Taking Your Child to the Emergency Room for a Mental Health Crisis


I recently came across this "open letter" from a parent about the experience of taking your child to the Emergency Room as the result of a mental health crisis.  The author, Julia Johnson Attaway, does a beautiful job of speaking to the fears that parents may experience when faced with this incredibly difficult decision.

As a School Psychologist, we complete Suicide Assessments with our Student Services colleagues - including Social Workers and School Counselors - more often than any of us would like.  I've seen firsthand the anxiety on a parent's face when they arrive at school to pick up a child who has expressed a desire for self-harm.  It's never easy to explain the options for seeking emergency mental health assistance, but I will definitely bookmark this article to share with parents in the future, in an effort to try to make this process a little easier for them.  I truly hope that none of our readers will ever need this information, but wanted to pass it along for anyone who might find it helpful.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Image
This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used,...
Read more

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17, 2024

Image
  Although Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated next week, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has provided a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year; that's 365 ideas of ways to spread kindness. They also provide a variety of resources for spreading kindness at school, at home, and at work, including a 2024 calendar for adults to spread kindness at work throughout the year.  Additionally, the Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices department has compiled a Random Acts of Kindness resource folder that includes lesson plans, kindness activities, announcements, book lists, and more.  Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in their effort to make kindness the norm, not just next week, but all year long! 
Read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Image
  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They have more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. You can visit their website to find your local NAMI.  NAMI also actively participates in Mental Health Awareness Month to eradicate stigma, extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join their Take the Moment campaign to promote open dialogues, and cultivate empathy and understanding. They have provided a toolkit with more information on the campaign including how to spread awareness, social media content, graphics to share, and facts.   NAMI provides a Teen ...
Read more