In today’s world, the medical community has changed drastically—and will continue to evolve as time goes on. Twenty years ago, children’s mental health wasn’t recognized or accepted the way it is today. Even if a parent advocated for their child and begged for a doctor’s help, they were often turned away with the dismissive reassurance that “it’s just a phase—they’ll grow out of it.” Back then, children weren’t typically evaluated for mental health concerns until mid-adolescence—around 14 or 15—and by that point, it was often too late. The damage had already begun.

Today, as many as 8.4% of children are diagnosed with ADHD at school age. ADHD is a chronic, debilitating disorder that impacts nearly every area of life and functioning. Without proper treatment, symptoms can carry into adulthood, often leading to low self-worth, disorganization, and social struggles.

And ADHD is just one example. Children face countless mental health challenges as they grow. As parents, we’re often faced with hard choices: do we advocate fiercely for our children, or do we hope the problem will fade on its own? It’s easy to say what we would do—until we’re the ones living it.

For me, the choice wasn’t really a choice at all. My child came before myself. It wasn’t about my fears or feelings—it was about doing what was best for him. He was struggling, and it was affecting not just him, but everyone around us.

It’s easy to stand on the outside and judge another parent’s decisions—whether it’s about medication, diet, or friendships. But every parent makes the most informed choice they can, based on what they know and what they have. We may not agree with every choice, but that’s the beauty of parenting—we all get to do what we believe is best for our own children.

When I made the decision to put my son on ADHD medication, I had already heard all the opinions—“kids are overmedicated,” “try the natural way,” “medicine changes their personality.” I also had my own life experience to weigh against those messages. I’m a strong advocate for mental health treatment, including medication, because I’ve lived the proof.

I’ve had ADHD my whole life, but it went untreated until adulthood. For years, I struggled to find balance—on and off medication—each time believing I could “go natural,” only to end up worse off. Stability finally came when I accepted help and stayed consistent with the right treatment.

So when it came to my son, I was willing to take the risk. If it didn’t work, we could always go back to other methods. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve stood beside him every step, fighting for answers. Today, with the right diagnosis and the right medication, he’s more stable than I ever imagined three years ago.

One of the most important reasons I fought so hard for my son’s mental health was to help him avoid the same consequences I faced from untreated mental illness. Seeing him for who he is, hearing him, and responding with compassion is what has gotten us here.

We must advocate for our children—even when it’s uncomfortable, even when others don’t understand, even when we’re not sure we’re ready to ask for help. Because if not now, then when? How long do we wait before “the right time” becomes too late?