A Letter to Parents: When Friends Hate
My daughter, Katie, just turned 18.
It was senior year and preparations were in place for her graduation celebration. I couldn’t have been a prouder mom! Katie and her friends were ready to enjoy the summer as graduates. But in the blink of an eye it all changed.
A turn for the worse.
A situation that seemed innocent at the time, suddenly took a turn for the worse. When I say worse, I mean, unimaginable. How can someone love another person one day, and feel such hatred the next? Katie’s friends had done what no parent wants their child to endure. She was ostracized…completely cut out…ignored. As a senior stressing over finals, graduation, the future…it was too much for her to handle.
Bullying can kill.
Katie confided in her school counselor. I really thought that would do the trick but it was more devastating than I thought. The helplessness and despair she felt was too much…enough to convince Katie that suicide was the only solution.
The call came.
I received a call from the school nurse that Katie was nauseous, dizzy and disoriented. I brought her home later to find out she had already written her suicide note. Katie had taken over 10 Aleve tablets in hopes of taking her own life. It wasn’t until she confided in a church friend that we knew the severity of it. He rushed Katie to the hospital when I received a second call…from the ER. I was stunned. How could this have happened? I felt helpless!
Privy brought us hope.
After being admitted to Sundance Mental Hospital in Arlington, missing her graduation and senior parties…she was finally released. Even after finishing inpatient treatment, I still felt helpless as a parent. Sundance recommended that I contact Privy Oasis for ongoing treatment. I called and Katie was able to be seen right away!
Our lives with Privy.
Dr. Cash and her staff have taken us in as one of their own. They’re different. I really feel included in the treatment and, as a parent, that is very empowering! I also feel safe. Katie was prescribed medication (non-stimulating) but only as a tool during therapy. Their goal is to help her live free of medication. I love that!
I want to thank them for not just being another treatment option. Privy Oasis has saved our lives and holds their patients as the number one priority. If you are going through something that seems hopeless, please call them! They are ready to walk along side you!
Hopeful Mom, Arlington Texas