Kids Health Matters episodes 4 and 5: Managing a mental health crisis in young people
On this weeks' episodes of Kids Health Matters hosts Dani Shuey and Danielle Engelbrecht are joined by CAMHS Clinical Nurse Specialist Veronica Plej
Supporting a young person experiencing a mental health crisis is a distressing reality for many parents and carers.
Where can you turn for help? How do you respond? How do you offer support?
In the latest episode of Kids Health Matters our guest expert answers these and other difficult questions and provides insight and advice to help understand and support a young person in crisis.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Crisis Connect Veronica Plej shares expertise from her three-decade nursing career including specialising in youth mental health over the last nine years.
Veronica emphasises a young person who feels secure and supported is more likely to reach out for help. This is one of the key messages to emerge from this two-part discussion.
Veronica also shares practical advice on:
- identifying what constitutes a crisis compared to a ‘rough patch’
- how to start a conversation if you are concerned about signs of withdrawal or depression
- what are the signs of depression and
- how to respond to a child who is refusing to go to school.
Veronica recommends that generally less talking and more listening in these incredibly stressful situations tends to be more helpful.
“Ideally you move your child to somewhere they have a quiet space to think,” Veronica said.
The second part of the episode highlights how the CAMHS Crisis Connect service can help.
The team behind the service are dedicated and expert mental health professionals who are an excellent source of advice, information and support for young people and families who are struggling with their mental health.
Veronica emphasises that while Crisis Connect can be an alternative to visiting a metropolitan emergency department within a hospital, you don’t have to be in crisis to contact the service.
“If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, please call for advice or encourage your child to call.
The sooner we can get young people calling, the more empowered they can feel to take ownership of their own mental health,” Veronica said.
Veronica recommends anyone working with or caring for someone impacted by poor mental health should prioritise self-care.
“Check in with your tribe, make time for yourself and try and ensure your cup is full before you give to others,” Veronica said.
Veronica shares her passion for her work throughout the discussion.
"I find it very rewarding….especially recognising that all young people want the same thing; to feel valued, connected and validated.”
This episode is hosted by broadcaster Dani Shuey and CAHS Coordinator of Nursing in Infection Prevention and Control, Danielle Engelbrecht.
Find out more about the Kids Health Matters podcast and listen to all episodes.
The series provides trusted advice on common child health concerns from leading experts at the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS).
The podcast is proudly produced by CAHS which includes Neonatology, Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Perth Children’s Hospital.
CAMHS Crisis Connect can be contacted on 1800 048 646.
It is a free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Perth metropolitan service.