Wellness

• Schedule a Check-up: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual checkups from age 3 through adolescence. Schedule early to secure an appointment before the school year starts.
• Mental Health: Have open and honest conversations with children about their concerns. Speak with the pediatrician on tools to help with anxiety.
  • Parenting & Back-to-School: Emotional Safety Starts at Home
  • Raising Joy Podcast: Back to School Anxiety
• Oral health: Children should visit the dentist every six months. Make sure kids brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Make an appointment.
• Update child vaccinations: Navigating vaccines can feel overwhelming. Talk to your pediatrician. The Texas Department of State Health Services requires certain immunizations before children can attend school.
  • To schedule an appointment, visit Cook Children's website or your county's health department website.
  • If a child is not of school age but attends daycare, other requirements may apply.

  • College students are required to receive the meningococcal vaccination.

    

• Sport physicals: The annual UIL pre-participation physical evaluation form applies to middle school and high school students. Sports physicals give doctors the opportunity to check for a variety of concerns, from vision issues and asthma to a lingering sprain or even a serious heart condition.

Healthy Routines

• Sleep: Sleep fuels a child's memory and concentration. Without consistent rest, children struggle to focus in class and retain what they learn, impacting their academic performance.
• Key elements for building a bedtime routine:
  • Establish a consistent schedule by going to bed at the same time each night.
  • Limit screen time at least one hour before bedtime.
  • Keep bedrooms quiet, cool and dark.
  • Create a calming routine, such as reading together.
• Transportation safety:
  • E-Bike and E-Scooter safety: Always wear a helmet.
  • Driving: Drive slowly through school zones and watch for pedestrians.
  • Car Safety: Ensure your child is in the correct car seat or booster for their age and size.
• Nutritious meals: Plan balanced breakfasts and lunches to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.
• Screen time: According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8 to 18 in the United States spent an average of 7.5 hours a day using screens in 2025. Set clear daily limits for non-academic screen use.

Make a Plan

• Virtual care: If school district offers it, sign up for the Cook Children’s School-Based Virtual Health Program.
• Allergy action plan: Provide updated emergency allergy plans and medications to the school nurse.
• Medication management plan: Submit required doctor authorization forms for any daily or emergency medications needed during school hours.

As visitors poured in from around the world, Cook Children’s Health Care System provided top-notch medical care not just for residents, but for traveling fans with children who may have needed unexpected care. Cook Children’s treated more than 200 visiting families in its Urgent Care centers over the course of the event.

Between the heat and the fandom, the summer games would bring the health system launched the "World Cup Wednesday" public health series. For nine weeks leading up to the tournament, this series provided families with essential resources on injury prevention, heat and water safety tips, and more.

While soccer matches in North Texas have come to an end, the impact of keeping global and local visitors safe will live long after the fans have gone home.

Lisa Farmer, nursing director of Psychiatric Services at Cook Children's Health Care System, explains, “Just as with a medical emergency, we do not want to wait until somebody is in crisis to treat an illness.”

This proactive approach is critical, as research shows that 50% of people who die by suicide have visited a health care provider in the month prior.

A depression screening tool called the PHQ-9-M is now used in pediatric primary care, urgent care, and some specialty clinics to identify at-risk children as young as twelve. According to Farmer, this early screening is the most effective way to manage depression and suicide risk. These questions focus on whether a child is depressed and are asked to kids 12 and up. The ASQ tool is also used for children age 8 to 11 who present to urgent care with a behavioral health concern.

Through the screening tool, doctors can provide early intervention and treatment to reduce the likelihood of a crisis. Farmer says research shows the best way to manage depression and suicide risk is to provide early screening to identify those at risk.

“By seeking treatment earlier, either through psychoeducation, individual and/or family therapy and possible medication management, we are able to treat depression to decrease the risk of suicide,” explained Farmer.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. One person dies every 11 minutes due to suicide. Data by the CDC in 2023 shows 1.5 million people attempted suicide and 12.8 million have seriously thought about suicide.

Farmer understands parents may have concerns about talking about mental health issues and suicide with their child but emphasizes that having the conversation does not create suicidal ideation. The Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers educational material for caregivers on multiple topics, including how to talk to your child about mental health concerns.

“At Cook, we have found that youth have expressed they feel relieved that someone has finally asked these difficult questions,” said Farmer. “It can provide assurance that somebody cares and will give them a chance to talk about problems.”

The Impact on Patients 

In 2024, Cook Children’s screened more than 36,000 patients who presented to the ED for non-behavioral health concerns with the ASQ tool. Of those, 848 screened positive for suicide risk.  Another 2,394 kids struggling with sadness and worrying were provided with a crisis contact information sheet.

Since 2016, Cook Children’s has helped children express their feelings through art. This month, some of that art will be displayed for millions of people.

Children’s Feelings are a Work of Art is a mental health initiative designed by Cook Children’s Center for Community Health to teach kids and teens how to identify, manage and express their feelings. The program includes a curriculum focused on how to express one’s feelings, and the group partners with community organizations to provide the lessons.

Activities might look like, “how do you feel when it's your birthday,” or “what do you do when you get angry?” Those prompts help kids to learn and name their feelings in specific scenarios, and then teach them healthy coping skills of what to do when they have big feelings, explained Program Coordinator Emily Russell.

One of the lessons is how to manifest those feelings into art. Kids from four years old to older teens are encouraged to draw pictures and write a short description of what the piece means.

This year, for the first time, 50 of those drawings will be displayed at the Dallas Love Field Airport. The exhibits went up July 30 in the airport’s baggage claim area and will remain until September 30.

The program leaders reached out to the airport a few months ago and developed the exhibit from there. The airport expects two to three million travelers to pass through the exhibit area in the next few months, Russell said.

“Hopefully, a big portion of those travelers will be able to see our artwork and hopefully have something resonate with them,” Russell said.

The artists range from four-year-olds to older teens and the art will span across thirteen display cases designed by the Cook Children’s Strategic Marketing and Communications team.

One of the pieces in the exhibit is “The Titanic,” by Danny. The 10-year-old used pencil, crayons and markers to draw a ship sliced in half and disappearing into the ocean.

“Sometimes your feelings sink like the Titanic did, because it hit the iceberg,” he wrote.

Another displayed piece is by Ariana, 11. “Anxiety” shows a volcano spewing red rocks and lava behind a screaming girl.

“This is anxiety she is having an anxiety attack,” she wrote. “She is thinking, ‘what if the volcano is going to explode in the entire world?’”

