Mental Health Matters: For My Mom, For You, For Us All

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

But for many of us, awareness isn’t something we just celebrate—it’s something we live through.

It’s the silent battles. The masked pain. The brave face we put on when the weight feels unbearable.It’s the people we love who suffer quietly. And sometimes, it’s us too.

For me, it’s personal.

My mom lived with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Her mind was often at war with her spirit. Some days she was light. Other days, the shadows felt closer.She didn’t always get the help she needed. She didn’t always have the words to explain what she felt.But she tried. And she loved. And she fought in ways most never saw.

A week and a half before she passed, I wrote her a letter. A final attempt to share everything—my apology, my forgiveness, my understanding, and most of all, my love. You can read it here.

Mental health is not a weakness.

It’s part of our humanity.

And it's time we stop treating it like a secret shame.

Let’s Talk About It

Too often, those struggling feel isolated.

They don’t want to be a burden. They’ve heard it’s "just in their head."They’ve been told to “pray harder” or “just push through.”

Faith is powerful, yes. But so is therapy. So is medication. So is community.

There is no shame in needing help.

God isn’t disappointed in your struggle—He walks with you through it.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Jesus didn’t avoid the hurting—He sat with them, wept with them, healed them.

That’s the heart of awareness: not just knowledge, but compassion in action.

This Month, Let’s Break the Silence

Whether you’re:

• The one struggling in silence

• A caregiver watching someone you love fight invisible battles

• Or someone like me—healing from the loss, the trauma, or the helplessness of not being able to fix it…

  
  

You are seen.

You are loved.

And you are not alone.

Let’s talk more openly. Listen more intently.

Let’s fight for better understanding, access to care, and hope for those who feel like they’ve run out of it.

You Are Not Alone — Get Help, Give Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, there is help available:

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7):📞 Call or Text 988🌐 988lifeline.org

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):🌐 nami.org | 📞 Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Offers education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families.

• MentalHealth.gov🌐 mentalhealth.gov Provides resources, signs of mental illness, and how to help a loved one.

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)🌐 samhsa.gov | 📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Confidential help for mental health and addiction treatment.

  
  

Final Thoughts

My healing journey didn’t start with strength. It started with loss.

With questions. With regret.

But now, it’s rooted in truth, faith, and a deeper understanding that healing isn’t about doing it alone.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I honor my mom.

And I stand with anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood, unseen, or overwhelmed.

You matter.

Your story matters.

And healing—while never easy—is possible.

If you're reading this and need a sign to keep going... this is it.

💚