In the wake of a school shooting, the thoughts of parents with children facing mental health challenges can be overwhelming. As a mother of an 8-year-old diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I can no longer remain quiet or avoid discussing my fears just to appease my conservative friends and family. The reality is that I am terrified of the possibility that my child could access a firearm and commit an unspeakable act.
My son has had a fascination with guns since he was two years old, despite our family not owning any firearms. He frequently draws them and mimics shooting gestures, often expressing violent thoughts towards my husband and me. During his more lucid moments, he wrestles with feelings of self-hatred and has shown a desire to harm himself. This behavior extends beyond guns; during outbursts, he has sought out kitchen knives, prompting us to hide them away. These episodes of rage only occur during his manic-depressive spells, and outside of those moments, he is a kind, affectionate child. Most people in our lives remain unaware of the severity of his condition, leading them to attribute his struggles to poor parenting rather than a serious mental illness.
After years of seeking help, including multiple diagnoses, numerous medications, and therapy sessions, my son continues to grapple with his anger, and we are still searching for effective support. The mental healthcare system is frustratingly inadequate, and despite having good insurance, many top-tier doctors and therapies do not accept it, leaving us with exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.
The stigma surrounding mental health is pervasive. Upon revealing my son’s struggles, I have often been met with suggestions of physical punishment or confinement, but these approaches do nothing to address the underlying issues. Ironically, my son, who is academically gifted and well-liked at school, only displays his emotional outbursts at home—his safe space.
He dreams of becoming a genetic engineer after being inspired by a superhero movie, and he poignantly questions why his genetics predispose him to these anger problems. This leads to heartbreaking moments of realization for both of us, but my husband reassures him that everyone has their own struggles that make them feel different.
Many parents in my support groups share similar fears regarding their children and gun access. It’s critical to note that individuals with serious mental illness account for only about 1% of gun-related homicides, as highlighted in the book “Gun Violence and Mental Illness” by the American Psychiatric Association. Despite this, the fear remains palpable.
The ongoing debate surrounding gun ownership laws in the United States is confounding. While I acknowledge the right to bear arms, I question the necessity of such access to high-capacity weapons. In contrast, countries like the UK and Australia have successfully reduced gun violence through stricter regulations.
As a parent, I find myself in a position of helplessness, hoping and praying that my son never comes into contact with a firearm. I urge those who support lax gun laws to consider the implications of their choices during elections. In the meantime, let’s uplift the voices of our youth advocating for change. If you are interested in learning more about mental health and parenting, consider visiting this link for additional insights.
In summary, navigating the reality of parenting a child with mental health challenges, especially in the context of gun violence, is fraught with fear and stigma. The need for better support and understanding in both mental health care and gun regulation remains pressing.