As adults, we don’t always realize that kids of all ages are having these deep, complex emotions, Russell said. This program not only helps kids process their feelings, but also helps the adults in a child’s life understand those emotions. That understanding builds better relationships and a foundation for future mental health strategies.

“We really hope that the kids are learning about healthy expressions of their emotions and appropriate expressions of their emotions, but not being afraid to share those emotions or being embarrassed by their emotions,” Russell said. “We’re also teaching the parents that kids can have emotions and that they do want to share those emotions. It's not something that you should be ashamed about, and your mental health isn't something that you should be ashamed about.”

Russell hopes the exhibit encourages children and adults alike to dive into their own feelings on a deeper level. The goal of the entire program is to encourage more community conversation around mental health, and these exhibits aim to do just that.

Children’s Feelings are a Work of Art began more than 10 years ago as a community-wide art contest in Denton County through the WATCH Coalition, or the Wellness Alliance for Total Children's Health.  Cook Children’s and community partners focused on mental health and came up with the idea to help kids explore their feelings through artwork. 

This will be the first time the art is publicly displayed outside of Denton County, but Russell hopes it is just the first of these kinds of exhibits.

How do parents talk to their kids about the flooding in Central Texas?

First, allow the child to approach you and see what type of questions they have. Let them speak freely and stick to age-appropriate facts, while also validating their emotions or what they might be expressing.

You do not want to give them too much information or detail because they may become more overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about the situation.

How do you make your child feel comfortable approaching you with their concerns and emotions?

We always want the child to approach us without us putting our perspective into the situation. I would try sitting at the table together, bringing out what they love best. For example, a 5-year-old might like to color, or a 12-year-old may enjoy crafting. Let them take part in the activity and ask them how they feel about the recent events.

 If they do bring it up, this is when you can put them at ease by talking through their feelings. You can tell them, "Okay. Let's do this activity together and as we're doing this activity, let's express how we are feeling."    

Let them guide the conversation. Listening and answering questions age appropriately while reassuring them.

Why is it important to have conversations with your children?

We must talk to them because not talking about it can cause trauma, distress, anxiety and even PTSD. Children might see the news and reflect on themselves, thinking, "It could happen to me."

Parents and caregivers should explain that you are there for them. If the child is going to camp and has concerns, families can come up with a plan to offer reassurance.

What should parents do if their child is worried, but they, too, are grappling with their own emotions?

If you are not ready to have the conversation, we can assist them or have the other parent/ caregiver step in.  It is always great to have someone who is calm and collected, rather than someone who is anxious, overwhelmed and distressed, because you will just pass on that anxiety to the child.

Cook Children’s wants to reassure parents and caregivers that you are not alone. If you are not ready to have the conversation, you can seek professional help.  Learn more about Cook Children's behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917.

When should you seek out professional help?

 If your child is having symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of overwhelm
• Feelings of helplessness
• Jittery
• Difficulty concentrating
• They are not able to do their daily routine.

Learn more about Cook Children's resources online and behavioral health services.  Families can access mental health resources 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465.

Our hearts go out to the children and families affected by the recent floods in Central Texas, especially those at Camp Mystic and beyond. We understand many parents and loved ones are struggling to find the right words to explain this tragedy and console their children during this difficult time.

Kristen Pyrc, M.D., a mother and medical director of outpatient psychiatry at Cook Children’s, feels the weight of this weekend’s events both as a mother and as a psychiatrist. Dr. Pyrc shares her wisdom on how to navigate these difficult, heavy conversations with your children.

By Kristen Pyrc, M.D., medical director of outpatient psychiatry at Cook Children’s and mom of two sweet daughters

Yesterday was hard. I dropped off my daughter, Linden, at sleepaway camp with her bravest cousin, Evelyn. In light of the tragedy at Camp Mystic, there were many conversations and tears about whether to attend camp this week. Ultimately, both girls decided to attend. I am so proud of their strength and courage. I would have been equally proud of their self-awareness & honesty if they decided not to go. Many parents will have to navigate difficult conversations with our kids in the coming days so I put together some tips that will hopefully lighten your load a bit.

If you are concerned about how they will take the news, you should tell them. Other kids will be talking about it, and you want your kids to learn the news at home where they are safe to cry if they need to and ask questions. It is also important to impress upon them the sensitive nature of the matter. Encourage them to talk to an adult and not another child if they need to chat when they are away from you.

• Be factual when explaining what happened but shield them from harrowing details, wall-to-wall news coverage, or imagining what the kids went through. Their minds may go there on their own though.
• Survivor’s guilt is sneaky. Lots of kids will wonder about why this happened to other children and not them. Younger kids sometimes think they did something wrong to cause a tragedy to happen. In a few weeks, it may be good to check in about it (“Sometimes kids wonder why this happened to other kids and not them. Have you been thinking about that?”). Hopefully, it hasn’t come up for them, but it would be good to talk through if it has.
•  If they are grieving, give them something to do with their grief. I know this helps me. Could they pray, raise money, write letters, etc?
• Watch out for nightmares & intrusive thoughts. Sometimes kids tell me they can’t get thoughts out of their head, and it is very distressing to them.
• Reach out early to your pediatrician or mental health professional if you notice your kid is having trouble sleeping, not experiencing joy, spending a lot of time in their room, or just can’t turn their brain off. It is so incredibly hard to watch our babies suffer. I promise we want to help.
• I wish I had some magic words to take away our kids’ worries and sadness, but I don’t. The important thing is they have you, a parent who loves them beyond comprehension & is trying their best. I promise you that is good enough.

Cook Children’s is here to help, know you are not alone. We are providing resources below to help support you and your child. Talking to one another and seeking assistance is a vital first step in healing. 

• If your child needs additional support, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician. We have lots of resources here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/health-resources/mental-health/
• You can also access local mental health resources for your family 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465.
• To learn more about Cook Children's behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917.
• The Parent Pass app also has many resources for families: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parent-pass/id1597475361

Social Media posts: Please feel free to share these resources from our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

The Community Health Needs Assessment provides valuable insights from parents, caregivers and community leaders across our eight county service area – Collin, Denton, Grayson, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Tarrant and Wise Counties. These assessments help Cook Children’s identify community health needs and develop and implement strategies to address them.

On June 3, Cook Children’s shared those findings and subsequent calls to action. The health topics discussed during session two were mental health, caregiver support, injury prevention and oral health.

