The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 1 out of 5 children experience a mental disorder each year. Diagnoses of depression and anxiety are more common with increased age, and many children go without needed mental health treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a spike in mental health concerns, particularly for children and teenagers who are home more and facing new social stresses. Many families are under a great deal of pressure, and it’s increasingly likely that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on mental health.
But families facing these struggles are not alone—helpful resources and tools are available. To help support behavioral health needs, VHAN is inviting parents and caregivers to a family webinar, “Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: What to Know and How to Help.”
Terri Brady, RN, BSN, MBA, Director, Network Development and Pediatrics, is moderating the session, and Danielle McDonough, LMSW, Pediatric Behavioral Health, will present. The webinar will help parents and families learn:
• How to identify warning signs of depression and anxiety disorders
• When to seek help for your child
• How to come up with a mental health safety plan
• How to engage and validate a child’s feelings in a healthy way
The host will set aside time for a Q&A, and a recording will be made available on the VHAN Hub for those unable to join live. The webinar will be offered at three convenient times:
• Thursday, October 1 – 12–1 p.m. CDT
• Saturday, October 3 – 10–11 a.m. CDT
• Monday, October 5 – 7–8 p.m. CDT
Register for the webinar here.