And if you're walking alongside someone who is struggling, don't give up on them. Keep loving, keep supporting, and keep pushing for them to get the help they need.
: This refers to the non-verbal cues and shifts in demeanor mothers use to establish boundaries or discipline, often described as "shifting into full-on discipline mommy mode". Watching My Mom Go Black
Watching my mom go black was like watching a storm roll in. You see the clouds gathering, the winds picking up, and you know that something is coming. But you're not sure what, or how hard it will hit. All you can do is prepare, and wait. And if you're walking alongside someone who is
And I realized: she wasn't becoming a villain. She wasn't becoming evil. She was becoming void . Depression had bleached her of spectrum, leeched every wavelength until only the absence remained. Watching my mom go black was like watching a storm roll in
In the end, watching my mom go gray has been a blessing in disguise. It has taught me to cherish every moment, to appreciate every strand of gray, and to celebrate the life and love that we share. It has reminded me that life is precious, and that every day is a gift. And it has shown me that even as my mom's hair turns gray, her love, wisdom, and beauty only continue to grow.
As I did, I discovered a deeper sense of love and connection with my mom. I discovered a sense of gratitude for the time we had together, and a sense of awe for the woman she had become. I discovered a sense of pride in her strength, her resilience, and her courage.
If you're walking alongside a loved one who is struggling with their mental health, I see you. I hear you. And I want you to know that you're not alone. It's okay to feel helpless, to feel scared, and to feel unsure of what to do.