The full assessment can be found here, including demographic breakdowns, responses by county and caregiver, community leader, and expert quotes. See more tools for result breakdowns at the interactive data dashboard.

Mental Health
Across the eight-county service area, community leaders interviewed reported mental health care or counseling for behavioral/emotional concerns as the most needed health service in their community.

Nearly two in seven children (about 237,000) in our eight-county service area have at least one of the four most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions. The top two diagnosed mental health conditions were anxiety and ADD/ADHD.

Of the approximately 269,700 school-age children who needed mental health treatment or counseling, nearly half (48%) have a caregiver who had difficulty accessing needed mental health care for children. Families with an income under $50,000 in particular were more likely to report having difficulty accessing mental health treatment.

Caregiver Support
Caregivers’ challenges can contribute to adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, which are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood and can have lasting effects. The summit highlighted the prevalence of ACEs among children in our area and the impact those experiences may have.

About 18% of children in our service area (about 216,600) had two or more ACEs, according to the survey. The most common ACEs included having difficulty covering basic needs, like food or housing, and caregiver divorce or separation. Nearly 36% of under-resourced families reported it was hard to cover basic needs on the family’s income.

In the eight-county service area, more than half of caregivers (57%) said they are coping very well with day-to-day demands. However, that leaves about 43,100 children with caregivers who report they are not coping well.

Cook Children’s can continue to support families through the creation of parent and family community support groups and collaboration with existing programs. One particularly vulnerable population is people who have just given birth; the first 12 weeks after birth is a crucial time for caregiver support and child development. Cook Children’s can continue to support access to critical resources such as postpartum mental health support, treatment, and programs to meet the needs of families during this time.

Injury Prevention
Unintentional injuries, also known as accidental injuries, are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nearly one in five children (about 233,300) in our service area received emergency care for an accidental injury. The most common type of unintentional injury varies by age.

The most common unintentional injury for infants is suffocation, mostly due to unsafe sleep environments.

For children ages 1 to 4, drowning (fatal and nonfatal) is the most common unintentional injury. From 2021 to 2023, Cook Children’s Medical Centers in Fort Worth and Prosper treated 224 drowning-related injuries that happened in bathtubs, open water, and pools or hot tubs, according to Cook Children’s Health Care analytics. Of those, 85% were pool/hot tub related, and overall, 8% were fatal.

In 2022, firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1 to 19 in the United States, according to the CDC. From 2021 to 2023, according to Cook Children’s analytics, Cook Children's treated 23 patients for firearm-related injuries and 44 patients for injuries related to other gun types (i.e., bb guns, airsoft guns). Of households with guns in our service area, about 1 in 5 children (about 120,300) live in a home with a gun that is not always safely locked up.

For young kids and teenagers (ages 5 to 17) the leading cause of death in the U.S. is car accidents in the United States, according to the CDC. The risk of severe injuries and deaths in car crashes can be greatly reduced when kids are correctly secured in car seats, booster seats or seat belts that are appropriate for their age and size.

Accidental poisoning is another common danger, often from medication or chemical products. The survey revealed more than half of children live in homes where cleaning products and/or medications are not locked away.

Some ways in which Cook Children’s combats accidental injuries include educating caregivers about these dangers, providing resources and prevention tools and advocating for public policy changes.

Oral Health
The last portion of session two focused on oral health.

Two out of seven children (about 328,300) in our service area do not have “excellent” or “very good” oral health. In our service area, 57% of children (about 651,000) received at least two or more preventive dental visits aligning with American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendations. Community leaders said some of the obstacles families face are a lack of providers and affordability of dental care. Others may not know the importance of oral health on growth and development.

Awareness and education are our most important tools to help families with oral health care. About 62% of children (about 726,200) have a caregiver who is unaware that a child should have their first dental visit by age one.

Since children visit pediatricians more frequently than dentists, collaboration between medical and dental professionals improves overall health outcomes for children through screening and education. In the eight-county service area, nearly 2 in 3 children had a medical professional recommend regular dental checkups for preventive care, and nearly 1 in 3 children were advised to visit a dentist for a dental problem. 

Recordings and slide decks from both sessions will be available on the Center for Community Health website.

If you are interested in learning more or have questions about the data, please email CHNAFeedback@cookchildrens.org.

Despite this, medical professionals at Cook Children’s Health Care System often hear from families concerned about bullying at their children’s schools. Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Cook Children's, works with children throughout North Texas. She helps equip children and their parents on how to deal with bullies.

“Bullies thrive on the perception of power and control over another person’s emotions,” Elliott said.

While many have heard the rhyme, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” that is not how to respond to a bully. Elliott has developed a nearly foolproof method.

“It’s critical for children to respond to a bully, but how they respond is just as important,” Elliott said.

Do not feed the rat

She explains that it is about using one or two words and tone.

Words she suggests are:

• Okay
• Who cares?
• Whatever
• So what?
• Big deal

However, the tone is just as critical, she explains. The tone should not show negative emotion, pain, frustration, anger, or hurt.

“What that communicates to the bully is, ‘I’ve heard you, but what you’re saying does not bother me,’” Elliott said. “It’s really important for a child to respond to a bully in the appropriate way.”

She adds that this tactic works best for verbal, emotional, and social bullying. If a child is being physically bullied, adults need to take the appropriate steps and inform authorities immediately.

However, if verbal bullying continues and intensifies despite using this method, Elliott says it is time for parents to report it to the proper authorities.

“Texas schools are required to adopt anti-bullying policies, and they’re supposed to establish procedures for reporting those incidents,” Elliott said.

What should parents do?

Elliott encourages parents to have daily conversations with their children. She says being inquisitive and having constant dialogue with children helps build their self-esteem.

The questions she suggests are:

• How was your day?
• What is going on?
• Have there been any bullies?
• Have you bullied anyone?
• Have you seen bullying done to other children?
• How did that make you feel?
• How did that make the other child feel?

It is also an opportunity, Elliott said, for parents to teach lessons in kindness. She encourages parents to take the time to identify their children’s strengths, what makes them special and unique, and empower and develop those skills. Doing so will help build their confidence.

As parents, it is important to have self-awareness that one’s child could be the bully.

“We have to remember our kids may be a bully because they’ve been bullied, they’ve seen it from other kids, or they’ve seen it on the news or from family members,” Elliott said.

She emphasizes it’s not about blaming parents but using the moment to start the dialogue. What are the circumstances or thoughts that led them to this? Elliott says this can help to know how to address those issues.

