It's a topic that is often not talked about. But in fact $150,000 children in British Columbia are dealing with mental health issues. And that's why two groups are trying to put an end to the stigma
One of them is led by Keli Anderson and Jeannie Rohr, two mothers who have a lot in common.
Both of their children are dealing with mental health issues.
Both had a difficult time finding resources to help them.
It is why Keli Anderson started a parent support group called The F.O.R.C.E almost ten years ago.
"I remember I was desperate to meet other parents who were going through the same situation," she said.
"We knew The F.O.R.C.E. had to be a place that if you had a child you knew there was somebody out there that was looking at children's mental health and that became the force."
Since then, thousands of parents have contacted the group seeking help.
"It was so powerful to meet other parents going through that because there are so many stigmas with mental health," says who...?
It's estimated 150,000 children in B.C. are dealing with mental health issues that impair their functioning.
They range from eating disorders, to anxiety disorders, to substance abuse issues.
"Because there's stigma and discrimination associated with mental health issues, a lot of people don't get help early,'' said Dr. Connie Coniglio of the Kelty Resource Centre.
"They try to solve their problems on their own. They're not sure how to recognize what the signs and symptoms are,'' she said.
It's one of the reasons the Kelty Resource centre was created (the centre just recently opened) providing a one-stop shop to direct people to resources.
"We're available to take calls, to respond to emails and to see people in person if they happen to come into town,'' said Coniglio. "It's virtual and in person and telephone call based."
So parents in remote communities can receive information without having to travel to the city.
"When you are in a rural community it can feel very isolated and it can be increasingly difficult to know where to reach out to," said Coniglio.
"It would have been nice to phone somewhere and have someone say "based on what you're saying these would be the appropriate numbers for you to seek out," said Keli Anderson.
Thankfully, with the help of The F.O.R.C.E. and the Kelty Resource Centre, there are now options for parent's dealing with their children's mental health issues.
Together, they are providing education and support to families through what is often a difficult time.
"Those parents go on to be really strong not just for their own kids, they go on to be strong for other parents, and with strong parents we get really strong kids,'' said Keli Anderson.
"What it's done for me is increased my self esteem to become a very strong parent and because I'm a strong parent now, I have a much stronger child," said Jeannie Rohr.
Related Links: THE F.O.R.C.E. 604-878-3400 ; 1-800-661-2121 ;
Related Links: KELTY RESOURCE CENTRE: at BC Children's Hospital:
604-875-2084; 1-800-665-1822
