Talking About Mental Health on Capitol Hill Part3

If you have not read part 1 of this series, you can find it here. Part 2 can be found here.

After we returned to our hotel, we had a little bit of time before our last meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent's (AACAP) Legislative Conference. My daughter, who was still sleep deprived from the night before, decided to take a short nap while I relaxed and ponderered over the events of our amazing day. We didn't get to actually meet any of our elected officials, but we did get to go to three of their offices and speak with their assistants about the national workforce shortage among child and adolescent psychiatrists, the need for sweeping reform in mental health and to thank these members of Congress for their support of continued funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Even though Princess didn't say much at most of these meetings, she was the face of mental health. The representatives probably couldn't believe that this sweet angelic child had ever faced the adversity that we spoke of. I wish I had had more time to tell them more of our amazing journey. I do have their email addresses so I can email them. Hmmm...
After a time of reflection and rest, we headed down to the grand ballroom for our debriefing meeting. Many of the psychiatrists, residents and fellows shared wonderful stories about their meetings. There were also family members like Princess and I who shared their stories as well. I shared how at one meeting an assistant asked why psychiatrists who serve the adult population cannot be retrained to serve children and adolescents. At that moment, I did not have a good answer for him. I think I was just dumbfounded. If I could turn back time, here's what I would have said: "I believe a great psychiatrist is like a great teacher. Some teachers are professors. They are very good at teaching at the college level. Still others are fabulous preschool or kindergarten teachers who teach children at the beginning of their academic careers. The remaining teachers fall somewhere in between these two ends of the spectrum. We would never ask a kindergarten teacher to teach college students. It is just not her forté. Conversely, we would never ask a college professor to teach kindergarteners. He (or she) would fail miserably because he (or she) is not gifted in this arena. The same is true for gifted child and adolescent psychiatrists. They know children and adolescents best. They know how to develop a rapport with them. I'm sure my daughter would not have wanted to see a doctor who she didn't feel was able to relate to her."
I don't fault this man. He may have never had experience with a child or teen with mental illness. That's OK. My daughter may have given him a little education. Her mother will follow up as well.
As the meeting and the conference drew to a close, I have to hope that my presence, my daughter's presence, along with the other doctors and family members attending AACAP Legislative Conference made a difference for the future of mental health in our nation.

Stay tuned here as I delve more into the key issues presented at this conference. I'll also keep you posted as I follow up with our legislators. Don't worry though, there's always a funny story lurking. After all, I am raising a drama queen.

It's Never Just a Coincidence or How I Ended Up Being Able to Speak to Congress

Like all moms, when they are told their child has a possible diagnosis, I went into research mode when my knight and I were told that our daughter might have Bipolar Disorder. One of the first places that I went to in 2010 was to my local bookstore. I did not find one single book on Pediatric Bipolar. I was told they could order The Bipolar Child by Papolos since it was not in stock. Instead, I found Bipolar Disorder for Dummies. I thumbed through this book only to find one  little chapter about children with Bipolar. At the tail end of the chapter, it read, "For more information and support, go to Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation.org." (This organization is now called The Balanced Mind Parent Network.) I closed the book, put it back on the shelf where it belonged, and left the store richer than when I walked in.
Upon returning home, I rushed inside to look up the website on my computer. At this site, I found a wealth of information and support. I would read the stories that other parents shared and be thankful that my child wasn't "that bad." Even though I was an active member I was in denial for a long time.
Then came Princess' first hospital stay. We were 100 miles from home and I was scared. The first place I turned to was my online support group. The parents loved on me, gave me advice and virtual hugs.
Over the years, I slowly became one of the "experts" in my support group and was asked to be a volunteer to help others. Initially, I declined because I had so much going on in my personal life that I was unable to give to others. Eventually, I decided to help out. During a time that I was grieving the loss of my life long passion, teaching; I wondered what I would do next. My therapist assured me that I would find something as it is my "legacy" to help others. This is when my volunteering efforts really made me feel needed outside of my family. I cannot explain it. It is just a part of me. I truly enjoy helping others.
Every year I would hear about a huge conference in Washington, D.C. where  parents and family members were given the opportunity to educate Congress about mental health issues. I wanted to go but again the timing was never right. Finally, this year when The Balanced Mind asked their volunteers if anyone wanted to go, I emailed that I would like to go. I also asked if my daughter could join me as she is the face of mental health. I was met with yeses every step of the way.
My daughter and I are thrilled to be given the chance to speak to members of Congress. In a way, it is a dream come true for both of us. It all began with a sentence in a book. I don't think that was a coincidence at all.

Here's your chance to help me out. What do you think are the concerns of parents of children with mental health issues in America? Comment either here or on my Facebook page. Thanks!