How do I stay emotionally present for my child when their mental health is overwhelming?

There's this thing that happens when your child struggles—you can disappear into the worry. Your body's there, but you're three steps ahead, catastrophizing or problem-solving so hard you miss who they actually are in this moment. Rabia al-Adawiyya knew something about presence without agenda. She loved fiercely, but never to possess or fix. She showed up. Staying present means noticing when you've left. It's catching yourself spiraling and choosing, just for five minutes, to be where they are. Not their therapist. Not their savior. Their parent. Practically: Put the phone down during one meal. Ask what they notice about their day, not how they're feeling (that's harder). Let silences exist. When they're struggling, resist the urge to immediately solve—sometimes they just need to know you're steady while they're not. This doesn't require perfection. It requires showing up again and again, imperfectly, without keeping score. That consistency—that willingness to return—is what builds the safety they need. Your presence alone is already devotion.