She graduated from High School!!!!

The day arrived and she did it!  She walked across that stage and took her hard-earned diploma today.  Praise God!  There were many times we weren't sure how she would finish high school, but she kept plugging along, and with the help of fabulous teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists, mentors, and God himself,  she reached her goal.  We are so proud of her!   Time to celebrate!

Meridell and How Do You Know it is Time to Seek Residential Treatment?

I get this question a lot, and I thought I would just answer it right here.   If your child has been hospitalized several times without good effect, if the right med mix seemingly can't be found outpatient, if they are a consistent danger to themselves or you or their siblings, if they have given up hope that they can ever be anything but a failure in relationships, in school and at home, don't hesitate to consider residential treatment.  This is a last resort, but it shouldn't be out of the question.  To do nothing but what you have been doing without good lasting results is foolish.

That being said, do your homework.  There are great residential centers and some poor ones.  The poor ones would be worse than not going.  Find the best you can afford.  We choose Meridell because of its reputation.  We didn't live anywhere near Texas, but it was worth it.    I would take out a second mortgage if I had to.  The experience changed our daughter's life for the good, and she is still grateful she went.  

I think the key test is if the stress level is so great at home that everyone's mental health is seriously affected, you need to look at residential, to give your child real hope and to give yourself a much needed break.