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A few years back, my family and I found ourselves at a local park, watching our sons play in their baseball games. It was a night of divide-and-conquer: one adult at the older kids’ game while another was at the t-ball field with the younger ones.
Initially, the skies were clear, but soon ominous clouds rolled in. The scene felt like something straight out of the movie “Twister.” Winds whipped through the park, picking up sand from the fields, and within moments, families were sprinting toward their vehicles. Kids and elderly relatives struggled to keep pace, and we frantically sought to reunite with our loved ones scattered across the park. It was among the most frightening experiences of our lives, but thankfully, we made it home safely.
That night, as we huddled in the basement, I realized we lacked an emergency disaster plan—no go-bags, no meeting points, no emergency supplies, and certainly no code words for separation. I hadn’t even taught my boys basic first aid or CPR. We would be in serious trouble in a more severe crisis.
In the months that followed, we took action. We developed a plan, practiced it, and invested in essential supplies. While we still have work to do, our family is now much better prepared than we were that fateful evening.
Today, however, we are confronted with a different kind of storm. This one doesn’t uproot trees, but it threatens the well-being of our children and families. Pediatricians across the nation have recognized what many parents have long suspected: our children’s mental health is facing a crisis. It’s a national emergency.
Our family encountered this crisis last year. Shortly after Halloween, our son developed severe OCD symptoms (shared with his permission). The following months were a blur of navigating pandemic parenting while seeking the necessary care for him. With Covid affecting everything, all appointments had to be conducted remotely.
We were fortunate to have reliable internet, devices, and supportive friends; yet, the journey was still challenging. We needed to find a therapist experienced in treating OCD in children. The best options were located in a nearby city—close, yet out of state—and our insurance wouldn’t cover the costs. Late nights were spent trying to comprehend what was happening to my child and how to proceed. I left messages for therapists and found myself on numerous waiting lists, as everyone seemed overwhelmed. Finally, we received a call back from a therapist who didn’t accept our insurance but knew someone in our state who might be able to help.
Simultaneously, we sought a child psychiatrist, just in case. I reached out to every possible resource, including the local Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, everyone was booked for a year or more. The hospital would accept our insurance, but wouldn’t see our child unless it was for autism evaluations or emergency room visits.
In that moment of crisis, we found ourselves navigating a complex situation without a solid plan to guide us. This is the storm that every parent in America needs to be prepared for.
Long before pediatricians declared a mental health emergency, I was aware that our children were struggling. My work connects me with educators, counselors, coaches, and youth workers nationwide. They all report that children are feeling stressed, anxious, sad, and exhausted, with mental health consistently emerging as their top concern.
This year, we learned that no child is exempt from mental health challenges. It’s crucial for you to be ready if this storm impacts your family. Here are five strategies to help you prepare for and respond to your child’s mental health needs:
1. Learn Mental Health First-Aid
This is a real thing! My friend Lisa got certified in Mental Health First Aid and now offers classes for other parents in our community. Just as we learn to respond to physical emergencies, we can also be equipped to help children facing mental health crises.
2. Keep Emergency Resources Handy
Remember how you prepared for your first babysitter? You probably compiled a list of emergency numbers, including neighbors, doctors, and poison control. Create a similar list for mental health resources. It’s easier to gather this information when you’re not in crisis. Understand your insurance coverage, find nearby providers, and know the steps to take in an emergency.
3. Develop a Plan Together with Your Kids
Normalize discussions about mental health by emphasizing the importance of caring for both physical and emotional well-being. Share your family’s mental health history and your own experiences. Teach your children to recognize signs that something is wrong and discuss what actions to take if those signs appear. With a positive and supportive approach, they’ll develop the language and awareness necessary for both now and in the future.
4. Collaborate with Other Adults Who Care for Your Child
Our son has greatly benefited from the support of a network that includes his pediatrician, therapist, teacher, extended family, and close friends. We couldn’t provide the same level of care without their help. Invite others into your journey and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
5. Know How to Advocate for Your Child
Navigating mental health challenges can be daunting and time-consuming. You might encounter geographical or financial obstacles, and there will be moments when you feel progress stalls. Stay persistent and informed. You are your child’s best advocate. Learn about their specific challenges, keep thorough records, and remember to take care of yourself, too.
Every generation has faced mental health struggles, but today’s youth seem to be facing them more intensely. This may be due to increased awareness or the unique challenges they encounter. Regardless, our children need to feel supported in navigating this storm. There are steps we can take, both individually and collectively, to be prepared for whatever may come.
For more insights on parenting and mental health, check out our related posts on home insemination kit and how to use an at-home insemination kit. Also, for excellent resources on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
Summary:
In today’s world, parents need to prepare for their children’s mental health emergencies just as they would for physical crises. By learning mental health first-aid, organizing emergency resources, creating plans with children, collaborating with caring adults, and advocating for their needs, families can better navigate the growing mental health challenges faced by today’s youth.
Keyphrase: Emergency Mental Health Plan for Kids
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