That is so very true. My mom got ill in the same way I am when I was 22 or so. She refused to acknowledge it or seek any kind of treatmemt. It made me feel completely helpless. I was very upset with her for not trying to shield herself and my family from further trauma.

I put my treatment out in the open for my kids. They know when I'm going to the doctor or the therapist and why I go. When I was on meds they knew why I took them. I've explained to them why it is so important for me to eat right and exercise. I think it helps them to process everything to know I'm working hard to make sure it doesn't get out of control again. I had never experienced any kind of mental issue before and it came on fast. Neither my husband or I saw it coming. At least now we know what to look for and we have a bunch of tools to use to lessen the blow.