To those who may not fully understand:
- The ones who have never set foot in a locked adolescent crisis unit.
- The ones who have never been physically confronted by their own child—their own flesh and blood—despite every ounce of love and effort they’ve invested.
- The ones who offer unsolicited parenting advice, suggesting that if it were their child, they would involve the authorities or seek institutionalization.
- The ones who believe that mental health challenges are merely signs of poor parenting, thinking that stricter discipline could “fix” the situation.
- The ones who cannot fathom what it’s like to spend five days in an emergency room, waiting for a psychiatric bed to become available, only to face yet another program that fails to help their child.
- The ones who have the privilege of being unaware of the mental health crisis that plagues our nation firsthand.
- The ones who don’t know about the years-long waitlists due to a severe shortage of qualified professionals, as the difficult nature of this work combined with low pay discourages many from entering the field.
To the dedicated parents and caregivers:
This message is for you. For those who have exhausted every option yet continue to fight for their child.
It’s for the parents desperate to avoid yet another trip to the ER, caught in the relentless cycle of seeking help yet never truly finding it.
It’s for the parents who must sometimes shield their other children, both physically and emotionally, from the sibling struggling with mental illness.
It’s for the parents who have become master negotiators, always on high alert, multitasking their way through chaos.
This letter is for the parent who has had their car damaged while distracted by an argument with their child.
For the parent who feels like they can’t endure another day but has no choice but to press on.
For the parent who leaves work too often, misses important moments, and constantly worries while trying to keep everything balanced.
It’s for every parent who has felt the heart-wrenching fear of their own child and the helplessness of not knowing how to help them.
You are not alone, even when it feels that way. You are seen.
There’s a community of caregivers who understand and support you.
Mental health issues do not discriminate; they exist in every corner of society, from affluent neighborhoods to families of all walks of life.
To those unaware: If you are fortunate enough to live without the struggles faced by others, please hold back your judgments.
To the parents in the trenches, you are acknowledged. While I can’t promise that everything will be alright, know that you are not alone.
You. Are. Not. Alone.
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter aims to connect with parents and caregivers of children facing mental health challenges, acknowledging their struggles and offering solidarity. It highlights the lack of understanding from those who haven’t experienced these challenges and emphasizes the widespread nature of mental illness in society. The message reassures those in the thick of it that they are not alone and encourages them to seek community support.