What No One Tells You About Admitting Your Teen to a Psychiatric Ward
No parent ever expects to admit their teen to a psychiatric ward. But when the unthinkable happens, you’re forced to walk through those locked doors, hoping this place will save them. In this chapter from Wake Up, You Could Lose Your Teen to Suicide, I share the fear, the heartbreak, and the fragile hope that comes with watching your child fight for their life. I hope you never experience this—but if you have, you’re not alone.
I Missed the Signs: Why Every Teen Needs Someone Who Listens
The signs your teen is struggling are often subtle: changes in mood, habits, or behaviour. Don’t wait for a crisis to act. You can connect with your teen before things escalate by listening, being present, and creating a safe space. The signs are already there; your presence and compassion can make all the difference.
The Silent Struggles of Teens: How to Know When They’re Feeling Lost
Feeling lost doesn’t mean a teen is depressed or anxious. It’s often about lacking confidence, direction, or the ability to process emotions. Teens need guidance to navigate these challenges and build resilience. By recognizing the signs, offering support, and normalizing their emotions, parents can help them find their path. When needed, mentors, coaches, or therapists can provide additional guidance.
Maddie Didn’t Plan a Legacy, But She Left One Anyway
Maddie didn’t plan her legacy, but her story continues to save lives and inspire change. As a bright 14-year-old navigating a complex world, she couldn't have known the profound ripple effect she’d leave behind. Her unintentional legacy sparks open conversations, drives mental health advocacy, and reminds us that even small actions can create lasting impact. Maddie’s love and light endure, inspiring us all to make a difference.
What No One Understands About Losing a Child
Losing a child is an unimaginable grief, filled with misconceptions that can deepen the loneliness. Grief doesn’t expire; you don’t “move on,” you carry it forward. Talking about a lost child doesn’t worsen the pain, it keeps their memory alive. Other children don’t fill the void, and strength includes falling apart. Life changes forever, but it can still hold meaning as you honour their memory.
The Stories You Connected With in 2024
As 2024 ends, I’m deeply grateful for this LinkedIn community. Sharing Maddie’s story and seeing her legacy touch so many hearts has been humbling. In 2025, we’re moving from connection to action, amplifying mental health initiatives to create real change. This year, we touched hearts—next year, we aim to save lives. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable. #MentalHealthMatters #Gratitude
Forever Fourteen: Maddie’s Photo on My Fridge and the Journey of Life
A simple photo on my fridge tells a profound story. While pictures of my sons change with each milestone—graduations, travels, and new adventures—Maddie’s Grade 8 photo remains frozen in time. Nearly 10 years after her passing, her legacy continues to grow through her brothers’ advocacy for mental health. Life moves on, but Maddie’s radiant smile reminds us of love, loss, and the power of memory.
What Would You Do If Your Teen Texted You, ‘I Don’t Want to Live’?
What would you do if your teen sent you a text saying they didn’t want to live anymore? Would you know how to respond?
Most parents think, ‘That could never happen to my child.’ But trust me, no one is immune. I’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories from parents who thought they’d see the signs but didn’t.
Are you prepared for that moment? Because waiting until it happens could be the biggest mistake of your life.
How To Handle It When Your Teen Rejects Therapy?
"When teens reject therapy, it can feel like hitting a wall. They may resist for reasons like past experiences, fear of stigma, or discomfort with vulnerability. But don't lose hope—there are many ways to support them beyond traditional therapy. From mentoring and coaching to conversations with trusted friends, athletes, or LGBTQ+ leaders, finding the right connection can make all the difference. Sometimes, a trusted guide is the first step toward healing.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentorshipMatters #SupportOurTeens #AlternativeSupport #MentalHealthJourney"