National Suicide Prevention Lifeline –  24 hours a day 7 days a week: Call or Text 988 

Crisis Hotline – 24/7 text line for people in crisis: Text HOME to 741741 

MENTAL HEALTH

Caregivers of children with special health care needs, especially those whose children have emotional, behavioral, developmental, or life-limiting challenges, experience considerable strain and stress when it comes to caring for their child’s special needs. The enormous burden of caregiving can decrease a parent’s ability to provide care, and impact the health of the child, the parents, and the overall functioning family. To manage these challenges, parents report the need for mental health care for themselves and, or their children, but many of these families go without these services.  Understanding barriers to mental health care for families of children with special health care needs is critical to creating policy and practice solutions that will increase access to mental health care for families.

The E.WE Foundation is committed to normalizing mental health and to providing mental health support to families living with rare diseases, like Edwards Syndrome, medical complexities, and special health care needs.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

The E.WE Foundation along with several other community organizations partner with Madison City Schools and Madison City Council of PTAs for Mental Health Matters, an ongoing initiative to understand mental health concerns in young people and their families.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU HAVE MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS?

Consult your doctor! Describe what concerns you and ask for recommendations. They may provide a referral for a Mental Health Professional. Additional resources may be available through your employer. Some employers offer mental health services through employee assistance programs (EAP). Speak with your human resources team.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consult their doctor or pediatrician. Describe what concerns you and ask for recommendations. Contact key people at your child’s school. The School Counselor is a great resource to start if you aren’t sure.  Teachers can also provide insight about any changes or concerns in your child’s behavior.  

AREA RESOURCES:

The E.WE Foundation – ZEBRA Program

The Enrichment Center – School-based mental health counseling program

National Children’s Advocacy Center – Trauma services and support, parenting classes, and advocacy

The Caring House – Grief support services

Crisis Services of North Alabama and SPEAK of North Alabama Suicide. Prevention. Empowerment. Awareness. Knowledge.

Wellstone/NOVA Center for Youth and Family – Mental health screenings and treatment resources 

United Way of North Alabama – DIAL 2-1-1 from your phone or search the online database to get help with non-emergency needs

NAMI of Huntsville – List of area mental health providers, education and community support

Partnership for a Drug Free Community 

MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE RESOURCES:

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES:

*Resource lists created in partnership with Madison City Schools and the Madison City Council of PTAs.

Source: Madison City Schools www.madisoncity.k12.al.us | National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/mymentalhealth