Now a thriving senior at Florida Gulf Coast University with an exciting vision for her future, Rayne shines with an inner strength and resilience that belies her past mental health struggles.
When she was 13 years old, Rayne was so anxious and depressed, she could barely get out of bed. As a young child she had an abusive father – a situation they had to leave, so her single mom worked long hours to provide for the family. As a result, Rayne was often alone with her feelings, and on top of that, her mom had a hard time understanding her daughter’s need for more support.
When everything shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rayne felt even more worried and isolated. Unable to leave the house, she began to dread each day. Her mental state worsened, and she started having thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Desperate for support, Rayne reached out to her older brother. He was already an adult, living on his own, so the siblings weren’t close, but he agreed to pick her up, and they went for a drive. He listened, and for the first time, she opened up about her troubling thoughts and feelings.
Rayne’s brother helped her understand that she had to be more open with her mom, and his support helped her mom understand the severity of Rayne’s depression and anxiety. They took her to Golisano Children’s Hospital, where she was admitted under The Florida Baker Act, which allows for emergency detention and examination of individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis and are likely to self-harm.
Rayne’s story is part of a broader trend in pediatric mental health that has been seen during community crises. During the pandemic, specifically, Lee Health reported a dramatic surge in Baker Acts at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Specifically, Baker Acts increased by 28% from 2019 to 2020, and they escalated by 358% from 2020 to 2021. This dramatic data signaled a severe, growing need for pediatric mental health resources in Southwest Florida, prompting initiatives to raise public support. The crisis led to fundraising and advocacy that created greater awareness about pediatric mental and behavioral health, as well as increased access to services close to home.
Like many of the children seeking help during the pandemic years, Rayne faced significant challenges with gaining access to pediatric mental and behavioral health services. Although it was quickly determined that she needed in-patient care, she had to relocate four hours away from home to receive treatment at a pediatric in-patient facility. When she finally returned home, she endured months of waiting for therapy. In time, Rayne finally received the medical support she needed.
“I gained very timely access to treatment because of their (Kids’ Minds Matter’s) advocacy for increased pediatric mental health services,” said Rayne. “Without the work they’ve been doing, I likely wouldn’t have received the quick and effective care that has helped me, and I might not be here today. Because of the treatment I’ve received, I want to stay involved with Kids’ Minds Matter to ensure other kids have the same opportunities for recovery that I had.”
Although Rayne admits she was sometimes resistant to therapy, and it took time for her to begin doing “normal” things like getting out of bed to brush her teeth, she slowly made progress and started to feel like life was worth living again. She came out of her shell, because she was less fearful of simply being herself.
Uplifted by the care of her family and highly qualified mental health providers, she ultimately transformed into a strong student with a bright future. After high school, she enrolled at FGCU and will soon graduate with her bachelor’s degree. Her optimism for the future is obvious, as she looks forward to a career helping disabled children.
Rayne also wants to help others by sharing her mental health story with the next generation. Through her past difficulties, Rayne learned she’s not alone. Many children and teens go through similar challenges, and her story shows how they can overcome them with the right support.
“I heard about Kids’ Minds Matter as I was doing therapy, and I was pretty inspired to tell my story because I feel like it is inspiring for younger kids or teenagers to hear someone’s story who go out of that troubling time,” Rayne said.
In 2025, Rayne was one of several speakers at Normal Is Overrated, an event presented by Kids’ Minds Matter that allowed young people like her to share their mental health stories with other kids to reduce stigma and create awareness about the services available to them.
Today, Rayne wholeheartedly encourages the community to embrace kids in need by reducing the stigma and increasing access to mental and behavioral healthcare, so kids who need services can get them more easily.
To learn more about ways you can get involved with Kids’ Minds Matter, visit Take Action or Donate today.
Kids’ Minds Matter does not provide direct mental health therapy or care. Children or adults experiencing a medical or mental health emergency should contact 911 or go to the closest emergency room immediately. For more information about accessing services, visit Resources.