Yesterday I googled LDS.org.  When it came up there was a clip on suicide.  To me it spoke of the importance of support for those who struggle with mental illness.  Just as a heart will not work right, so can a brain not work right.  That can have devastating effects to an individual's life.  It effects every part of their lives.  It is something they do not ask for.  Many people who are not involved in drugs and who have not been abused suffer from genetic depression.  It destroys their self esteem and confidence.  
     Prior to moving to Salt Lake, I had little experience with mental illness.  Our oldest daughter had a ten month old baby and a very active 2 year old.  Her husband was finishing up graduate school.  It became very clear after moving here that Leann was suffering from a very serious postpartum depression.  It would take her visits to the hospital, over 60 electric convulsive treatments and trying many drugs before she would find some happiness and some normalcy again.  (Finding the right drug combination can be very frustrating and take a long time.)   
     Eight years later, we relish every day she smiles and feels good.  As I watched that clip I thought about how many people surrounded Leann and supported her.   I am convinced that what saved her were those who surrounded her.  Her family.  Her husband's family. (We owe them so much.)  Visiting teachers who "get" mental illness.  And a husband who never gave up on her. (He has a gold throne in heaven.)   
    I am grateful to Leann for never breaking the commandments.  For never self medicating or abusing her drugs.  She is my heroine.  Her therapist said that in the end, when we see what she has become because of what she has endured, we will be surprised at the glory of her countenance.  We have watched countless tender mercies.    
     It has tried my faith to no end.  To watch her suffer.  To see her long to have her self esteem and confidence back.  To have it go on and on.  I had to finally be able to say, "Just help me live with her struggles.  Thy will be done."  
     Time has a way of working things out.  God stuck with me through my anger, my fears, my doubts, my falling off the emotional cliff countless times.  (Thank heavens for Brent.)  I know the Savior lives.  I know that he stands by us in our darkest hours.  Your acceptance, friendship and support could save a life someday.