Mental Health: Resources available for children in crisis
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In what may seem an odd choice of words, West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources' Bureau for Behavior Health has announced this is Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week.
Acceptance. If we use the dictionary definitions of that word, we learn the event is about "the action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered," or "the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group."
Using those definitions, the DHHR is demonstrating a remarkable understanding of the challenges faced by those of all ages struggling with mental health issues in this state, for generations. If the idea is truly to knock down those walls, bravo!
"Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week comes at a critical time when the state and nation are responding to continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health," said Christina Mullins, commissioner of the Bureau for Behavioral Health. "BBH and its partners want families to know they are not alone; everyone struggles sometimes and help is available. One of the easiest ways to access behavioral health services is through West Virginia's Children's Crisis and Referral Line."
That help line, which families can access via phone call or text, is 844-HELP4WV. There is also a chat feature available at www.help4wv.com/ccl.
In his proclamation declaring Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week, Gov. Jim Justice reports one in five children will experience a mental health crisis. Though much of the accompanying language involves the ongoing pandemic, we know children have always struggled in ways that adults too often shrugged off as the damage became permanent.
But perhaps that tide is turning. Whatever the impetus, it is important to use this week as an opportunity to accept your children's challenges as worthy of attention and help, rather than ignoring them, assuming they'll grow out of it, or criticizing/punishing them for behavior they may not understand or be able to control.
Take advantage of the resources available. You and your kids are not alone. There is help.