A similar story in the making

Thank you for sharing the Penny LeGate’s story regarding the tragic loss of her daughter Marah [“Penny LeGate: ‘The wound shuts up and then breaks open again,’”seattletimes.com, Aug. 19].

I, too, am a mother struggling to manage and help my 14-year-old girl who is traveling this most rocky path. Although not a drug addict yet, she has struggled with the pain of mental issues after hitting puberty. Her “drug of choice” has been sexual addiction that spurs from unknown mood and personality disorders. There are no programs or support for teens facing these “new” challenges.

The school, police, insurance companies and mental-health providers are not able to provide services or accommodate children with this type of condition. They don’t have a form, a check box or a process in place. And the state believes 14-year-olds are able to make decisions about their health care. I’m outraged and at a loss on how to move forward, how to get my daughter and family help before it is too late.

My heart goes out to LeGate and her family. I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Marah. I fear my daughter is not far behind, and it crushes me to know there isn’t anything we can do but to sit back and watch in unfold. It is extremely painful.

— Mary Vein, Bellevue