Family Stories

Every family raising—or having raised—a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges has a unique story worth sharing. Your experiences, insights, and even small victories can offer hope, inspiration, and support to others. To read stories shared by fellow families, please click here.

Share Your Story, Your Way

Our Family Stories section is a welcoming space where you can share anything you believe might help another family. There’s no single “right” way to tell your story. Whether you choose to write a detailed narrative, a brief note, a poem, or even a few words of wisdom, your voice matters. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• A Specific Moment: Describe one experience that changed the way you view your journey.
• A Day in the Life: Share what a typical day looks like in your home.
• Practical Tips: Reveal your favorite pick-me-up, a secret to getting your child to sleep, or your personal self-care routine.
• Reflections: Write about your biggest challenge, your proudest moment, or simply how you feel after one of those long days.

Feeling Nervous About Sharing?

It’s completely natural to feel a bit hesitant. Think about all the ways you share your experiences every day—with family, friends, or even neighbors. You don’t need to be a professional writer to offer something valuable. Your story, told in your own words, is powerful and authentic.

Not Ready to Share?

If now isn’t the right time for you to write your story, that’s perfectly okay. Feel free to browse and enjoy the experiences of other families. Sometimes, reading another person’s journey can be a source of inspiration or comfort when you need it most.

Protecting Your Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. To help ensure your family’s safety and confidentiality, we ask that you:

• Refrain from using last names.
• Consider using fictitious names or generic terms like “son,” “daughter,” or “my child.”
• Let us know at the end of your story if you’d like any personally identifiable information to be modified or removed.

We value openness about mental health, and this guidance is meant solely to protect you and your loved ones, giving you control over your personal information.

Embracing Strategic Sharing

Strategic Sharing means telling your story in a way that is meaningful, effective, and safe. It’s about making thoughtful choices in how you share your experiences so that your voice is heard while keeping your family’s well-being and privacy front and center.

Final Thoughts

Your journey as a parent of a child facing mental health challenges is incredibly valuable. By sharing your story, you help raise awareness, foster understanding, and remind others that they are not alone. Every story adds a human face to the challenges many families experience, reducing stigma and nurturing a community of support.

Click Here to Learn How to Submit Your Story

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Your story not only supports other families—it helps build a community where everyone feels understood and valued.