CHOC Mental Health Update | September 2022
View online.
Mental Health News September 2022
Thank you, Friend,
for being a champion of youth with mental health conditions in your community. Visit our Mental Health Guide for resources to support pediatric mental health, and help spread awareness of Suicide Prevention Month throughout September.
Warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts.
September is suicide prevention month. People of all ages can experience signs of depression and suicidality—even young children. By paying close attention to warning signs and talking openly about mental health issues as a family, you can get your kids the critical help they need. Also: how a national grant is helping CHOC enhance suicide prevention efforts.
 
How to spot signs of anxiety in children.
Most kids experience a degree of worry every now and then. But when that worry becomes more frequent, it can start to impact your child’s home and school life. It’s important to be aware of the behavioral and verbal warning signs of anxiety, so you can help your child navigate the way forward. Learn about anxiety in kids and how to take action.
 
Protecting kids from a medication overdose.
With everything going on in their daily life and the world at large, kids today may be feeling especially overwhelmed. However, parents should be watchful so that these feelings don’t lead to over-the-counter medication abuse. Read more and download resources for overdose prevention in kids and teens.
 
Expert tips for helping your anxious child at Halloween
Does your child dissolve into tears and refuse to go into a shop once they spot the Halloween display? Halloween is a time when sensitive children can feel overwhelmed. Follow these tips for a stress-free Halloween.
 
Handling Halloween when you have social anxiety as a parent.
For parents who deal with social anxiety, the idea of trick-or-treaters at your door can cause a lot of distress. But Halloween doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Based on your personal comfort level, there are many actionable steps you can take to ensure this year is a success. Cope with trick-or-treaters using these helpful strategies.
 
 
REGISTER FOR UPCOMING MENTAL HEALTH EVENTS
CHOC’s Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) and team of pediatric mental health specialists have provided hundreds of educational sessions to the community.
  • Strategies to understand and promote emotional health in children
    September 28
  • Identifying anxiety in youth and next steps for supporting your child
    October 10
  • When anxiety attacks: Supporting your anxious child
    October 17
For more events and to register, visit choc.org/MentalHealthEvents.
 
 

New Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number 

 

9-8-8
 
When your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call or text the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where you will be instantly connected to a mental health professional trained to get them the help they need. 
 

 

 

Is your child struggling with their mental health?

Here's a list of Mental Health Help Lines. 

This email is intended to share news and information about the need for pediatric mental health services in Orange County and CHOC’s role in meeting those needs.

This email is not intended to replace the relationship you have with a physician or another healthcare practitioner. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. This email includes links to other websites which provide additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of the CHOC Mental Health newsletter. Linking to a non-CHOC site does not constitute an endorsement by CHOC of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site.
    
Long Live Childhood