Amanda1 encourages family members to ask direct, albeit difficult, questions.

Transcript

I think the biggest one was just don’t be afraid to ask. Um, you know, um at one point my mom did ask me she said, you know, “Have you thought of killing yourself?” And I kind of was taken aback, but I was like “Well no it’s not quite that bad.” But I realized it seemed that way to her, you know. From her perspective she was concerned that it was leaning that way. And it, it was um I had to realize how hard it was for her to ask that question. Because she had to be prepared for any answer that might have been yes. And it was the greatest thing I think she actually could have done because, you know, whatever the answer is whether it’s yes or no um it puts yourself out there as somebody who wants to take action and do something about it. And I’m, you know, and I think that means more than what you actually do is the emotion behind it and the fact that I care enough that I want to do something. Um and so yes, not being afraid to ask “Are you how are you coping?” “What happens when the baby cries for a long time, you know?” “Are you feeling sad?” “Do you feel disconnected?” “Do you feel angry at the baby?” I mean it’s not an easy question but it’s a good one.

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