Angie Welty
This book tells the true story of Cody, a 17-year old boy who, unknown to him and his family, was suffering from severe depression. This misunderstood disease slowly stole his hope and led him to attempt suicide one spring evening. His miraculous rescue set into motion an incredible chain of events that no one could have foreseen or predicted for this boy and his family. It brings attention that what shows on the outside isn’t a good indicator of what is happening within the minds of your loved ones. These events will radically change your understanding of what mental illness looks like.
Told through the heart and eyes of a mother and to fulfill a promise she made to her son, Angie takes you into their private lives, shares their story in the hope that others will be saved.
This boy brought hope to the hopeless, and through his seemingly small steps of publicly telling his story started a tsunami of mental health education that went nationwide. Her story has been featured on various local radio and tv programs, and her son was featured on the Today Show.
This book provides a pathway for mental health conversations and gives hope that recovery is possible.
Angie Welty draws from a deep well of sorrow and wisdom in reliving the story of her son Cody's attempted suicide. Her harrowing memoir, MAYDAY, in which Welty considers the days and weeks following her son’s attempt, deserves a place in every family’s library. Welty describes with exquisite awareness the instability and terror that untreated mental illness can unleash on young people, in particular those who seem to have “everything going for them."Welty’s unflinching look at the scourge of suicide on young adults provides a roadmap for any parent hoping to understand the signs and symptoms of a struggling teen. Read this book. Pass it along to your teens. And begin the conversation
Sheila Hamilton, CEO Beyond Well Solutions, Author, Advocate
As a high school teacher and principal, I realized quickly just how many students Angie’s story applies to. Her insight, and the personal nature of her story, offers a detailed picture of her experience and an understanding that this could be any of our families. This story is a valuable resource for any educator that intends to understand the impact that mental health issues have on students and families.
Wade Locket, Educator
This book is a critical support tool for parents, teachers, young people, coaches, families and those affected by the results of mental health trauma. It shines a light on our society’s inability to normalize mental health. Until we have a system in place that makes suicide prevention a priority and a system where talking about mental health is done just as easily and openly as talking about our physical health, books like Mayday should be required reading for all of us.
Galli Murray, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Visit www.angiewelty.com for information.
