My coworker recently shared this post in Grown and Flown from a mother of a teen who lives with both depression and ADHD. This is a timely share as we approach May which is Mental Health Awareness Month. I’d encourage you to read to better understand this experience or, perhaps, see your own experience validated. 

She affirms:

We are not good moms because we have good kids and we are not bad moms when our kids are struggling. We are all moms, doing our best. How our kids turn out has a little to do with us and a lot to do with the dynamic nature of life. It can happen in a flash, this reversal of fortune. To be holding up a kid in darkness is the most humbling and raw of experiences.

If you’re a parent or a caregiver supporting someone living with mental illness, here are some resources that may be helpful.

Peer Support

• NAMI (National Association on Mental Illness) has Family Support Groups nationwide which you can search for here. This link will take you to the groups offered in Wake County.
• The Balanced Mind Parent Network is an online support community from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. There is a $5 monthly membership fee.

Online Information

• The Child Mind Institute has a wealth of information on mental health, one example is this post on How to Help Your Depressed Teenager. You can search by topics on this page.
• NAMI has some specific articles that may be of benefit, including:
  • How do I create a long-term care plan for my loved one who is living with a serious mental illness
  • My teenager is acting differently. Could it be the beginning of mental illness?
  • How to Support Your Family Member if Arrested (NC)
• This checklist from Mental Health America has questions to ask before a potential hospitalization.
• This guide from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is for parents on what to know about teens and suicide.

For Teens

• Bring Change to Mind, a non-profit that encourages dialogue about mental health, has a teen blog.
• Your Life Your Voice from Boys Town National Hotline also has tips and tools.
• Sources of Strength, a youth suicide prevention project, created a workbook of activities for mental wellness that families and youth can work on at home during the pandemic.
• The Trevor Project has online support and information specifically for LGBTQ youth.

The Work/Life Center provides individualized resources for SAS employees and their family members.