The Fog: Part 1 of a Kitchen Table series

The Fog - Part 1

Episode Description

This conversation covers sensitive topics regarding children's mental health and suicidal distress. We talk about these things because silence grows stigma, but conversation grows hope.

In this first episode of our Kitchen Table Talks series, host Meredith sits down with Courtney, a parent who has navigated the incredibly difficult journey of supporting a child through mental health crisis. This is a raw, honest conversation about the moments we don't usually post on social media—the times when our kids are struggling and we aren't quite sure why, and we feel incredibly alone.

Content Warning: This episode discusses children's mental health, suicidal ideation, and crisis situations. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to listen in small doses.

Key Topics Covered

The Early Warning Signs

• Recognizing when something feels "off" with your child
• The "fog" that parents describe before emotional outbursts
• Changes in eye contact, engagement, and body language
• Trusting your parental intuition even when others dismiss your concerns

The Struggle to Get Help

• Navigating the healthcare system when alarm bells are ringing
• Being told "it's just autism," "it's just ADHD," or "it's just hormones"
• The isolation of having concerns dismissed by professionals
• Feeling like you're being talked down to or blamed as a parent

The Crisis Response

• What to do when your child makes their first attempt
• Emergency room experiences and challenges
• The difficulty of finding appropriate pediatric mental health care
• Understanding inpatient vs. outpatient treatment options

The Emotional Toll

• The profound isolation parents feel
• Pressure to appear "put together" while navigating crisis
• When friends and family don't know what to say
• The constant question: "What am I not doing?"

Crisis Resources

If you or your child are in immediate need of support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Emergency Response:

• Go to your nearest pediatric ER (not adult ER if possible)
• Call 911 for rapid response team assessment

About the Guests

Courtney is a parent who has walked through the season of deep uncertainty with her son, who has autism and has experienced mental health crises. She shares her story to help other parents feel less alone.

Coming Up Next

In the next episode, we'll discuss what happens after that first call—the marathon of getting support and navigating the mental health system.

Connect With Us

• Website: DCSEAC.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Follow us on social media for more resources and conversations

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents who might need to hear this conversation. Together, we can break the silence and grow hope.