It helps to lead by example.

“What we expose our children to, in terms of our behavior, what we expose them to in media, any kind of online activities,” Elliott said. “It is our responsibility to teach them how to act.”

She explains it is important for children to learn that everyone needs to be respected, valued, important, and significant, regardless of cultural identity.

“One of the best things we can do is teach our kids to be a positive bystander and how they can stand up for somebody who is being bullied,” Elliott said.

Beyond proactively fostering positive behaviors, parents should be vigilant in recognizing signs of distress in their children.

Parents should look for changes in behavior, like eating habits, trends, isolation, dropping grades, and irritability, and to reach out to their children’s pediatrician. Their doctor can make a referral, or parents can call Cook Children's Behavioral intake.

“A parent should never dismiss those behaviors,” Elliott said.

Addressing these potential warning signs directly, including open discussions about suicide, is a crucial step in ensuring children's safety and well-being.

She adds that no studies have found that discussing suicide leads to suicide; on the contrary, it can help prevent it. However, if a parent feels uncertain about having the conversation, they should speak to their pediatrician.

Ultimately, fostering resilience and providing access to professional help when needed are the most powerful tools parents have to protect their children and guide them toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

In 2021, a surge in suicide attempts among children and teens was a call to action for Cook Children’s Health Care System.

In March of that year, a record 43 patients were admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth after attempting suicide. This staggering figure was nearly double the number of suicidal patients seen previously. Even worse, kids were dying.

In 2020, Cook Children’s recorded seven suicide deaths, marking the first time suicide was the leading cause of trauma deaths at the hospital, surpassing child abuse and car wrecks.

“We started the journey back in 2021, when we were seeing the devastating increases in kids and teens trying to take their own lives,” said Wini King, co-host, executive producer, and Chief of Communications and Employee Connections at Cook Children’s.

The Joy Campaign was launched as a suicide prevention communication initiative. Joy, an acronym, reminds us all to ‘Just Breathe,’ ‘Open Up,’ and ‘You Matter.’

After a year of articles, media interviews, and speaker requests from the public, the Joy Campaign grew into the Raising Joy podcast. Feb.11 marks the 100th episode.

Hosted by King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., medical director of outpatient psychiatry at Cook Children’s. The podcast tackles tough topics like depression, anxiety, stress, bullying, and social media.

Dr. Pyrc recalls treating patients as young as 6 and 7 for suicide attempts.

Anecdotal stories like this one are backed up by data collected through Cook Children’s Emergency Department (ED). In 2022, more than 30,000 patients in the ED, aged 8 and up, were screened using the Ask Suicide Questions (ASQ) tool. The results were alarming. Six hundred and forty kids screened positive for suicide risk and a crisis contact information sheet was provided to more than 2,000 families.

Dr. Pyrc and King recall seeing the shocking data.

“It was right here in our very backyard, in front of our very eyes,” said King. “It was a lot.”

Hard conversations

Three years later, the Raising Joy podcast has listeners in 60 countries and more than 23,000 downloads.

King and Dr. Pyrc interview medical professionals and families who share their personal experiences. They both say those personal stories have been the most impactful.

“We have had a lot of people who lost babies, who are taking care of catastrophically ill babies, but still manage to smile, encourage and inspire,” King explained.

Dr. Pyrc adds some of her favorite episodes have been speaking to teens, and hearing their insights.

While the goal is to make a difference in the community, Dr. Pyrc shared that these conversations have also impacted her parenting.

One of her most memorable guests was Brad Hunstable, a Fort Worth father who lost his son Hayden to suicide just four days shy of his 13^th birthday. Hunstable was one of the first people to open up and share his story for the Joy Campaign. He later appeared as a guest on Raising Joy.

“That was very impactful for me, and it changed more how I parent than how I practice being a psychiatrist,” explained Dr. Pyrc.

She shared how this episode impacted her conversations with her kids, especially when they are sad or seem down. Dr. Pyrc emphasized the importance of open communication and nonjudgmental responses to children’s questions.

“I do not want a child ever to think that there is anything that they can do or say, that would justify them having to think, ‘I need to because my mom or dad are disappointed,’” King said.

While the conversation around mental health has increased since 2021, the need for resources continues to rise.

In 2023, Cook Children’s screened more than 32,000 patients in the ED with the ASQ tool. Of those, 713 screened positive for suicide risk and a crisis contact information sheet was provided for 2,221 kids struggling with sadness and worry. Twenty-four children were suicidal but were visiting the ED for a different medical complaint.

While 2024 data is still being compiled, Dr. Pyrc and King continue to focus on informing and educating the public about mental health. King hopes that parents can relate and find solace in their own experiences by hearing from others.

“Hearing the incredible life experiences of others helps you understand your circumstances are not impossible,” King said.

Raising Joy has inspired many parents and families across the world to be more open about their mental health needs and how to seek guidance. Listen to the amazing guests and stories on Apple Podcast or Spotify here.

Making Healthy and Realistic Resolutions

Erin Bridgewater, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics in Celina, advises making resolutions specific and easy to track. “Instead of ‘Spend more time with grandparents,’ aim for ‘Spend one afternoon a month with them,’” Dr. Bridgewater said.

Cook Children’s psychiatrist Akemi Watkins, M.D. emphasizes that kids should choose goals based on their own values. To help them identify those values, ask questions like:

• What kind of person do you most want to be?
• What did you do last year that went well for you?
• What kinds of new things do you want to learn this year?
• How would you like to help others this year?

After identifying their values, children can create more attainable resolutions by following the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Remember to keep resolutions fun and meaningful!

“Focus on activities that foster a sense of purpose and joy,” Dr. Watkins recommended. “If your child likes reading, set a goal to read one new book per month.”

Working Together

Making resolutions as a family can boost motivation, create bonding experiences and teach kids commitment. Dr. Watkins suggests activities like weekly game nights, cooking together or having phone-free dinners.

To stay on track, writing down resolutions and keeping them visible in places like on the refrigerator or a family calendar can be helpful.

Setbacks are normal. Instead of focusing on not meeting a goal, encourage do-overs and celebrate successes.

“As the year progresses, check in with your child regularly about their progress without judgement,” Dr. Watkins said. “It’s working toward the resolution and not just the achievement where children can learn valuable lessons.”

Making Mental Health a Priority

Our mental health significantly impacts how we process information, make decisions, and interact with others. Prioritizing mental health can help families build resilience and manage challenges.

