Most of Leah Messer‘s recent updates have been about happy milestones with her boyfriend, Jaylan Mobley. But behind-the-scenes, the MTV star is focusing on raising her three daughters despite the challenges along the way.
One of her decisions as a mother was sending her oldest daughters to a therapist. Leah opened up about why she made that choice.
Credit: MTV
Leah Messer wants to break generational trauma
The Teen Mom 2 star opened up to Insider in an essay about parenting and her family.
The 29-year-old opens the essay by discussing her past issues with substance abuse.
“Seven years ago, my life changed when I decided to get treatment for substance-use disorder,”
Leah writes. “I had become addicted to prescription pills — but even when that was impacting my life and my custody of my daughters I didn’t realize how unwell I was.”
According to the mother of three, she was able to unpack childhood trauma when she began working with a therapist, explaining, “In that room I saw that pain from my childhood was weighing on me. I would laugh, but it was only to cover deeply rooted pain and trauma.”
“That realization was life-altering,” Leah emphasized.
The MTV mom clarifies that she does not blame her mom or dad because they probably had their own “painful” experiences. She goes on to share how she is healing her own family unit.
In the article, Leah relates to fans, “…every single day I think about breaking the cycle of trauma and doing better for my kids.”
The West Virginia native reveals that her eldest daughters have been in therapy for about four years.
“It was important to me that they know that it’s OK not to be OK,” she details about why she chose to get them mental healthcare.
“Therapy gives them an outlet,” the former 16 & Pregnant star continues. “It reminds them that none of us are perfect, and they don’t have to be either. And I’ve seen how it’s brought the girls closer together.”
Leah writes that the 12-year-old twins “have a lot on their plate,” citing their time on reality TV and Aliannah Hope’s diagnosis with muscular dystrophy at a young age.
She explains that it was “hard” for Aleeah Grace “to understand why her sister was a bit different.”
Ali was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy back in 2014. Her condition is associated with progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, and she and Leah have done a lot of work to educate themselves about Ali’s illness and how to keep her healthy.
Leah shared an emotional update earlier this year about Ali’s health.
“All great thing – [Ali’s doctor] sees more of an improvement than he ever has, mind & body,” Leah shared via Instagram.
“He said what he sees is remarkable because she seems a lot stronger. 700+ of her type of #MuscularDystrophy.”
“He gave a lot of credit to her love, hard work and dedication to reaching horseback riding goals she sets for herself,” Leah shared. “Reflex is still the same but strength is better – pulmonary is better – weight and growth chart is better than it has ever been.”
“He even asked to take a photo with her,” Leah explained. “We love Dr. Tsao and are so grateful for his practices and guidance over the years. Keep working hard and staying dedicated Ali girl.”
“We love you and are so proud of you! A special thanks to all of you who believe in and support my girl,” Leah shared, adding, “#MDwontStopHer#NeverLoseHope.”
In her recent essay, the author of Hope, Grace, & Faith shares her mantra for her daughters: “your health is your wealth.”
She writes that they “prioritize…physical, mental, and emotional wellness” in part because of Ali’s muscular dystrophy and Leah’s struggles with addiction.