Welcome to Heavy Laden. My name is Gwin. I have been struggling for a long time, looking for someone who could understand what I am going through. I am married to a great guy. We have 3 kids, a 17 year old daughter with depression and anxiety, a 14 year old with depression, social anxiety, and Polycystic Ovary Disorder, and a busy, active 12 year old son. I also have my own health challenges, which can cause a lot of pain sometimes. And I am an active member of the LDS church.

I started this blog because I felt like I wanted to talk to someone who would understand where I am in my life right now. Because my daughters are wanting to keep their illnesses private, I can't really talk to very many people in real life. I have extended family that I can talk to, but not all of them are active in the church, and our approaches to life is very different.

So I turned to the internet, but couldn't find anything here either. There are some great blogs out there for parents of autistic children, for parents who homeschool, or for parents of developmentally delayed children. But there was nothing for parents like me.

I decided to start my own site, one that would provide a safe place for other parents and teens dealing with mental illness to talk about what's going, while having their beliefs supported. This doesn't mean that we aren't free to whine and complain, to rant and to cry. But I hope that by keeping this struggle within a context of the gospel, the overall feeling will be a positive one. Because of the sensitive nature of the discussions, you are free to post with your real name, post anonymously, or use your real name.

The name for this blog comes from Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.