Parenting is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and the occasional heartbreak. But what happens when mental health issues complicate this already intricate role? For one mother, Megan, this challenge became a heartbreaking reality that she courageously shared with the world.

What Led to This Difficult Decision?

In a world where parenting is often idealized, Megan’s story offers a raw and poignant glimpse into the complexities that come with raising a child with mental health disorders. Megan, a mother of five, faced a dilemma that no parent ever wants to confront: the safety of her four other children versus the care of her 11-year-old daughter, Briley, who was struggling deeply with her mental health.

Megan candidly shared on TikTok, “I love her deeply and so badly wish she could be at my house, but it’s not safe for my other children.” This heart-wrenching decision to have Briley live with her grandmother was made out of love and the dire necessity to protect her family.

What Are the Challenges of Parenting a Child with Multiple Mental Health Diagnoses?

Briley’s diagnoses are a tapestry of complex conditions: disruptive dysregulation mood disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, reactive attachment disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and impulse control disorder. It’s a lot for anyone to handle, let alone a child.

Megan’s account of Briley’s life story is a testament to the day-to-day trials the family has faced. From infancy, Briley’s incessant crying led to an eviction, and struggles with sleep persisted until age five. By six, Briley had already been hospitalized for aggressive behavior towards peers, siblings, and teachers. Megan’s experience provides insight into the relentless nature of these challenges and the difficult decisions parents must sometimes make.

How Do Parents Cope with Judgement and Guilt?

For parents like Megan, societal judgment can be an additional burden. Megan has faced harsh criticism and questions about her capability as a mother. Yet, she continues to show her dedication, calling Briley every day and visiting frequently.

“I literally call her every single day. I see her very frequently,” Megan emphasizes. Her transparency and vulnerability in sharing her story underscore a universal truth—that parents, too, are doing their best under challenging circumstances.

Christine Walker, another mother who faced similar decisions with her son, Schuyler, encapsulates this experience aptly: “If Schuyler had cancer, I would never think of myself as a failure if I didn’t do chemo in my living room. I would never think of myself as giving up. This is a brain disorder.”

What Can We Learn from Megan’s Story?

Megan’s journey is not merely a story of struggle but also one of resilience and love. Her willingness to share her story shines a light on the importance of acknowledging mental illness as a legitimate health issue, deserving of the same empathy and understanding as any physical ailment.

Her story is a crucial reminder that parenting does not come with a manual, especially when mental health issues are involved. It’s a call to action for society to respond with empathy rather than judgment, recognizing that parents like Megan are navigating uncharted waters with courage and compassion.

In the end, Megan’s story is a powerful narrative about the complexity of love and the difficult decisions that sometimes accompany it. It teaches us that supporting families with mental health challenges means embracing them with understanding and unwavering support. After all, we’re all doing our best—Megan included.