Teen turns mom's 'depression garden' into a stunning backyard space: 'Made it party ready'

Mental health challenges can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life. However, receiving support during difficult times can undoubtedly make a positive difference. Rochelle Linaker—who goes by @rochellelinaker on TikTok—a mother and soon-to-be grandmother, shared an intimate look at how her mental health has influenced the state of her garden.

Her children have helped transform her in more ways than one. Linaker's daughter is pregnant and the family wanted to host a gender reveal garden party, so the rest of her children, including her 16-year-old son, volunteered to clean up the outdoor space and prepare it for the party.

The video clip is captioned, "I have the best children." It gained 4.6 million views and 259.7k likes on TikTok. The overlay text reads, "My 16-year-old son transformed my depression garden." The video showed kids helping by clearing overgrowth, power-washing the garden stones and walkway and raking and erecting a garden gazebo. The transformation is nothing short of spectacular. Linaker praises her children in the video and her gratitude is audible in her voice. She is open about how her depression and mental health have prevented her from caring for her outdoor space as well as she would have liked.

In the video, she says, "Oh my God! I can't believe I'm posting this. I am so ashamed. This is some shameless behavior. I've been really mentally ill over the last few years and our back garden has just become our dumping ground. So my son volunteered to help and he's just been amazing. This incinerator was so helpful. I order so much from 'Amazon' and I don't really go out. This just gets rid of the packaging." While sharing what the garden looked like on the day of the gender reveal and showing the gazebo she says, "I am so pleased with it. Now we have an amazing place to chill at night."

People on the platform were very supportive and appreciative of her son. "Firstly, never be ashamed. Mental health isn't something to be ashamed of! Secondly, he's a credit to you!!" commented @sasha.louise21. "Well, the back garden might have been bad, but the parenting was done correctly. Well done to your children," said @mazz854. "Even battling depression, you still raised some amazing kids! This is so sweet. I hope you're doing better, Mama!" added @shelbylor17. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression can interfere with a person's ability to care for themselves and their homes. Depression may also result in a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, helpless and hopelessness, reduced energy and a shift in everyday behavior. According to the Mayo Clinic, people suffering from depression may find it difficult to seek treatment on their own because the symptoms of the condition can make it difficult. That means when people are depressed, even doing things that could help someone's depression can be difficult.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which debuted in July 2022, has received nearly 500,000 calls than its predecessor during the same time period. Individuals from various locations can contact mental health professionals more easily by dialing this three-digit number. Under the new FCC rule, the former 10-digit suicide prevention hotline was replaced with a simple 988 number.

Those dealing with mental health issues and those who want to connect on behalf of patients can dial this number more quickly. During its first five months, the helpline received 1.7 million calls, messages and chats. Dialing 988 connects you to a network of 200 Lifeline crisis centers staffed by certified mental health counselors. These counselors previously responded to calls under the old system.