Yesterday morning, I made a bold decision and brought all four of my children along to my appointment at the psychiatrist’s office. Typically, I reserve this time for self-care, much like I did during my OB checkups while pregnant. It’s a rare opportunity to focus solely on my own health, free from the distractions of parenting.
To be candid, I also hesitated because I dreaded the possibility of having to explain my reasons for visiting a mental health professional. I feared their questions: “Will I have to come here someday, Mommy?” or “Why do you keep coming here if you feel alright?” Honestly, I was ashamed. Despite my openness about living with Bipolar Disorder and my efforts to destigmatize mental illness—having co-edited a bestselling anthology on the subject and participated in public discussions—I still felt a pang of embarrassment. I didn’t want my children to see me as eternally flawed, especially knowing I would be attending these appointments for the foreseeable future. While I embrace the medication that helps me, I still grapple with the notion of inadequacy for needing it.
This week, I realized that my reluctance to bring my kids stemmed not just from the inconvenience but also from a desire to shield them from the uncomfortable aspects of my mental health journey. When my usual childcare options fell through, and time slipped away due to my children’s antics, I faced a choice: cancel the appointment or bring them along.
In hindsight, the significant $110 cancellation fee played a role in my decision, but it wasn’t the main reason. I understood that to truly combat the stigma surrounding mental health, I needed to involve my children in my treatment process. Not only would this normalize mental health care for them, but it would also illustrate that seemingly ordinary people seek help and guidance.
As we arrived at the office, my children were polite and engaged, holding doors open and chatting with others in the waiting area. This behavior is typical for them, reflecting our Southern roots. Given the negative stereotypes often associated with mental illness, it’s important to demonstrate that mental health management is a common aspect of life that affects us all.
My children joined me for the weight check and the discussion about my medications and symptoms. They even chimed in during my appointment, sharing their observations about my sleep patterns and irritability—talk about candid moments! They accompanied me into the psychiatrist’s office, commenting on the comfort of the chairs, and participated in the conversation. Before we left, they hugged the nurse and doctor, as they often do with new friends.
I want my kids to understand that seeking help for mental health is a courageous act and that those they encounter in similar situations are working to address their challenges. Part of dismantling stigma involves revealing the humanity behind mental health struggles, and this experience was a step in that direction.
I also considered how my children’s presence might impact other patients. Having well-behaved kids in the waiting room seemed to ease the usual tension that accompanies these visits. I ensured they maintained good manners without stifling their voices entirely. Many individuals wait anxiously in their cars before entering mental health offices, a behavior not seen in other medical settings. By fostering open dialogue and showing that mental health care is as common as visiting a physician for physical ailments, we can reduce stigma.
My hope is that if you live with mental illness, you will feel empowered to share your journey with loved ones. Not only does this foster understanding, but it also encourages them to seek help when needed and support others who may be in similar situations. If you’re interested in home insemination, check out this post about the BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. For more guidelines on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable. You can also explore options with the Impregnator At Home Insemination Kit.
In summary, my experience of bringing my children to my psychiatrist appointment not only challenged my own discomfort but also served as a teaching moment about mental health. By facing the stigma head-on, I hope to foster an environment where seeking help is normalized for my children and those around them.
Keyphrase: Mental Health Stigma
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