Nothing prepared me to hear my child say she wanted to end her life. Nothing prepared me to hear she had a plan. Nothing prepared me for the marks on her body, and nothing prepared me to leave her at a hospital for days on end.
I may not have been prepared, but I found strength. I found the strength to fight for her, with her, and beside her.
I found strength through doctors, my own therapist, my closest friends, and our immediate family of five. I found strength in reminiscing about my daughter’s childhood and dreaming of her future. I found hope in stories of survival, in music that touched my soul, and in the quiet moments when love was all we had to hold onto.
Six months ago, my daughter was in crisis. She was suicidal and unable to attend school or even get out of bed. Every day felt like survival—holding my breath, hoping she would make it to the next. But healing is a journey, and with inpatient care, therapy, medication, a school change, and an overwhelming amount of love, she started to come back to life.
Now, I see her smiling. I hear her laughing with friends. She’s engaged in her hobbies again, finding joy in the little things. And just this week, we got her report card—she earned all A’s. A moment that once felt impossible is now our reality.
On this Valentine’s Day, my heart goes out to every parent walking through the darkest moments with their child. I know the weight of loving a child who is struggling. I know how helpless and heartbreaking it can feel. But if no one has told you yet—hold on. Healing is possible. Change is real. Hope is not a myth.
If your child is struggling with suicidal thoughts, here are three things you can do right now:
Listen without judgment.
Let them talk. Validate their feelings. Avoid dismissing their pain or trying to “fix” it immediately. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is “I hear you. I love you. You are not alone.”
Seek professional help.
A therapist, psychiatrist, or crisis hotline can provide support and guidance. You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re unsure where to start, call 988 or text HOME to 741741 for immediate help.
Create a safe environment.
Remove access to anything that could be used for self-harm. Encourage open conversations about mental health. Show them, through your actions, that their life matters and they are deeply loved.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available:
988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
This Valentine’s Day, love takes on a deeper meaning for me. It’s not just about chocolates and roses—it’s about the kind of love that fights through the darkness, holds on through the storms, and believes in a better tomorrow.
To the parents still in the trenches, I see you. To the kids who are struggling, you are not alone. To anyone who feels like hope is out of reach—I promise, it’s not.
Hold on. Keep going. Love is real, and so is healing.
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