“This book is both heartbreaking, and essential reading. It is sad to read of
the Bruell family’s efforts to help their beautiful daughter, Taya, not knowing
that she – and they – were suffering due to her Borderline Personality
Disorder. It is upsetting to read of professionals who denied that anyone
under 18 could have that diagnosis, ensuring that she didn’t get the evidence based help that she desperately needed and could have benefited from. It is,
most of all, tragic to read about Taya’s despair, both in her own words and in
those of her father, whose love wasn’t enough to keep her alive, because love
isn’t enough for someone with BPD. This book is also essential because
children and teens can be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder,
and they can be helped, using the gold standard of treatment for BPD:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I feel so lucky to have been afforded this view
of Taya and recommend the book to parents and mental health
professionals.”
– Kristin B. Webb, PsyD (Licensed Psychologist) specially trained in
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
“Never have I seen a child more carefully tended, more resoundingly loved
and respected. But, in the moment, as this beautiful child was growing up,
the distractions of Taya's age seem to have blindsided many of the adults
around her and, in the beginning, lulled her hopeful parents into an
expectation that all would be well. The strength of the child, her ability to
mask her turmoil so that her teachers, her friends' parents, her camp
counselors do not perceive it, should sound an alarm. Mental health care
providers and educators owe greater attention to the perceptions of parents
who are fearful about what appear to simply be children trapped in difficult
developmental stages. In hindsight, the sorrowful ending of Taya's life story
becomes clear, perhaps inevitable. But without thoughtful, dedicated
research into the psychological and physical structures that lead so many
young people to contemplate and to sometimes choose ending their lives, we
do not know. Surely our common humanity demands more. I loved this
little girl. I love her family. I hope that the story of what has happened to
the Bruells will lead to a recognition of what we owe to all our children.”
– Helen P. Becker, Ed.D., Retired High School Principal