YOU DON’T SEE IT BUT IT’S REAL

pattyalcala Blogs, Children's Chronic illnesses, I AM NOT SICK BOY, ,

There was a an article about mental illnesses and how they are one of those Invisible Diseases and there were many quotes speaking to adults. But, here is one I found for our children suffering with mental issues.  I have talked about it before and will bring it up again because we need to learn.  Children with chronic illnesses suffer from depression and anxiety at the very least.  They need their mental health addressed and evaluated and much as they need a physical or a follow-up after surgery.  Our children are not second-hand citizens to be treated as inferior human beings.  It is our responsibility as parents to make sure that we are doing everything possible to help them to live the healthiest life possible.  Here is a quote from Kate Middleton:

slide_408318_5119784_free

27 thoughts on “YOU DON’T SEE IT BUT IT’S REAL”

  2. Doctors and hospitals are required to assess a patient’s physical pain — that requirement should be expanded to include assessing mental pain. They could even use the 1 to 10 scale that is currently used to indicate pain levels, or something very similar. An easy, visual test, like an eye chart, to give medical providers a place to start the mental health assessment — the beginning of a plan for treatment options, if needed.

    However, “experts” claim that all this attention on assessing pain is one of the causes of the opioid “epidemic.” I don’t agree, but you could run into the same push back for including mental health assessments as a requirement.

    The other area that needs strengthening is mental health providers in schools. Not just a nurse, but someone trained in suicide prevention. Kids need more opportunities to talk to adults (other than their parents) about their mental health.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • You are right, but I think we have to get them to think of mental health when it come to children first. Then we could incorporate. As for a mental assessment at each doctor visit, it would be almost impossible because as a practitioner has 15 minutes per pt. That is how we work. Thank you for your opinions,, it has given me some things to think about.

      Like

      Reply

  6. I love Kate’s quote that you used and your excellent post. I too struggle and worry about my children’s mental health. They both have neurological disorders that I advocate for. The sleepless nights and Dr’s appointments are all worth in it in the end to know my son’s are happy, healthy, and whole. ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  7. A very good point Patty, and it’s something that I often forget to consider. We take for granted that children are emotionally vulnerable, maybe because we expect that they’re not as mentally complex as adults? So short-sighted. Children have even a greater need for mental health, because it’s such a slippery slope once you’re on it…
    Great post.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

      • It can be difficult to explain to someone who’s never experienced even an anxiety attack. To those people I often say, “Well, for you to understand how it feels, I need a cricket bat and a cheese grater.” Then they get a bit freaked out and I say, “Okay, imagine being that nervous all the time. Now let’s say I’m following you around with those items and I’m just waiting for you to relax…” Okay, my methods are unconventional, but hopefully I’ve made them a little more aware and sensitive about it.

        Liked by 3 people

  9. Thank you! People look at me like I’m nuts for being concerned about my daughter’s mental well being. I have BPD, and my husband is bipolar 2. She’s going to have hereditary issues eventually, I want to catch them as soon as possible, but for some reason that means I’m doing something wrong in the eyes of others. Kids are just tiny humans, no different than adults. I wish more people would understand that.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

Leave a comment