Explore BREATHE Offerings

The Story of BREATHE

"Rick and I know what it is like to walk the long journey of mental illness with a child. Our youngest son, Matthew, was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety as a young child, and later, with chronic suicidality, OCD, and borderline personality disorder. We sought the best help we could for Matthew but grew frustrated with a mental health system that frequently lacked coordination, availability, and accessibility. We often felt isolated and alone on the journey, misunderstood and judged by others, and heartbroken that we could not get the help our dear son needed to survive and thrive.

After 20 years of intense struggle, serious mental illness became a burden Matthew could no longer carry, and he took his life on April 5, 2013. Our grief has been immense; family, friends, and the hope of Heaven have sustained us.

In the aftermath of Matthew’s death, we regularly encourage the faith community through our writing and public speaking to recognize the suffering that mental illness brings to people and to offer kindness, compassion, and practical help for affected families in response. I have become a mental health and suicide prevention advocate for individuals and families. In 2019, Rick and I decided to honor our son by providing wholistic support for other families walking the long road of mental illness through the ministry of BREATHE."

- Kay Warren

BREATHE Events

If you have a child of any age who struggles with their mental health, please join us at our next BREATHE event. Free BREATHE Zoom Calls with Kay Warren and guests are available on a regular basis for parents with children of any age who live with mental illness.

All BREATHE events provide parents of children with mental illness the opportunity to talk about the reality of the struggle, grieve together, and point each other toward hope!

Saturday

23

Aug 2025

Saturday

23

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Aug 2025

BREATHE Together Marriage Event

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San Juan Capistrano, California

If you have a child of any age who struggles with their mental health, please join us at BREATHE Together: A one-day marriage enrichment event for couples.

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Saturday

19

Jul 2025

Saturday

19

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Jul 2025

BREATHE Conversations Call

BREATHE Conversations Call

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Virtual on Zoom

The next BREATHE Conversations Call features a heartfelt discussion between Kay Warren and Adam Young, LCSW—host of The Place We Find Ourselves podcast and author of Make Sense of Your Story: Why Engaging Your Past with Kindness Changes Everything. Together, they’ll explore how God meets us in our stories—even the ones marked by pain, caregiving, and exhaustion. With biblical wisdom and honest reflection, Kay and Adam will talk about listening to your body, healing family dynamics, and holding on to Christ-centered hope in the chaos of parenting a child with mental health challenges.

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Friday

17

Oct 2025

Friday

17

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Sunday

19

Oct 2025

Retreat for Mental Health

2025 BREATHE Retreat

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San Juan Capistrano, California

If you have a child of any age who struggles with their mental health, please join us at BREATHE: A Restorative Retreat for Moms.

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Treatment Locator

Find information about mental health services and resources in your area.

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