Here are some ways to promote mental well-being in your family:

• Build strong support systems
• Eat healthy and exercise
• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Learn and use coping strategies to manage stress
• Reduce screen time
• Get enough sleep
• Practice self-care and compassion 

If you or your child are reaching a health crisis, don’t wait to get help.

“The critical first step for dealing with mental health issues is asking for help or giving help when asked,” Dr. Bridgewater said.

Mental health professionals are available with Cook Children’s Behavioral Health and the National Institute of Health Suicide Prevention provides resources and education.

For immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated is a challenge many people experience when creating long-term goals. Having a roadmap and celebrating achievements along the way can build confidence and make goals more realistic.

“There’s an old adage ‘A goal without a plan is a wish,’” Dr. Bridgewater said. “If you have a big goal or one that stretches out far into the future, break it into pieces that are achievable in the short term and build toward the ultimate goal.”

Beyond traditional goal setting, some families embrace a more holistic approach to New Year's resolutions. Instead of focusing on specific achievements or plans, they select an intention or a guiding word for the year. This word then serves as a compass, influencing their daily choices and shaping their overall experience.

“Intentions are present-focused mottos that guide you toward your goal,” Dr. Watkins said. “Simple, sometimes one-word intentions that provide a clear theme for the upcoming year like self-love, change and patience.”

Showing these words in places where everyone can see them can help families stay motivated and keep the words top of mind when making decisions. You never know how one thought, deed or action can create a ripple effect in your life and in the lives of those around you now or in the future!

Logan Magane entered the world as a bundle of joy in June 2023. While his parents were surprised by his Down syndrome diagnosis at birth, they quickly embraced the unique journey ahead.

“My labor had already been very different from what I had envisioned, as we both had complications,” Logan’s mother, Thais Magane said. “When the doctor told us they wanted to test him for Trisomy 21, my heart sank.”

According to the CDC, Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S. It’s also called Trisomy 21 because a baby with Down syndrome is born with an extra chromosome 21. Down syndrome affects how the brain and body develop, leading to varying levels of lifetime care needs.

Logan spent 14 days in the Cook Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). When he was discharged, he went home to meet his big brother.

When Logan was 2 and a half months old, he and his family met Cook Children’s Geneticist Alexandra Garza Flores, M.D.

“Logan has been a happy and charming little guy ever since I first met him,” Dr. Garza Flores said. “His diagnosis was not known prenatally, and so it was a surprise to his parents. However, they have been wonderful, proactive advocates for him from day one.”

Joining a Community of Supportive Families

Thais looked for local support and education and found the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas (DSPNT).

“DSPNT was very welcoming and absolutely incredible!” Thais shared. “Someone came to my house with a welcome basket and a ton of advice.”

Thais also turned to social media to communicate with others and share what she’s learned.

“They wasted no time in connecting with other families via social media and the local DSPNT, providing Logan with every resource available from the get go,” Dr. Garza Flores said.

Thais and her family have friends, family, church and work colleagues who’ve supported them. She joined the Abilities Team Member Resource Group at her work to support the Down syndrome community.

“Learning about the diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s opened us up to a wonderful world and community that we would have never known otherwise,” Thais said.

Caring for Logan and connecting with others has taught Thais a lot about what’s most important.

“My advice is that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our babies,” Thais advised. “Find your sweet spot in the community.”

Becoming Passionate Advocates

Logan is now 16 months old. His body naturally takes more time to develop motor skills and other growth milestones. Thais advises others to focus on every child’s unique timeline.

“The amazing thing about Logan is that he surprises my family every single day,” Thais said. “And I work hard not to compare. Logan will show us in his own time.”

Dr. Garza Flores also keeps an eye on Logan’s growth.

“Today, Logan is cruising, blowing kisses and finding his voice! He loves his big brother and can charm anyone he meets,” Dr. Garza Flores said. “It’s a privilege to be part of Logan’s health care team and watch him grow.”

Logan's care coordination is also done with Cook Children's Early Support and care Transition (NEST) Center for his growth and development. 

Thais and her husband also work with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), a Texas state program that supports families with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses.

“I love ECI’s model of setting up 2-3 goals to work on instead of checking a long list of things we need to be able to do by a certain time,” Thais said.

Staying Excited About the Future While Managing Challenges

“Having Logan in my life is teaching me to slow down,” Thais said.

Thais and her family make accommodations, realizing they may have to for the rest of their lives. Even so, she’s excited to watch Logan’s personality form through his facial expressions, babbling sounds and interests.

“To me, the challenge remains with me,” Thais said. “I want to make sure I am the mama both my little boys need, and I take one day at a time. My baby is worth it. Logan is strong, handsome and has a beautiful smile that just makes you melt. Snuggling is the best!”

Thais and her husband’s unwavering love and dedication are a testament to the extraordinary potential that lies within every child.

National and Local DS Foundations

• Global Down Syndrome Foundation
• National Down Syndrome Society
• Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and it can make the difference in someone’s life to have emotional and mental health support with access to the resources they need. Being open to mental health education and counseling as well as finding the right medication or treatment is key. Often, parents can be hesitant to have their child on psychiatric medication. Cook Children’s psychiatrists are answering parents’ questions and raising awareness to help alleviate stigma and treatment for children.

What are mental health conditions?

Depression, ADHD, anxiety and behavior problems are the most common mental disorders found in children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day.”

Kristen Pyrc, M.D., Medical Director of Psychiatry Outpatient Services and the Partial Hospitalization Program at Cook Children’s, said they diagnose mental health conditions when they are limiting a child or teen’s functioning.

“Worries, sadness, and anger are all normal emotions, but we become concerned when a kid’s sadness or anxiety keeps them from doing things that bring them joy, or things they need to do to take care of themselves like attending school, showering and interacting with friends,” she said.

How can mental health conditions be treated? 

Both counseling and medication can be used to treat a child with a mental health condition that affects their everyday life, but parents are often hesitant about having their child try medication.

“I’ve found medication and counseling to be equally effective for a child with anxiety and depression, but the combination of both gets kids better faster and safer,” Dr. Pyrc said.

Akemi Watkins, M.D., in Cook Children's Behavioral Health also recommends medication when needed. “If a child has moderate to severe depression or anxiety, we’ll recommend starting medication because current evidence suggests that a combination of medication and therapy is more effective than medication or therapy alone.”

Why are parents hesitant about their child taking medication?

