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Growing up, depression was part of Michele’s family story that was never talked about. “There was a stigma around mental health; it was embarrassing.” Even as an adult, Michele says she did not reach out for help when she needed it. 

But when her young teenage son began struggling with depression, all of that changed for Michele. “Although (others in my family) hadn’t reached out for help, I knew I needed to do it for my son. As a parent, you have to go outside of your comfort zone. He was suffering and I knew I couldn’t do it by myself. I was able to educate myself, open my mind, and learn more about mental health and mental illness. He helped change my way of thinking.” 

Michele shared that her son Brian had trouble fitting in with other boys. He preferred hanging out with girls and participating in drama over playing sports. This made him the target of severe bullying, which triggered significant mental health challenges. In sixth grade, Brian came out to his mom as gay, and the family began the search for affirming mental health care to help him navigate the challenges he was experiencing. 

Brian connected with a BHN outpatient therapist who Michele says saved her son’s life. "She was open to whatever he was saying, she really got him. It was a journey for him. The therapist was there for him every week and he looked forward to talking with her… he was glowing when he came out of the sessions.” 

Recently, Brian and his therapist agreed he had met his treatment goals, and they concluded their work together. According to Michele, Brian is exceptionally well. He has been accepted into colleges for musical theater and has written a book about LGBTQ+ issues. “He is thriving and if it wasn’t for his therapist, he would never been able to do what he did. My heart breaks for people who can’t get help. I have felt that kind of pain and it's not fun. I don’t want people to be ashamed for seeking out therapy; you should be proud that you are helping yourself and putting yourself first. I hope that – if people aren’t feeling well, or feeling sad they reach out. There are so many services available for people to access.” 

Thank you to Michele and Brian for sharing your story and to the clinicians at BHN who do life-changing work every day. 

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