In May, we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month and the challenges that many individuals face on a daily basis. Randi Gillespie, the Oak Wealth Advisors Director of Special Needs Resources, shares her perspective of the challenging journey her family has been on with their son and one shining moment that provides them all with hope for his future.

He stood on the stage in front of 1,400 students, teachers, and high school administrators. He was the most confident he has ever been. He was reading his nomination for his high school’s Distinguished Teacher of The Year Award. As a result of his essay, the teacher he had nominated was chosen for the distinction.

He looked toward the audience and began speaking. I was stunned by his confidence and calm demeanor. In a world where many high school students think vulnerability is a sign of weakness, my son was embracing his and using it as his superpower.

Six years ago, my son began to experience debilitating anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations. These mental health challenges, along with many peer-related social struggles, impeded his ability to get up in the morning. Often, when I would enter his room in the morning to wake him, I was unsure what I would find behind the door. It was a very, very, dark time for our family.

Having a mental illness is different from having a physical or developmental disability. You can often see a difference in those individuals. With a mental illness, the differences are often hidden.  Having mental health challenges impacts a person’s thinking, feeling, and ability to relate to others.

After receiving his diagnoses, we knew that this would be a marathon, and not a sprint. I found resources, collaborated with his education team, and sought doctors and therapists. Over time, and as a result of a lot of hard work, my son began to build trust, cultivate self-compassion, confidence, and began to experience joy.

While on stage, my son openly shared his struggles of depression and ongoing bullying. He spoke about the empathy that his teacher had, and how he continued to challenge him academically and socially, and encouraged him to not give up.  He received a standing ovation. There were tears flowing from parents, friends, and school staff. He is in a good place right now and he continues to work hard to be his best self. He has plans to attend college and major in secondary education.

For now, we are breathing a little easier knowing that there is a plan. We are still in the race!

If you, or someone that you know, is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial/text 988.