Many parents are concerned with their child taking psychiatric medication because of potential side-effects, medication dependency, the stigma associated with it and even their own experience with mental health medications. The cost of prescription medications, especially name brand, can also be a major hurdle.

If a parent is questioning their child trying medication, Dr. Pyrc recommends, “Consider the risk of not treating anxiety, depression and ADHD, and whether that keeps them from reaching their full potential.”

Is it possible to get financial help to access medication?

The cost of medication often prevents parents from having their child try it. Name-brand prescriptions, especially when they are new to the market, are also out of most people’s price range.

Both Dr. Pyrc and Dr. Watkins help patients have access to their medication by finding similar, lower cost medications and recommending ways to find more affordable pricing.

“GoodRx can help you find the lowest cost pharmacy in your area,” they said. Dr. Pyrc also tells patients about CostPlus Drug Company which has many psychiatric medications at much lower costs that can be mailed.

How can we make taking medication a routine?

Helping a child get used to a new daily routine of taking medication can be challenging. Dr. Pyrc advises “habit-stacking” to make it easier.

“It means ‘stack on’ taking medication to something that you already do every day. Most people brush their teeth twice a day, so getting into the habit of taking medication after brushing your teeth is easier than trying to remember to take it at noon,” she said.

Setting phone notifications can also be helpful and Dr. Watkins advises the parent or guardian to be responsible for dispensing medication for safety reasons.

Medication Success Stories

Both Dr. Pyrc and Dr. Watkins have seen a lot of success stories when children and teens find the right medication.

“One of my favorite memories was a 1^st grader who had ADHD and got into trouble at school every day to the point that he did not want to go to school,” Dr. Pyrc shared. “After we started medication, he brought me his behavior log that had a smiley face for good behavior every day. I still remember the look on his face glowing with pride, and honestly, that is why I do my job.”

Dr. Watkins also experienced seeing her patients’ overall well-being and mental health improve.

“I had a teenage patient with depression and anxiety, and she was started on sertraline,” Dr. Watkins said. “After getting to a therapeutic dose, she was less socially isolated, less overwhelmed with anxiety and said that she was having fewer days where she felt depressed. She felt more motivated to attend school and her grades eventually improved as her depression and anxiety improved.”

Additional Support

When parents are still debating whether or not to have their child or teen try a psychiatric medication, Dr. Pyrc recommends they visit with their pediatrician who can help them understand what is “normal” or if something does need to be addressed. She also recommends researching the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) to learn more about anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders and Autism in the AACAP Parents’ Medication Guides.

It's our season finale, and we're turning the questions over to YOU! In this special listener Q&A episode, hosts Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., tackle your most pressing questions about childhood mental health. From anxiety and stress management to navigating FOMO through the summer months, we'll be offering expert advice and practical tips to empower you to raise resilient and joyful kids.

This is your chance to get the insights you've been waiting for… and don’t worry, we will be back with a brand new season in August 2024.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

This episode of Raising Joy features a truly inspiring story of resilience, hope, and giving back. Kelli Stahl, a nurse at Cook Children's Pediatrics Henderson, shares her remarkable journey as a childhood cancer patient who found a second chance caring for others.

We'll hear about the incredible support Kelli received from her care team, and how she’s sharing her journey in a new book called, “My Fight My Story.” Kelli's story is a powerful testament to the healing power of joy, and how Cook Children's fosters that spirit in both patients and caregivers.

This episode is a celebration of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and find purpose in giving back.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: youth suicide prevention, particularly among young people of color. Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Martha and Chris Thomas, founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit on a mission to end this epidemic.

Martha and Chris tragically lost their daughter, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide at the age of 24. Inspired by Ella's vibrant spirit and the need for change, The Defensive Line is transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.

Join us for a powerful conversation about:

• Breaking the stigma around mental health in communities of color
• Effective communication strategies to support young people
• Building a world where mental health resources are accessible and inclusive

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to empower themselves and others to have open conversations about mental health and create a future filled with hope.

Learn more about The Defensive Line here.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we explore the incredible resource of MHMR and Help Me Grow North Texas. Miranda Holmes and Arrenia Thomas join us to discuss how Help Me Grow empowers parents and caregivers by connecting them with a network of specialists and community-based services to support their child's healthy development.

We delve into:

• Who Help Me Grow North Texas can support
• The different types of resources and services available
• How the program can address both general parenting questions and developmental concerns
• The benefits of collaboration across various sectors
• And much more!

This episode is a must-listen for any parent or caregiver seeking guidance and support in raising joyful, thriving children.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

In this episode, we explore the unique educational environment of Jane Justin School at Cook Children's Child Study Center.

Our guest, Tracie Mann, Ph.D., LBA, shares how Jane Justin School supports children aged 3-21 with developmental and learning disabilities.

We'll delve into the school's philosophy, which emphasizes individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a focus on mastering skills. If you're interested in learning more about how Jane Justin School empowers students with complex needs to achieve their full potential, this episode is for you!

Learn more about the Jane Justin School here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/services/child-study-center/jane-justin-school/

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

Warning: This episode includes conversation about youth self-harm and suicide.

Recent news of suicides among teens in North Texas has sent shockwaves through our community. Raising Joy hosts Kristen Pyrc, M.D., and Wini King take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak being felt by so many and to share resources for healing.

Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, speak with someone today by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

Additional resources:

• Mental Health America of Greater Tarrant County: https://mhatc.org/loss-team/
• GriefShare: Find a Group - GriefShare
• Survivors of Suicide: Suicide Loss Support Groups | Alliance of Hope
• The WARM Place: https://www.thewarmplace.org/

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Kirk Pinto, M.D., a pediatric urologist, and Sara Garza, M.D., a primary care physician. These leaders in physician well-being at Cook Children’s join us to shed light on this growing concern.

We'll explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, its impact on doctors, families, and patient care, and most importantly, strategies for prevention and management. Drs. Pinto and Garza will share practical self-care tips, the role of health care institutions in fostering well-being, and resources available to physicians struggling with burnout.

Whether you're a parent supporting a future doctor or a health care professional yourself, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for creating a more sustainable and fulfilling medical career.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into a topic close to many parents' hearts: the mental health of children with complex medical needs. Our expert guests are Carla Morton, Ph.D., and Marsha Gabriel, Ph.D., neuropsychologists from Cook Children's.

