In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, “Chapter 9” of Mom Loves the Dogs More is free for all readers. I wrote the book to reduce the stigma of teen mental health, the shame parents feel when their kids are diagnosed, and to help parents going through similar challenges feel less alone. I also wrote the book to elevate the prevelance of mental health challenges in the people around us. While Lizzie’s adopters hid their mental health challenges with good intent, their silence followed by dramatic outbursts greatly impacted my family and Lizzie. Let’s all start talking. Only then can we help each other heal.