Honoring My Mother By Helping Families

Meet Rachel, a volunteer with Families for Depression Awareness. In her own words, Rachel told the staff that her goal was “honoring my mother by helping families.” Read why this was important to her and what she wants others to do to help families dealing with depression.

My Mother’s Depression

My mother and I have always been close. We are more like best friends than mother and daughter. We talk all the time, which is why I quickly noticed that her temperament changed after having a medical procedure last year. I admit it–I didn’t react well at first. I thought she was just being negative and so I distanced myself from her.

She eventually shared with me that she had depression. That was the first step toward repairing our strained relationship. I started researching what that diagnosis meant and struggled at times to figure out how to be there for her. After some ups and downs, we discovered that we needed to communicate more openly with each other. We are both committed to having an even closer relationship today than we had prior to her diagnosis.

Honoring My Mother

This experience inspired me to help other families dealing with depression. I decided to have a fundraiser for Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA) so I could support their programs for families. I want more people to know about FFDA and all the amazing resources they can provide. I also want other families in similar situations to know that the road may be difficult, but to push ahead because their families members need them.

I encourage you to make a donation to FFDA. At the end of the day, I believe we all want to contribute to others, especially those we love.

Sincerely,

Rachel

• Watch our webinar on Getting on the Path to Wellness as a Family.
• Read more Family Stories.