Learn the early signs of Mental Health Issues

One of the things that gripped me when we began to understand the magnitude of Laurens struggle with anxiety and anorexia was how it impacted our whole family. I remember whispering to God, “God if this is what families in my church may be going through I must do something to help them.” Too often we don’t realize the unspoken pain of so many around us. Not just in church, but everywhere.

I had no idea what to do when I was faced with the reality that my daughter was suffering from mental health issues. Once her addiction was in full swing many people and places I spoke to said, with the complications of anxiety and anorexia, Lauren was too severe of a case for them. Yet they could not offer any recommendations. A few places told me that her case was not yet serious enough, which was heart breaking to me. How much harder could things get? The answer to that was frightening to me. It left us confused and broken.

One thing I discovered very early in trying to help my daughter was that people facing mental health issues tend to isolate. Often because of the stigma still associated with mental health in our “enlightened” and accepting culture. This is not helpful. In fact, one of the things that is very helpful for a loved one with a mental health issue is to know that they have friends who love them and care. Many times, the people who are investing in their lives are there because they are being paid. This is not a reflection of their level of compassion and the desire they have to help someone, it is simply a fact. Unfortunately, it is a fact that can be very discouraging to an individual facing a mental health issue. In my opinion no group is better equipped for that kind of community than the church. I am grateful and encouraged to see that many churches are starting intentional efforts to support families facing mental health

I saw this in Laurens life after she became very serious about her recovery. In the last several weeks of her life she endeavored to reach out to some old friends that she cared a great deal about that were not facing addiction issues.

Another important tool is to know the early signs of a mental health issues. As mentioned in “How my daughter ended up on heroin” this all started for “LaLa” in Middle School.

October 10th was World Mental Health Awareness Day. This months video features  Pam Mauette who is the Division Director of BH Care in Ansonia CT. 203-736-8566. Pam is going to share with us a few things we should be aware of if we are concerned that someone you love is facing a mental health issue.

The other day I read about a man who had been invited to attend a close friends synagogue. While they were there a young man was celebrating his Bar Mitzvah. It is a very special right of passage for boys at age 13 to adulthood. Girls have a Bat Mitzvah at the age of 12.

A very important part of the ceremony is when the parents give a blessing to the candidate. At this ceremony the father said this: “Son, whatever will happen to you in your life, whether you will have success or not, become important or not, will be healthy or not, always remember how much your mother and I love you.”

WOW, that is exactly what people we love facing mental health or addiction issues need to know. Be a blessing to them!

Resources Pam Mautte mentioned:

BHCare

Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth – Mental Health First Aid Training

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

For Narcan Training simply  Google search “Narcan Training” plus your towns name.

This weeks featured image is another Henry Peach Robinson. The title is from a Shakespearean verse “She never told her love” … Sadly that was Laurens biggest mistake she never told those around her how deeply she was hurting. If you are hurting in any way. Please tell those around you that love you.