1/7 #KidsInCrisis @SeanFletcherTV @BBCPanorama presents a stark reality re access to #CAMHS MH services. We need early intervention & prevention models. But we also need to look at societal influences: poverty, need2achieve, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), austerity, media.
2/7 We are too quick with this population to jump to biological& neglect the psychosocial &political elements. CAMHS staff work hard and feel under pressure and when a system is under pressure and at breaking point - like any of us - it does it’s best to survive.
3/7 Survival means defend, close ranks - in this mode #CAMHS only has capacity for some ppl usually at the higher end of the ‘in need’ spectrum. They must decline others. Staff know this is horrible & hate it. Little reward & feeling failures = impacts own mental/physical health
4/7 Child mental health needs a complete overhaul, a whole systems approach not just a narrow disorder and problem location approach. CAMHS is not the cause – it is another symptom of a system that is failing our young people.
5/7 More of the same won’t work – especially when it is in a context of medicalisation of mental distress and the context of diminishing community resources, activities and universal services targeting healthy development.
6/7 If you want some ideas might I suggest @DizzyDoodler blogs …utchildrensmentalhealth.wordpress.com/2018/07/15/cul….
7/7 We need to change the culture and start developing a system from a value base where every child is held as unique and empowered and supported to be resilient in the face of societal, psychological or physical adversity.
