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 MATTERS

Any person. Any diagnosis. Anywhere.

Parents and caregivers of children with rare diseases and special health needs experience considerable strain and stress when caring for their children. Additionally, siblings have a similar burden because parents might spend more time with their child with a disability. The enormous burden of caregiving can decrease a parent’s ability to provide care, impacting the child’s health, the parents, siblings, and the overall functioning family. To manage these challenges, parents report the need for mental health care for themselves and their children, but many families go without these services. Understanding barriers to mental health care for families with rare diseases and special health needs is critical to developing practical mental health solutions.

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

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Join the waiting list to be notified first of an upcoming class!

The E.WE Foundation is proud to host Youth Mental Health First Aid USA, an 8-hour public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. YMHFA builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or who might be experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help, and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Learn more and register for an upcoming training class!

MENTAL HEALTH IN ACTION

The E.WE Foundation, with several other community partners, joined Madison City Schools and Madison City Council of PTAs for several community-wide mental health events. Mental Health Matters is 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:

DIGITAL SAFETY:

Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention – Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama

Source: Madison City Schools www.madisoncity.k12.al.us | National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov/mymentalhealth | Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention, Children’s Trust Fund www.ctfal.gov/digital-safety