Children’s Mental Health Resources & Forum - Oct 27

October 26, 2021

All too often we learn about the increase in mental health issues, especially among children. Factors such as the pandemic, remote learning, and social media have all affected our children and their mental well-being. As a parent, it can be an overwhelming and emotional task to ensure your child gets the help they need.

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Below I have highlighted some resources, including an upcoming mental health forum, for parents with children who are struggling:

Immediate Assistance:

  • Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 9-1-1, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24/7 free service for the immediate evaluation of your child by a mental health professional. From a mobile phone, 2-1-1 can be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text "HOME" to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.

NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI's Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session program that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.

Children’s Mental Health Forum: The legislature's Committee on Children hosts a roundtable discussion designed for families in crisis on Wednesday, October 27th at 11am.

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The discussion will offer practical advice for parents of children who are depressed, anxious, suicidal, or engaging in self-harm. Highlights will include how to locate counselors for your child, the development of a family plan, and the use of school resources. It will also cover alternatives to the Emergency Room and specialty LGBTQ+ outreach for kids. You'll learn what to do to start the healing today.

The forum will be held in person at the Legislative Office Building in Hearing Room 1D. If you cannot attend in person, you can watch on CT-N, or the Children Committee’s YouTube Channel.

This program has been developed with doctors, social workers, and experts – with love, patience, and understanding. I hope you can join us.