“I remember specific times as a young girl and teen feeling very alone or feeling suffocated,” said Stitt. “But at around 14 or 15 I decided everything going on in my life could be used to better myself and the lives of others. I had to embrace that way of thinking and keep my head up. There were still hard times, times I felt isolated and helpless, but I just tried to make the right decisions.” The stigma of mental illness was very strong, a reality Stitt hopes to continue to change. “As a child I was not allowed to talk about the issues in my family because my mom was afraid we’d be judged or what people would think,” said Stitt. “That keeps families isolated and keeps them from getting the resources to help them walk through their lives.” As First Lady, she’s often asked how she overcame and navigated her mom’s suicide attempts and sibling’s drug addiction. “When my siblings and I look back, we could have that initial anger and frustration over what our life was like,” said Stitt. “But I’m thankful our lives weren’t even more traumatic.”
THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO IS ONE OF THE STITT FAMILY’S FAVORITE METRO DESTINATIONS.
AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER ABA & SPEECH THERAPY
Need to pick up after 6 p.m.? We can help! • After-school and summer programs for school age kids • Caring for infants through 12 years • 3-star nationally accredited program • Open 24 hours and Saturday • Accept military, tribal, DHS & drop-in care • Serving Oklahoma City families for over 35 years
3 OKC Locations 540 N Council Rd. - 405.789.0661 5816 NW 36th St.- 405.947.4002 6624 NW 63rd St. - 405.721.1830
THERAPYANDBEYOND.COM CENTER-BASED & IN HOME INSURANCE ACCEPTED 844-422-2669
3601 NW 51st - OKC 405.946.3223
309 Bizzell - MWC 405.737.8790
3034 NW 17th - OKC 405.947.7722
www.childcareinc.com
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JANUARY 2020 13
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator