by Lea Wetzel, Family Peer Supporter
January 30, 2024
Growing up and learning to live with mental health conditions, and finding power within my uniqueness has been a journey all its own. When growing up I always felt different, so it has been quite a journey in my self-acceptance of having these obstacles. Like many minorities, we come from intergenerational and historical trauma. Being a mother of two beautiful children who are already having similar struggles of not filling into the “norm” is hard for me, but super hard for them this day and age.
We are in a time of “Shifting Paradigms,” but when it comes to the support of my children having similar ongoing situations, it is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, and the education that still needs to be spread.
It can be frustrating and emotionally draining to be a fighting force when being present and the support for my own children’s journey. It takes me back to when we were the only “mixed family” in the suburb of my hometown I grew up in. With both my biological parents being tribally affiliated and having an African American Stepfather growing up in the early 80s in this area, it was a struggle.
Now, you add times when I wasn’t feeding my wellness the way I should, there has been trial and error and lots of learning experiences. Being able to work with others who have similar life experiences has been very helpful, and I can say the payoff of seeing my children happy and healthy can mean everything in these trying times.
Parenthood is a profound journey, filled with moments of joy, love, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. For individuals like me, a woman from the Amskapii Piikani band of the Blackfoot Confederated Nation, the path of parenting intertwines with the past, present, and what is uniquely qualified to work for us. I realize my story sheds light on the unique challenges parents face when nurturing their children while battling their internal struggles, but also adding the need to embrace and nurture self.
Navigating the intricacies of parenting with resilience became a priority for me. As a survivor of multifaced trauma, I recognized the importance of not allowing my past to define my present or my role as a mother. "I never thought I would be exposed to situations that would negatively affect me for the rest of my life," However, my journey in motherhood is a testament to the strength that can emerge even in the face of profound adversity.
Resiliency and dedication to empowering others on their journey of healing is a meaningful life. Reconnecting with my traditional ways and receiving peer support during a critical phase of my life was transformative. "I knew if I were to learn to heal this, I would commit to helping others and do whatever I could so others wouldn’t experience the same," echoes in my head and into reality for me to remember where I came from and where I am now.
The journey toward healing involved embracing the power of storytelling. I found strength in sharing my truth, not only for my own empowerment but to inspire and support others and be an example for my kids. I became an advocate for my people and am working towards justice and support for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and childhood sexual traumas.
My culture is prevention and connection to purpose for all Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. It has been a driving force behind my reconnection to my ways and the way I live my life. My children and I participate in ceremony for strength and to stay in humility, so we may be the best we can be when we go back into the world.
Balancing parenthood with advocacy and a commitment to empowering others is not without its challenges. I actively participate in various initiatives, including supporting survivors of human trafficking, advocating for families and individuals of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), partnering in awareness campaigns, and engaging in state-wide committees. My roles as a Montana Department of Corrections Victim Impact Panelist, Advisory Council Member, and active involvement in legislative Steering and Access sub-committees for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, I believe reflect my dedication to making a difference.
All that said, my mental health and my children’s well-being must come first for me to be present and a part of any of the work I am passionate about.
Learning how to balance life in these areas as a single mother in the recovery of these spectrums, and supporting two children with ongoing similar issues, having someone to support me as the parent can mean everything in this ongoing and ever-evolving Paradigm Shift, of being mindful, present, and allows us to live in wellness and a place of gratitude.