Unbreakable

A couple years ago, my oldest son started showing signs of low self-esteem, depression and doubt in his abilities. He was 8 years old. Before this began, he was so confident within himself I envied him. Then almost over night, it seemed he became the complete opposite. For 2 years I struggled to do any and everything I could to help to no avail. Then at the age of 10 I recieved a call from the school that my son had been excessively talking about killing himself for 3 weeks prior and that day he had grabbed a pair of scissors and attempted to stab himself om the chest. We transported him to childrens where due to him saying he felt safe with me and when with me didn't want to self harm they released him that same day. For months I battled with local mental health workers to have my son evaluated as it was still getting worse. I was constantly met with denial and told maybe o was making something out of nothing. I was furious nobody took serious. Then last April my son did something I never dreamed possible, he had physical hurt my nephew by choking him till he was almost unconscious on a week trip to stay with cousins. When I got the call my heart sank. No way my baby did this. He is the most un-aggressive child I've known. Even his coach was in disbelief as he had tons move him to offense due to his unwillingness to tackle other kids from fear he would hurt them. Yet I knew my brother was being honest. I told him to meet me at children's where in the parking lot my son was given the option children's inpatient unit or Juvy detention center. We went in and 6 armed police officers escorted my son to the unit. I cried. I still saw my baby there not the monster the were acting he was. He had no recollection of the event and even other things he should of known. After 2 weeks he stabilized mentally enough to come home with his little brother and I. That began the last year of programs, counseling, psychiatrist, and so much more. Recently we discovered my son has schizoeffective disorder with bipolar mood disorder. Schizoeffective is schizophrenia with personality disorder and his is bipolar. He rages, he has hallucinations that are real to him and depression is another battle. However, over the last year I've slowly seen my son become who he is. My sweet gentle baby (who actually at 11 is taller and bigger than i), when he's not have a psychotic episode. We are both trying to understand this amd educate ourselves and others. I bought this imperial to remind him that no matter what diagnosis, what people think or say, what society says or the stigma behind mental health to always believe in himself and follow his dreams. This summer he will be participating in a summer program aimed at kids at the college he one day wishes to attend for sound production. We've had a rough year. Sometimes I'm not sure how we made it. But no matter what, my son has remained strong....and unbreakable. And completely amazing to me.