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 person's 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 help"

From her chaotic early years living with a mother who was often absent and unpredictable, On the Border follows Amanda's 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.