An Arizona mom defends giving her thirteen-year-old daughter unhealthy food when she’s feeling depressed. Her daughter is autistic and struggles with depression, so she has some good days and some bad. Rachel posted a video showing what she does when her daughter sleeps in for most of the day. The video has over 178,000 views and over 20,000 likes.
She starts by getting “some of her favorite things” when she knows her daughter is awake. Then Rachel makes her a plate. She admits, “I know this is garbage, but at this point right now, I just want her to eat.” She assures her she plans to make a healthy meal later that evening. For now, she just wants to ensure her teenager has eaten. While she puts together a pizza Lunchable, she tears up and explains that seeing her daughter struggle makes her emotional. However, the last thing she wants is for her daughter to see her crying. Rachel explains, “My feelings are not her responsibility.”
She doesn’t want to put the idea in her daughter’s head that she has to take care of her mom, or make her feel bad when she struggles. Rachel explains, “I’m a grown-up. My feelings are my responsibility.” While she explains, she adds Trolli candy and a Kool-Aid packet on the side, along with her daughter’s favorite treat: strawberry mochi. The video ends with her giving her daughter the plate. The excitement is evident, especially over the mochi, and has many commenters getting emotional.
Many Appreciate Arizona Mom
Several show Rachel their appreciation for giving her daughter space and for how she chooses to support her. One commenter says, “As a depressed teen, you are the best.” Another adds, “Thank you for not putting your feelings on her.” A third commenter suggests what their father did for them: “My dad used to slip ‘menus’ he would make under my door when I wouldn’t eat all day.”
Meanwhile, many defend her decision to feed her favorite foods. One commenter points out, “Not garbage. Fed is best.” Another agrees, “It’s not garbage; it’s love.” Another argues that there’s a time and place for healthy eating when the mind is in a better space. They state, “When we aren’t feeling great inside, comfort food is the way to go.”
Rachel often posts about mental health and autism on her channel @mentalhealthmommaa. Her daughter is featured in many of these videos.
