Do you have the mental health support you need for your child?

We all know someone who is dealing with mental illness on some level. But what is it like to care for a child with mental health issues? In the wake of the tragic shootings in Connecticut, our country is talking about the need to care for people diagnosed with mental illness. One parent from Idaho wrote a blog post entitled, "I Am Adam Lanza's Mother," emphasizing the need for more support and resources for mentally ill children and their parents.

Of course, most adults and children who are dealing with mental illness are not dangerous, and we shouldn't equate mental illness with criminal behavior. But the tragedy in Connecticut has made it clear that some people in our communities need help that they're not getting now.

Parents, we'd like to hear from you. What health resources do you lack? What is life like with a child who has mental health issues? What does our community need to know about your reality as a parent?

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First Name *

Last Name *

City

State or Province

Postal Code *

E-mail *

Phone *

How many children do you have and what are their ages?

Please describe your child/children's mental health.

What resources are available to you and your child for mental health care?

What additional support do you feel you need as a parent to best care for your child?

How is your life different from other families? What kinds of choices have you had to make with your child in mind?

If you have other kids, how do they act or respond to your child's condition?

May we publish your insights (and any uploaded files) and attribute them to you? (Your comments may be edited for length or clarity.)

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No.
Contact me first.

What else should we know? What would you like the community to understand about your situation, or your child's condition?

Now, we have a few questions that will help us better understand your perspective. None of this information is required, and all of it will remain private to the newsroom.

In what year were you born?

What is your race or ethnicity?

What political party, if any, do you identify with most closely?

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