On The Border

What is the right way to behave when you are worried your child is going to die?As the daughter of a mother with mental health issues made worse by head injuries and mother to 4 children who would experience their own trauma mental health challenges and a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Author Amanda Read struggles not to reject her son for what he has caused. She holds on by understanding that mental illness is beyond a persons control and in her family appears to be largely inherited a result of nature over nurture.Told by medical professionals that it was very unlikely that her son would survive his teenage years Amanda a long-time worker with families and children sought as much professional support as she could find. His safety was my priority yet I found the system offered nothing to parents such as myself and I often encountered less than positive experiences in seeking helpFrom her chaotic early years living with a mother who was often absent and unpredictable On the Border follows Amandas journey to adulthood her owns struggles with regulating her own emotions and maintaining relationships through to mothering her 4 children and finding that even with the best of education intention and connections mental wellbeing can remain an unbeatable Nirvana to reach.A fascinating and engaging read.