KCUR: Kansas City health care groups enlist parents in the fight against youth mental health crisis
By Noah Taborda
Nearly one in five parents in the area told Children's Mercy Kansas City their child’s mental health was "fair" or "poor," and 11% reported their child feeling "sad" or "hopeless." Local hospitals and health centers are now trying to prepare parents to help manage rising rates of mental health issues among youths.
More than a dozen Johnson County parents whose kids are struggling with mental health issues gather every week to commiserate, brainstorm and sometimes just vent about struggles at home.
Many of them face similar issues — like monitoring their child’s social media use and keeping tabs on their social and school life — all while juggling their own mental health.
Jordan Boux, a team leader for children and family services with the Johnson County Mental Health Center, said even the most equipped parent will struggle without support.
“When parents’ own life doesn’t have balance, it’s not going to be easy to then take care of others,” she said.
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