We'll explore:

• What is neuropsychology and how does it relate to children's health?
• Common complex medical conditions and associated mental health challenges.
• Warning signs parents should watch for in their children.
• Practical strategies parents can use to support their children's mental well-being at home.
• The range of emotions parents of children with complex medical needs may experience.
• Dr. Morton's personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs.
• Things parents might not realize about raising a child with complex medical needs.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

This episode of Raising Joy dives into the unseen but crucial work of building a strong and resilient community for children and families. Hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc welcome Breanna Anderson and Jammie Josephson, managers of the ACE's Team at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children's.

The conversation explores:

• Understanding ACES: They'll break down what Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) are and their impact on children's health.
• The ACE's Team in Action: Learn about the team's mission and the programs they offer to support parents and families.
• Building Hope: Breanna and Jammie will share a success story that highlights the positive impact of their work.
• The Power of Community Outreach: Discover why taking these resources directly into communities is essential for building resilience.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

This episode of Raising Joy saddles up for an inspiring conversation about mental health with Hallie Sheade, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, Executive Director of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses. Dr. Sheade, a licensed professional counselor who incorporates horses into her therapy sessions, will reveal the surprising power of these majestic creatures to help people and kids open up, learn, and heal in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can't. Join us as we explore the unique benefits of equine-assisted services and discover how horses can become powerful partners on the path to mental well-being.

Learn more here: https://www.stepswithhorses.org/

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify.

This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: child sex trafficking. Our guest, Stacey Henley, a child abuse expert from Cook Children's C.A.R.E. team, offers a powerful perspective. Stacey sheds light on the realities of child victimization, but also empowers parents with knowledge. 

Join us for this important conversation and learn how we can all work together to create a safer environment for our children.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

What kind of impact can a single pair of shoes have on a child’s life? According to Sam Sayed, a medical student at the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, the impact can be life-altering. At least this was the case for his own life. 

On this special episode of Raising Joy, Sam talks to us about his nonprofit, Dayna's Footprints, which he started with his brother Sharif Sayed. Their mission is, “To combat learning inequity by providing students shoes to wear proudly, subsequently increasing students’ self-esteem and enthusiasm for attending school.” 

Sam tells shares his story of growing up underprivileged in Arlington, Texas, and how a pair of shoes gifted by his sister Dayna changed the trajectory of the brothers’ lives. 

Watch their TedX talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_sharif_sayed_a_day_in_their_shoes/transcript

ABC News Story: https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-medical-student-back-community-free-shoes-nonprofit/story?id=105805418

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2024. Join us for an uplifting conversation with Alexis Pechek and Ileana Hamilton, two parents whose lives have been enriched by their children with Down syndrome. They'll share their honest journeys - from navigating the initial diagnosis to the beautiful ways their families have grown. This episode is a beacon of hope for any parent facing a new Down syndrome diagnosis, reminding us of the profound joy these incredible children bring to the world.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Life with a furry friend brings countless moments of joy, but for children, the loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience. This Raising Joy episode tackles this sensitive topic with empathy and guidance, featuring Laura Sonefeld from Cook Children's Sit…Stay...PLAY! program. 

Join us as Laura, a certified child life specialist and Cook Children’s facility dog program coordinator, shares her expertise on how to help children navigate the emotions of pet loss. 

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

On this special episode of Raising Joy, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc answer questions submitted by listeners. They cover everything from helping children deal with bullying, social media, balancing work and home, burn out and self-care. They also talk about what they have learned over the past two years of interviewing guests for Raising Joy. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

This episode of Raising Joy dives deep into drugs, alcohol, and substance use disorder among high school and college students. We're joined by Caroline Sahba, LPC-S, LCDC, MBA, Associate Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Center at TCU, who brings her expertise in substance use and recovery services to the table.

This episode is essential for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone concerned about the well-being of young adults. Join us as we discuss:

• The current landscape of substance use among high school and college students.
• Warning signs and risk factors to watch out for.
• Effective communication strategies to talk to young people about drugs and alcohol.
• Resources and support available for those struggling with substance use.
• Practical tips for promoting healthy choices and preventing substance use disorder.

Caroline Sahba provides valuable insights and guidance, empowering you to navigate these challenging conversations and support the young adults in your life.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy. Want to find more resources on mental health issues from Cook Children’s? Click here.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

This Black History Month, Raising Joy tackles a crucial yet often overlooked topic: mental health within diverse communities. Join us as we welcome Lachelle Goodrich, MA, LPC, a powerhouse of experience and expertise. Lachelle, owner of iLegacy Consulting and Counseling, also spearheads the Choice Neighborhood Initiative for Fort Worth Housing Solutions.

We'll delve into the unique perspectives and challenges surrounding mental health in different cultures. Lachelle, with her wealth of knowledge and lived experience, will shed light on:

• How cultural beliefs and values shape perceptions of mental health.
• Barriers faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health support.
• Culturally-sensitive approaches to promoting mental well-being for ALL children and families.
• Practical tips and resources for fostering open conversations and supporting mental health within your community.

Don't miss this empowering and informative episode! It's time to acknowledge the diverse experiences surrounding mental health and build a more inclusive path towards joy and well-being for all.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience. On this episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C. Helen is a clinical therapist and licensed social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges NICU parents face, offering support and understanding for those navigating this unique journey. This episode emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for both parents and their newborns.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

On this special episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Cook Children’s cardiologist Kevin Wilkes, M.D. Join us as we delve into the intricate connection between congenital heart defects and mental health, as Dr. Wilkes sheds light on how conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD intersect with heart health.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

In this heartwarming episode of Raising Joy, we meet Raymond Turner, the studio producer of Sparklefly Recording Studio in the Child Life Zone at Cook Children's. Raymond's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of music.

Join us as Raymond shares his inspiring journey to Cook Children's, where he found his calling in creating music for some of the hospital's youngest patients. We'll delve into the deeply moving experience of crafting heartbeat songs memorializing terminal children for their families, a testament to Raymond's unwavering dedication to bringing joy and solace during the most challenging times.

Raymond's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, healing, and the power of human connection. His work at Cook Children's is a beacon of light, touching the lives of countless families and leaving a mark on their hearts forever.

Raymond also gave a TedX Talk in the spring of 2023. You can watch his talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFLwwUj7gHg

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

When we think of the holidays, most of us think of good food, family gatherings and beautiful holiday decorations. For many, it’s the happiest time of the year; but for others it’s a very different story.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially those grieving the death of a loved one.

