Comments on: Parenting a Child with Mental Illness

By: natalie

natalie — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 12:19:06 +0000

I have had a little cry reading this Suzanne, such a honest and heart breaking post, a subject that needs to be talked about much more. You and you family have come so far in the last few years and you should all be so proud of yourselves. I hope your lovely girl continues to thrive. Sending love x

By: Find Out More

Find Out More — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 11:14:38 +0000

Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

By: Jackie H

Jackie H — Wed, 16 May 2018 22:11:41 +0000

Suzanne, I’m so proud of you guys. When you first started going through this I wasn’t in the best place myself and found it hard to choose what to say & what not to say. I so hope this post becomes your most read ever because everyone needs support when they enter this strange underworld. I’m really grateful for your friendship which grew through this season and I LOVE that you are using your hard times to help others. The driving licence news is fantastic! Lots of love to you all xxx

By: Suzanne W

Suzanne W — Wed, 16 May 2018 15:21:36 +0000

Thank you Heledd, I remember chatting to you too. It’s been a long hard slog but she really is SO much better. I think it’s important for us just to be aware and on the look out as they grow up. We were honestly clueless and if this journey has taught us anything, it’s that no one is exempt. You can treat them all the same way and one might fall prey. There really is no telling. xx

By: Suzanne W

Suzanne W — Wed, 16 May 2018 15:20:20 +0000

I had no idea Chloe, but had noticed how understanding you are and of course you’re a therapist too which makes total sense. Thank you for being so honest. I think when you’ve fallen to the depths of despair once, you are more aware of it happening again and in tune with your own mind. I would love to talk to you more about this sometime. xx

By: Heledd - Running in Lavender

Heledd - Running in Lavender — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:46:21 +0000

I remember talking to you about this a few years ago, when you were in the middle of it all. I’m so please to read that she is now feeling so much better and that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Talking to you that day, knowing I had three daughters of my own really made me think -and am now very aware of their feelings, self-confidence and stress levels. Thank you of sharing your story and helping others going through anything similar.

By: Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker

Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker — Tue, 15 May 2018 07:21:40 +0000

Oh Suzanne, I’m so glad that your daughter is feeling better now. I used to be in her position – depression, anxiety, disordered eating, trips to A&E, and a period of being in hospital and it is such a scary, dark place to be. It was finding a therapist that I really connected with and trusted that got me through it and whilst I still have anxious/depressive moments, I now know how to manage them and get myself back on track – it’s not easy but it is possible. Your daughter will have so much strength and resilience as a result of everything she’s been through and coupled with the love and support from you and the rest of her family, she’ll be ok. Sending love to you all.

By: Christine www.tnsck.blog

Christine www.tnsck.blog — Mon, 14 May 2018 17:24:41 +0000

Beautifully written. Mental health is so misunderstood. As someone who has gone through this starting at 13 (I’m now 44) and who’s son is 11 and currently going through this all I can say is it can get better. Mental illness I find is very common if people are willing to admit it. I had to stay off some of the mental health support groups as many parents still treat it as a character flaw. It isn’t. Or worse, they think that some lavender will fix everything. If lavender can fix this it would be worth a million dollars a bundle. It is a disease, and it effects everyone differently. I hope that your post as well as others will help people come to terms with these horrible diseases.

By: Kerri-Ann

Kerri-Ann — Mon, 14 May 2018 15:27:58 +0000

Such a beautifully written post Suzanne. I simply cannot imagine what you have all been through as a family, but also your daughter. Why do things need to be so difficult for these delicate souls we bring into the world. I really do hope you are starting to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Love to you and yours x x

By: Jo-MotherofTeenagers

Jo-MotherofTeenagers — Mon, 14 May 2018 14:30:04 +0000

Suzanne this is such a touching story not only of sadness at what has been but of hope for the future. I feel humbled by your honesty and like every other parent reading this am thankful to you for sharing your experiences and giving clear advice on the markers to look out for. My daughter is receiving counselling at school at the moment on the back of my recent illness. When she asked me if I would be ok for her to make an appointment to see someone I remember filling up with anxiety and pride. The former at where the path would take her and us and the latter that at 14 she was mature enough and brave enough to stick her hand up and say I need help. The more open we are as a society about these issues the easier I hope it will become for those in need of help and support to receive it. It is her 15th birthday this week and never has Mental Health Awareness Week been more relevant for us as a family. I hope you all enjoyed a fabulous day of celebrations – 18 is a big number! Wishing you all love and hope for the future. #TweensTeensBeyond