In a Mental Health Crisis, Families Need Help, Too |
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Most western models of mental health care focus on just the client.
Families of young people in crisis need support, and community and relationships are central to our well-being
When community and family is included in healing, outcomes improve.
Earlier this year, Shaelyn Koops reached out to me to share her son’s story, which is documented in her book, "Hey, Buddy: A Memoir of a Mother and Son.” As the pages unfolded, each with dated entries, my mind drew a picture of Daniel. I could envision an immensely kind-hearted youth who loved nature and philosophy.
Daniel died at just 18 of an undetected perforated ulcer. This resulted from a weakened body after significant dietary restriction during a mental health crisis. His fight through existential crisis, depression, and anxiety began less than a year prior.
Before exhibiting mental health symptoms and hospitalization, Daniel had been regarded as gifted and played a central role in his school. As his behaviors became more esoteric, he became increasingly isolated. People around him showed fear, and though Daniel wanted to re-enter the world outside his challenges, it proved difficult, worsening a downward spiral.
Koops shares, “Those who knew him seemed to forget who he was and treated him like a number. Those who didn’t know him didn’t treat him as a human to begin with."
She strives to........