Someone of great influence is working to extinguish the stigma associated with mental illness (MI). That comes as music to the ears of moms raising kids with MI. Who is the person? The duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Talk about the royal treatment!
Check out the title of an Associated Press article:
“Kate Middleton would get her kids mental health help if they needed it”
The weight of her words could do much to turn the tide of needless shame millions of moms feel. A portion of that well-written article helps us understand how sincere she is in her campaign.
“She called for change, writing that ‘with mental health problems still being such a taboo, many adults are often too afraid to ask for help for the children in their care.’”
How does it make you feel when you hear that other adults are too afraid to ask for help for their children suffering from MI? I don’t know about you, but it reinforces the fact that I’m not alone in my journey. I’m not alone in trying to shield my son from others, due to the stigma that surrounds MI. I’m not alone in fearing that unkind people might judge, tease, or look down on my son.
Kate’s backing up her words with action. She’s the guest editor for The Huffington Post UK’s recently-launched series called “Young Minds Matter.” On that site, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, states, “We know there is no shame in a young child struggling with their emotions or suffering from a mental illness.”
In 2015, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge supported UK’s first Children’s Mental Health Week. She videotaped her support of UK’s charity a Place2Be. Hear her talk about that charity in her own words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYV3zPXx64
In 2016, she created another video for Mental Health Week. In that video, Kate is speaking directly to young children. Listen to how well she relates to children:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21jqtJ-UB_w
Those involved with the Young Minds Matter campaign hope it will go global. Their goal is to help children around the world feel loved, valued and understood.
That’s what we want for our children also. Not only do we have an earthly royal advocating for loving treatment. But we have a heavenly Royal who wants everyone to love one another.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love. Our King of all kings not only wants us to share His love, but He will envelop you in His love. Picture resting in the palm of His hand.
“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:6-8).
Let Elvis Presley’s song, “One Pair of Hands”, minister to you.
MI: mom 2 mom 
Hi Vicki,
I’ve missed talking with u as its been a varied last few months! I pray u are doing well as can be in the cold snowy weather! I could never go back north now as my blood is really too thin and I am still allways cold here in FL in the winter but nothing likeI would be in the north.
Anyways, this is wonderful news that Princess Kate is taking MI under her wing! I had missed that news entirely, so thank u so much for sharing it. I just listened to all she said and Elvis’s song. I just love that song, as I do all his gospel songs.
I feel so sad that Keith never really got good mental health counseling. It sure wasn’t for lack of trying as we dragged him and us from counselor to counselor! But they were all pretty bad, except for one and by then, it felt like it was too late, (too many details to explain). U know how that is.
He is struggling right now , not ony with all his regualr issues, but with, in fact, what I started out this with, the weather. Apparently, a mini tornado came through his area ( lives in Melbourne, FL, the space coast off the Indian River and they do get winds off that body of water). He looked out his back patio one night almost 3 weeks ago now and saw sparks flying, tree limbs coming down, arcking lights with the overhead wires coming down all around him. Of course, he was scared to death and said almost 20 Florida Power & Light guys were there. Meanwhile, he doesn’t understand electricity, nobody had the forethought to tell him to unplug his appliances. Yes, everything in his house is fried. His frig ( only about 2 years old that I bought him), gone. microwave, tv’s, don’t know yet about air conditoner and furnace system (that would be a catastrophic cost) and when they plugged into some of their outlets, sparks flew. They have no insurance, FP&L said they would come back for them to file a claim form; hasn’t happened.
Keith called them, lost his temper as he does not know how to handle stress in a good way and they said u need an electrician. Thats a joke. There is no $ for an electrican. They cost a fortune. Sorry so long. Guess U are getting the venting in writing out this horror story as know u will understand. Have not talked to him for over a week now. This is so so hard, Vicki. Bud did not react well at all when Keith called and I can’t go down there by myself and fix things.Oh, I want to so bad. But just too ill and weak. So, short story now, relying on my God to take something really bad and make something good out of it!
What a mess.
Thank u again for this writing and I certainly feel and do picture God holding me through all this. I have been getting some comments about how I look good, am I feeling better; etc. U know the drill.NO, I believe it is God’s strength, peace, mercy and His love for me that is coming through on my countenance! I can literally feel His strength! Wow! I am definitely clinging to Him in the shadow of His loving wings and the palms of His hands! Thank you, Jesus!
Blessings,
Patty
Ps. Please let me know how you are doing?
Dear Patty,
Whenever you share a “horror story” like this one, you always write so clearly I can just picture it … and feel it too. And you always end with giving God the glory. The HUGE contrast between the HARD trial and God-honoring words creates an awesome testimony. I’m SO sorry Keith (and you) experienced such tragedy. At the same time, I’m grateful you shared that story here. Once again, visitors will read your story and be unable to deny such loss; yet be unable to deny your sincere faith.
Here’s a list of the Truths you shared that others can claim:
-When we’re unable to fix things, like you, we can discover that we can rely “on God to take something really bad and make something good out of it!” And He will (sooner or later, and in ways we might not have expected).
-Even in the midst of trouble, we can say with assurance that, “I certainly feel and do picture God holding me through all this.”
-The more we trust God, the more others will sense His peace and presence. Then we can join you in saying, “I believe it is God’s strength, peace, mercy and His love for me that is coming through on my countenance!”
-No matter how tough things are, as long as we keep our focus on God, we’ll be able to echo your words, “I can literally feel His strength!”
I’ve been pretty much the same. Trusting God to strengthen me and guide me each day. Some days—each minute! You know how it goes.
Love ya,
Vicki
Thanks so much, Vicki, for your wise discernment in what I said, (you amaze me). I always feel lightend up somewhat after we share.
And for the compliment in you stating that I write a clear picture that you can actually imagine, see and feel is so encouraging coming from a gal with such a great educational professional background! You give me such encouragement and a caring loving friendship that is truly a gift for me. And to say what a testimony I have to share that could possibly help others is such a God blessing that He is using me and the pain and suffering to His Glory!! I so desire to be His beloved servant, as I know you do.
I read what I wrote and your reply back to Bud yesterday and he was blessed.
And yes, somedays minute by minute with God always at our side! I sure do know how that goes! Its such a freeing feeling to be understood by someone who has been there, done that and is still putting one foot in front of the other! And a smile as much as possible!
Praying for some bright and sunny days coming to you and yours this new year.
Love ya back,
Patty
Yes, Patty, our friendship is truly a gift for both of us!
God “is using me and the pain and suffering to His Glory!!”: absolutely!!! Whatever He allows, He uses. That’s our comfort.
I’ll continue praying that God will restore everything Keith needs.
Love ya,
Vicki
😄🙏