Jan Stewart never thought she would live with fear in her own house. “Hold on Tight: A Parent' s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness” describes her raw and emotional journey raising two children with multiple mental health disorders. Jan details the roller coaster lives and challenges that both children have faced in detail, from the time they were born to the present as young adults in their 30s. Pulling no punches, Jan describes moments of terrifying fear, pain, and hopelessness, as well as of awe, pride, and hope. The roller coaster ride never stops.
While brutally honest, “Hold on Tight” is a love song to Jan' s children. The book educates and empowers parents so that both they and their children can lead more fulfilling lives. Healthcare professionals, as well as families, friends, educators, employers, and others who interact with these families, get an inside look into the lives and unique perspectives of these parents. Compelling parental advice includes: • Trust your gut. • Persevere in identifying the right professionals, diagnoses, and treatments. • Insist on an integrated partnership approach with all those involved in each child' s care.
Amongst other insights, Jan counsels parents to reset the expectations of their own lives, as well as those of family and friends, to talk openly with each child, and to take care of themselves. Powerful, honest, and inspirational, “Hold on Tight” inspires readers to never give up.
