Parenting
Right now, 15-year-old Jessica would be cringing at the sight of me—an author and Instagram creator who embraces my journey as a proud plus-size individual while navigating a mental health disorder I was unaware I had until recently. If she could see how I’ve grown into my skin, she’d probably want to hide away forever.
As a teenager, I was terrified of being unloved and sought validation at every turn. I often wore a fake smile, masking the loneliness I felt inside, and I tried to hide my authentic, beautiful mess from the world.
To my younger self, I would excitedly say: hang on, because this ride is just beginning!
Hello! I’m Jessica Taylor, a mom grappling with Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder. I frequently share my healing journey from childhood trauma on social media, where I also openly discuss living with a mental health disorder and disability. Recently, one of my posts went viral, unexpectedly propelling me into the limelight.
The video that caught everyone’s attention was a brief clip of me recovering from a seizure while my toddler initiated a sweet cuddle session. This post received over 1.5 million views, 60,000 likes, and an avalanche of comments.
Amidst the overwhelming support from parents and trauma survivors, I also faced a wave of criticism from a few unsupportive voices—people who felt compelled to mom-shame me for my struggles. Grab your favorite mug filled with lukewarm coffee, and let’s delve into some of these hurtful comments. Mental health stigma is pervasive, and it’s time to confront it.
Sure, one comment didn’t directly attack my parenting ability, but it was still a hurtful thing to say. Telling me to “just be normal” is akin to asking gravity to stop existing. Not happening!
Seriously? Are you suggesting I’ve somehow trained my child to cuddle me during a seizure? Let’s get real—my husband and I are the ones caring for our son. It’s baffling how some people feel entitled to judge others without knowing the full story.
This brings me to another comment that implied I shouldn’t have kids because of my disability. That’s a deeply unsettling thought, reminiscent of eugenics. It’s disheartening to think that anyone would assume all parents with mental health challenges are not aware of their situation or lack access to the resources needed to heal.
Let’s set the record straight: during my video, I was simply enjoying time with my family when I experienced a non-epileptic seizure. I had my husband record it to help my medical team understand my condition better, and to raise awareness about mental health issues. After the seizure, my two-year-old came over to comfort me with words of love, which was an incredibly touching moment.
These episodes are genuine seizures that I am conscious during, and they are completely out of my control. My choice to document my experience is about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, not asking for pity.
It’s ridiculous to assume that anyone would consciously will a seizure to happen or that they are “wrong” for sharing their experiences. My kids are thriving, feeling safe, and loved, just like any other children. They deserve a childhood filled with joy, not overshadowed by judgment.
Why do people feel the need to project their biases onto someone else’s journey? The real harm comes when a parent is too afraid of judgment to seek help for their mental health. The scars from childhood trauma are real, which is why I am in therapy and on medication.
Do you understand the struggle of breaking the cycle of abuse and dysfunction? Probably not, because you’re busy critiquing a mom dealing with seizures online.
But enough about the negativity. I’m choosing to spend my time with my kids, enjoying life, and watching movies like Moana instead of dwelling on hurtful comments.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to a professional for support. For crisis assistance, consider contacting resources such as this excellent guide on mental health or intracervical insemination for related topics.
In summary, it’s essential to challenge stigma surrounding mental health and parenting. We all deserve support and understanding in our journeys.