Support Ani’s recovery from mental health crisis

I'm Ani’s mom, and we've had a challenging journey.

For many, childhood evokes images of cherished traditions, beloved relatives, and joyous memories, but Ani’s story is quite different. In her early years, she experienced a carefree childhood that was unique and special. She spent her early childhood at home with me, exploring creative educational activities and engaging with friends. Our beach adventures were highlights, where Ani would laugh and play, collecting seashells and building sandcastles that reflected her imaginative spirit. From a young age, Ani had a passion for drama and storytelling, often putting on little plays for our family. Board games became a favorite pastime, where she would showcase her competitive nature and strategic thinking. Later on, she thrived at private school, a place that nurtured her creativity and allowed her to form lasting friendships. Ani also experienced village life, spending time with farm animals, learning about the cycles of life and how to live sustainably without harming our environment.

When Ani was born, we were married individuals who both embraced unconventional ideas about parenting. We instilled in her a curiosity for the world, providing her with opportunities to learn about diverse cultures and religions. Through our family travels, she gained insights into different ways of life and developed a deep respect for diversity. However, as time went on, extended family pressures began to mount, leading to challenges in our relationship. Ultimately, these pressures contributed to creating a shift in the dynamics of our family.

During the separation, I believe certain family members took undue advantage of the legal system to uproot Ani from me. They abruptly relocated her to a place she had never lived before, and attempted to stonewall her from me. As a result of this action, my daughter suffered trauma and great stress while coping with the emotional turmoil. She eventually had an acute emotional breakdown at the end of the year 2023.

Her mental health crisis last year compelled me to stay home from work and home-school my daughter through a very dark time. Through therapy and attachment parenting, we are seeing an amazing healing process and she is now back in school and on the road to thriving. However, during those six months, I could not work full time and it set us back considerably. I had to temporarily relocate to the city where she was brought in order to stay with her and work with the courts to reestablish custody.

After a long and expensive legal battle, the courts have reversed their previous decree and I have reclaimed custody of my child as the courts are now seeing the error in the original decision.

Contributions will go to legal fees incurred to regain custody, temporary housing costs and therapy costs that had to come out of pocket. I have not received financial support in the year since this crisis began, despite requests and legal intervention.