple of moms who were willing to talk openly about what was going on with their kids, REALLY, beneath the facade we all present to the general public, and I cannot even begin to describe how valuable that was. PLEASE read this article. It will take only a few minutes. But it could help you be a far better friend to another parent who truly needs one.
"So the next time you hear about a suicide — child, adult, or teen — please examine your own internal biases. Please check your internal monologue and correct it if need be. And if you sense another person in your circle might be struggling or has given hints that their child is struggling, please be open to them. Please encourage your friends and family that you’re there for them without reservation and without judgment. Be a champion for the understanding of mental illness."