I have finally had a chance to go through all the videos and I think they are very helpful and insightful.
As a parent who lost her son to accidental overdose and unresolved mental health issues, it is really hard not to panic (freak out) when your kid is not happy and your 'parent alarm bells' go off.
Sometimes, we can be overly concerned (freaked out) about our kids and it helps to have the info as to what is 'normal' and how to effectively guide that process for your child.
Then it gets really complex when your 'parents alarm bells' are ringing even louder and you just KNOW something is not right with your child. Adding to the complexity is that 'others' may minimize a parents concerns to the point that you self-reflect and wonder if you are just freaking out. Then, you are not entirely sure how to 'have that conversation' with your child because you are afraid that you may push him over the edge.
I could fill pages just trying to list all the dynamics when this happens and then systemic gaps and failures start to accumulate.
'We' need to get back to prevention, early intervention and empowering parents.
Betty-Lou Kristy
PROVIDING EVIDENCE from community to systems level policy, planning & governance