Community Corner
A Mother's War Against Depression — Batavia Woman Writes Groundbreaking Book
"She is able to express through her words the angst millions feel but are unable to vocalize."
A Batavia mom is waging war against the depression that threatened to take the life of her daughter.
Together with her daughter, she has written a courageous book with a profound purpose: to rid the world of the stigma of living with anxiety and depression.
The book is titled "Brooklyn's Battle: A Daughter's War with Anxiety and Depression" and was written by Kimberly Loveday with the support of her daughter, Brooklyn Belair.
And its heart comes from personal experience in Batavia. Here's an excerpt, published on the BrooklynsBattle.com website:
"In Batavia, Illinois, we have lost three teenagers to suicide in the past three years. The author wages war against the Beast that threatens to take her daughter, Brooklyn, too.
"Brooklyn’s poetry speaks volumes to the agony that millions of teenagers and adults go through daily as they struggle with anxiety and depression. She is able to express through her words the angst millions feel but are unable to vocalize. Her poetry shows the spectrum from the dark side of these disorders to the hope that lies within her.
"It is her dream that through this book, we can take the shame and stigma away from living with anxiety and depression."
Brooklyn is volunteering for Party in the Park to raise more money and bring awareness for suicide prevention. PITP is a 5K Run that takes place July 20 at Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave. The registration deadline is noon Friday, July 19.
Where to Find Help With Depression
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Crisis Help Line 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
