I really want to see the BBC television series, “Life on Mars,” if only to get my galactic bearings.

 For years, my husband and I used to joke that we lived on Mars. It was our way of acknowledging that our life wasn’t exactly sit-com fare, and there certainly was no laugh-track. Some days, life in our house was more a combination sci-fi and police drama, just like the British series.

At least we were in it together. Since then, I have found many other families a lot like mine, marooned on Mars. We meet in-person monthly for mutual support, and we exchange emails with helpful news, shared resources, and prayers, concern and advice in crises. Our group grew out of a chance conversation with another parent on a school field trip, and has grown into an extraordinary community of more than 50 families.

 Similarly affirming groups are springing up every day through The Balanced Mind Foundation, connecting parents according childrens’ ages, shared concerns, and geography. In fact, since The Balanced Mind Foundation “Access for All” launched a month ago, we have received more than 300 requests to join an on-line support group—ten times the previous demand. (Bouquets to The Balanced Mind Foundation Program Manager Nanci Schiman, MSW, who has worked tirelessly to create new on-line groups to meet the burgeoning need, and to our dedicated volunteer moderators!)

Linking parents is one of the things that The Balanced Mind Foundation does best. These groups make a huge difference for all the parents who reach out for help, and who generously share their experiences. Late at night, when the house is finally quiet, you can find another parent who understands.

I hope that if you are feeling alone on Mars or any other distant outpost, that you will reach out to someone in your community, or to other parents through The Balanced Mind Foundation. No matter what the crisis, you’re not alone. We’ve been there. We care. We’re in this together.

-Jean