Parents, It’s Time to Create a Mental Health Emergency Plan for Your Children

A few years back, my family experienced a frightening evening at the local park while watching our sons play baseball. We split our time between the older kids’ game and the t-ball field. Initially, the weather was beautiful, but soon dark clouds gathered, and the winds picked up, transforming the park into a scene reminiscent of the movie “Twister.” Families scrambled to reach their cars, and the chaos was unsettling. Thankfully, we made it home safely, but that night I realized we had no emergency disaster plan in place—no go bags, no meeting points, no emergency supplies, and I hadn’t even taught my boys basic first aid or CPR. We would have been completely unprepared for a real crisis.

In the months that followed, we took steps to create a plan, practice safety drills, and gather essential supplies. While we still have progress to make, we are much better equipped than we were that day.

Today, however, we are facing a different kind of storm—one that affects our children’s mental health. Pediatricians across the nation have confirmed what many parents have felt: our children are in the midst of a mental health crisis. It’s a pressing issue that demands attention.

My family encountered this reality last year. Shortly after Halloween, our son began exhibiting severe OCD symptoms (shared with his permission). The following months were a whirlwind as we tried to balance pandemic parenting while seeking the help he needed—often remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Thankfully, my husband and I had access to reliable internet, digital devices, and supportive friends, plus our backgrounds in social work. Despite these advantages, it was still a struggle. We needed to locate a therapist experienced in treating OCD in children, but the best options lay across state lines, and our insurance wouldn’t cover them. Late nights were spent trying to decipher what was happening with our child and figuring out next steps. I left messages with therapists and found myself on waiting lists, only to discover that many were overwhelmed. Eventually, we received a call back—but it was from someone who couldn’t accept our insurance but referred us to someone who might.

Simultaneously, we sought a child psychiatrist as a precaution. I reached out to numerous clinics, including our local Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, appointments were booked for a year or longer, and while the hospital accepted our insurance, they were not accepting new patients unless it was for autism evaluations or emergency room visits.

In that challenging moment, I realized we were navigating this crisis without a plan, amidst an already complicated situation. This is a reality every parent in America needs to prepare for.

Before pediatricians raised the alarm, I was already aware that our children were struggling. Through my professional connections with educators, counselors, and youth workers, I learned that kids are feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. Mental health has emerged as a top concern.

This experience taught my family that no child is immune to mental health challenges. It’s crucial for parents to be ready if this storm hits their home. Here are five strategies to help you prepare for and respond to your child’s mental health needs:

1. Learn Mental Health First-Aid

Mental Health First Aid courses exist! My friend Laura became certified and now teaches classes for parents. Just as we learn basic first aid, we can also learn how to respond to a child in mental distress.

2. Compile Emergency Resources

Remember the first time you hired a babysitter? You likely provided them with a list of important contacts—neighbors, doctors, and poison control. Create a similar list of mental health resources while you’re not in crisis. Understand your insurance’s coverage, locate nearby providers, and know what actions to take in emergencies.

3. Collaborate on a Plan with Your Kids

Talk openly about mental health with your children. Discuss the significance of caring for both their bodies and minds. Familiarize yourselves with your family’s mental health history and share your own experiences. Educate your children about warning signs and how to react if they arise.

4. Engage with Other Adults Who Care for Your Child

Our son has benefited immensely from a supportive network of adults—his pediatrician, therapist, teacher, and close family members have played pivotal roles. Enlist others in your journey and seek their help.

5. Know How to Advocate for Your Child

Navigating mental health services can be challenging and time-consuming. You may encounter limits based on geography or finances, and sometimes, progress can feel like hitting a wall. Remember that you are your child’s strongest advocate. Stay informed about their issues, be persistent, take notes, and maintain records.

Every generation faces mental health challenges, but it seems today’s children are struggling more than ever. This could be due to increased awareness or the unique pressures of modern life—or likely a combination of both. Regardless, children need to know they are not alone in this crisis. Together, we can take steps to prepare and educate ourselves and our kids for whatever lies ahead.

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In summary, it’s essential for parents to prepare an emergency mental health plan for their children. By learning about mental health first aid, compiling resources, creating a family plan, engaging with supportive adults, and knowing how to advocate for their children’s needs, parents can better equip their families to face mental health challenges head-on.