Thread by @OpSAFEIntl

A #ChildrensMentalHealth thread. Yesterday I saw @unicefchief’s open letter calling for countries to “dramatically expand mental health services and support for young people.” I asked “How would you increase mental health support for children?” Here are your responses.

“Prioritizing mental health for everyone everywhere. Keep advocating for investment and evidence-based public interventions. Strengthen resilience-building through families, communities, schools, & in primary care. Harness task-sharing and digital mental health” @victorpsanchez

“Integrated care and task-sharing models!” @sabrinarliu

“Whole school approaches to support problem solving, conflict resolution & emotional regulation. Training & consultation to support those currently working with children outside mental health services more effectively. Let’s not forget the role of poverty.” @Tamsin_J_Ford

“Tackling some of the big stressors like poverty and removing undue academic pressures and diversifying the school curriculum to include more creative and physical activities and greater emphasis on fostering multiple enduring supportive relationships.” @Jess_Deighton

“Proper support for strengthening families, stronger communities, proper policy... This is not about individuals. This is about a commitment to children and those who care for them at a ministerial level.” @_LisaCherry

“Structural factors including access to safe housing/living environment, healthy food/water, good healthcare are key. That includes access to evidence based prevention and treatment interventions. Investments needed if we truly prioritize families’ wellbeing.” @DrLondonoTobon

“Training more mental health professionals, school mental health programs, stigma reduction strategies to change societal attitudes toward mental health issues.” @minddocravi

“Preventative screening where CYP attend, early safe, flexible and accessible assmts and CYP centred, targeted and evidence based support (to include holistic support for the family system), close liaison betw services, societal issues of injustice addressed.” @traumapsychol1

“First and foremost attack poverty with free healthcare, daycare, increasing minimum wage, free college. Second, provide services ranging from after school programs, mental health supports in the school.” @DrKorb

“I believe through “the power of one”. Understanding that “I” can have a significant impact on the lives that I work with thru a caring adult relationship. When we embrace the power of one, we seek positive connection= Hope & Resilience.” @SporLin

“Centralized, multidisciplinary, play based, in-neighborhood care - similar to trad. Integrated model but more holistic in nature. Grow neighborhoods. Center the village. None of us can go it alone. @MemphisCrier

Thank you so much for all those who shared their thoughts on how to increase mental health for children! What an amazing set of responses.

Coming at this from a disaster risk reduction angle I want to find ways to reduce exposure to stressors and susceptibility factors and strengthen coping systems and adaptation. We need a holistic approach that addresses all four. @DrvanTilburg @jesslahey @NicoleNugentPhD