In what may seem like an odd choice of words, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Office of Behavioral Health has announced that it’s Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week. .
Acceptance. If we use the dictionary definitions of this word, we learn that the event concerns “the action of consenting to receive or undertake something that is offered”, or “the action or process of being received as adequate or appropriate, usually for admission to a group.”
By using these definitions, DHHR demonstrates a remarkable understanding of the challenges faced by people of all ages who have struggled with mental health issues in this condition for generations. If the idea is really to tear down these walls, congratulations!
“Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week comes at a critical time when the state and nation are responding to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health,” said Christina Mullins, Commissioner of the Behavioral Health Office. “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 to use the West Virginia Children’s Crisis and Referral Line.
This helpline, which families can access by phone or text, is 844-HELP4WV. A chat function is also available at www.help4wv.com/ccl.
In his proclamation declaring Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week, Governor Jim Justice reports that one in five children will experience a mental health crisis. Although much of the accompanying language involves the ongoing pandemic, we know that children have always struggled in ways that adults have too often ignored as the damage became permanent.
But maybe the tide is turning. Whatever the impulse, it’s 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’re getting away with it. will come out or criticize/punish them for behavior that they cannot understand or be able to control.
Take advantage of available resources. You and your children are not alone. There is help.
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