When two of my three children were diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 17, I passed through the valley of grief and all it's uncomfortable but necessary crags and crevices:

Denial -- "There must be a mistake, a misdiagnosis. Let's just get this kid feeling better and get on with our well-laid plans. They're top students and good athletes. They've got things to do!"

Anger -- "I cannot believe a loving God would do this to my children. Their minds are their greatest assets, the source of their (literal & figurative) brilliance; and he's turned those minds into their vilest enemies."

Bargaining -- "If we do everything right, follow all the doctors' orders, take all the meds, be the perfect parents, family, kids, this will go away."

Depression -- "The children we had are gone. Sure, part of them is still here, but they have been undeniably altered. We grieve."

Acceptance -- "We can work with this. It is what it is. We will find love and joy and happiness and peace within the parameters we've been given. We will examine our finest gifts and qualities and use them to the best of our abilities. We will have strong, loving relationships regardless of diagnoses, or challenges, or choices. And we will incite change in the world to make it a better place for people with serious mental illnesses."

• I transferred my writing skills from gardening and horticulture to all issues mental health.
• I started a website, www.katemclaughlin.net , and blog to support, inform and encourage those with mental illness and the people who love them.
• I wrote a highly-acclaimed book, "MOMMY I'M STILL IN HERE," that chronicles our journey of grief, acceptance and success.
• I speak to groups whenever and wherever I can to spread the word about mental health, resilience, and living well.
• It works!