About
A LITTLE ABOUT DEB
Deb is a wife, mom of three, and author. In her new book, “Love Hard,” she courageously shares her story of the roller coaster ride that was loving and parenting her child who struggled with mental health. She believes that by sharing her own lived experience, another mom might feel less alone. Through her story, Deb hopes to create greater awareness and help break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, guiding families toward healing, understanding, and hope.
As a mental health advocate, Deb hosts in-person and virtual book talks and mental health discussions. She volunteers with organizations that support at-risk women and girls, and early childhood education. She is currently a board member for the non-profit Serve. She is a Certified Parent Peer Specialist through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a member of the International OCD Foundation Advocate Program, and on the National Alliance on Mental Illness Wisconsin Speakers Bureau.
A graduate of Concordia University, Wisconsin, Deb lives in Mequon, Wisconsin with her husband Gary and their dog Charlie. Her best moments are time spent with her kids and three grandchildren.
DEB'S MISSION
Her book comes at a time when child and teen mental health issues have been on the rise.
- 50% of all mental illness begins by age 14.
- 75% by age 24.
- 1 in 6 youth live with a mental health condition but the average delay between the start of symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
- Almost 6 in 10 people with mental illness get no treatment or medication.
- Only 30% of our teens with depression are being treated for it.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among kids 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for those between 15 and 24 (CDC).
“Over the past 3 years, I just kept running into other moms who were struggling with their kids’ mental health,” notes Mueller. “And when I would share my own story with them, it was like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. They suddenly felt like they weren’t alone. That they weren’t bad parents. And they felt hope. That’s when I knew I had to write this book.”
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NOW AVAILABLE
Love Hard. A Heartfelt Journey of Nurturing a Child with
Mental Health Struggles.