They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

My apple, she fell and bounced into a tree similar to her momma.

My smart and funny TeenThing was diagnosed with depression and anxiety this week.

This journey started a while back, and we had to go through a process of elimination (two rounds of birth control pills over the past couple of years) to be able to say that it wasn’t hormone related.

Like her mother, she is very good at hiding some of her symptoms.  In preparation for the appointment with our family physician I had her write down everything, as she would have to share it so we could get a proper diagnosis.

I told her that she didn’t HAVE to tell me everything before we went, but she did have to tell the doctor.  She was articulate, clear, and brave.

It’s been hard to keep myself from saying “you should do x, or y”.  To remind myself that mental illness is a very individual beast.

I’ve compartmentalized alot.  My focus now is on being there for her as we navigate her trial of medication and set her up with all the tools she will need to keep to a normal schedule so that she doesn’t hibernate.

I am proud of her for asking for help.  Proud of how strong and brave she is.

So, for now, we’ll take it day by day.

@crazymamaruns