On this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we're joined by Hanna Boyd, CCLS, a child life specialist, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director of Spiritual Care at Cook Children’s. They share their insights on how parents can talk to children and navigate grief as a family during a time of the year that is supposed to be full of joy.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Does your child experience frequent and intense tantrums? Is their irritability and anger impacting their daily life and relationships? This episode delves into the world of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a condition characterized by persistent irritability and severe temper outbursts.

On this episode of Raising Joy, pediatric psychiatrist Rachel Talbot, M.D., of Cook Children’s sheds light on this misunderstood but common diagnosis. She helps us navigate the complexities of DMDD, differentiating it from other mood disorders like childhood bipolar, and identifying its unique symptoms at home and at school.

Whether you’re a parent seeking understanding and guidance, a teacher hoping to better support students with DMDD, or someone interested in learning about this complex condition, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

In this episode, we chat with Laurie Williams George, a mother and doctoral student in educational psychology, about the challenges and rewards of parenting neurodiverse children. We delve into her research on autism and academic performance, as well as her son's heart-wrenching experience with bullying while playing video games online. We also discuss the importance of teaching kids how to behave online.

Laurie is also the creator of the online platform, Parent with Merit, which features articles and information about testing, diagnosis and the intervention process. The site also provides free resources regarding developmental disabilities, including organizations to reach out to and one-page information sheets available for download.

Relevant resources:

• Parent with Merit
• Child Study Center at Cook Children’s

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Setting boundaries with kids is an important part of parenting, but it can also be challenging. In this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we speak with Rebecca Clark, a licensed professional counselor at Cook Children’s, about the importance of boundaries, how to set them in a loving and supportive way, and how to deal with common challenges.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and healthcare workers who want to learn more about setting boundaries with kids.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

What’s the state of mental health for kids? What are psychiatrists seeing in their patients? Have we turned the corner on the mental health crisis post-COVID-19 pandemic? On this episode of Raising Joy, Wini King interviews co-host Kristen Pyrc, M.D., co-medical director of psychiatry at Cook Children’s. Dr. Pyrc shares what she’s seeing in her office and how things have changed in recent years.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Over the past week, families have seen and heard the images of war overseas. The tragedy in Israel and Gaza hits home for many communities and families around the world, sparking fear, uncertainty, and worry. How can parents and caregivers answer their children's questions and help comfort them?

Cook Children’s psychologist, Amanda Jordan, Ph.D., is sharing some advice and guidance for parents and their families.

What advice do you have for parents who are struggling to explain the news of Israel and Gaza to their children? How should they approach this topic?

First and foremost, I just want to validate how complex of a topic this is especially with the level of violence and imagery being released.

I think one of the best ways to approach this topic is to meet our children where they are -- developmentally, cognitively, and psychologically. For example, I would approach this topic differently with a 5-year-old vs. a 15-year-old. Use open-ended questions to gain an understanding of what your child knows and thinks. 

Ask “What have you heard?” or “What have you seen?” For teens, you might ask “What do you think about what is happening in Israel? How do you feel?”

Also, if your child brings up the topic, it’s OK to take a minute (or a few) before answering to gather your thoughts. Be honest with them by saying “I really appreciate that you asked me and I want to talk about it more with you, but I would like to think about how to approach it before we talk.” Make sure the environment is conducive to this as well (e.g. not having these difficult conversations in public, loud places or with children of varying ages who may need to receive the information differently). 

How can parents encourage their children that they are safe?

Parents have to take the time to process their own emotions first before they can be able to listen to their child and provide reassurance. Parents may also have to limit their social media use and news intake in order to maintain their own well-being. For younger children, you may choose to show them a world map or globe so they are able to visualize where this is happening and provide them with a sense of safety.

What if children are afraid of doing their normal activities, such as going to school, attending church, or seeing friends?

One of the best things you can do is maintain your normal routine as this provides consistent structure and support. Reassure them and support their feelings, but also continue your schedule as normal.

How can parents protect their children from seeing information on social media, TV, etc.?

As parents, we have to take the lead and provide guidance and boundaries for our kids. I read a wonderful quote from Glennon Doyle that says “We don’t have to have answers for our children; we just have to be brave enough to trek into the woods and ask tough questions with them.”

For me, this shines a light on the fact that, as parents, we are responsible for taking the reins. This may be through deleting social media apps for a certain time period, limiting access to social media, decreasing the time spent on social media, etc.  It also means that we are responsible for asking the tough questions and engaging in difficult conversations, even if this is uncomfortable for us.

What is the best way to explain the concept of war to a child who might not know yet? How can I explain it in a way that will not scare them? What age should I be explaining this to them?

It depends on the child’s developmental level but we want to present it in a way that is factual and straightforward. Provide brief facts such as “there is a terrorist organization that is attacking a country of people” and then let your child take the lead on any questions or thoughts. Another example may include “war is when two groups of people are fighting” and it can become more complex from there if the child needs additional information (e.g. using an example of a war they have learned about in the classroom).

For teens, it may also be important to define the groups involved. This assists with not developing generalizations in our thinking. Also, remind your children that you are here to answer questions as they may arise.

What resources are available to help me talk to my child about this?

If your child has access to a therapist or school counselor, this is a great resource. There are also many reputable organizations that provide information online such as the Child Mind Institute.

How can my family support others during this time?

Focus on the helpers! Look for articles, videos, pictures, and/or organizations that are helping. Talk with your child about ways they may like to help. For example, donating to an organization, raising money, sending care boxes, etc. Continue to remind your children that they can always come to you with their questions if they feel confused about anything.

Learn more about ways you can show support:

• Find local charities that are assisting. This website helps find reputable charities: www.charitywatch.org
• Reach out the your closest Synagogue or Jewish Association.
• Find reputable news sources and articles.
  • www.unicef.org
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
  • www.apa.org

Parents, remember to take care of yourself

Model healthy coping skills as children take their cues from you. Children need to see that it’s OK to express emotion. 

Effective ways to cope include speaking with other parents at school, forming/joining a parent support group, leaning on family members for support, eating nutritious meals, exercising, meditating, praying and speaking with your child’s school counselor for advice on resources or books on supporting yourself and your family.

National Parent Helpline run by Parents Anonymous to get emotional support from a trained advocate: 1-855-427-2736.

Related stories: Talking to Your Kids About Conflict in Israel and the Middle East

In this episode of Raising Joy, we discuss a new peer-to-peer support program that is underway in Cook Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Chaplain Amanda Payne Lindsay and Katelyn Terry, RN, join us to talk about the program's goals, how it works, and the impact it's having on PICU staff.

The PICU can be a traumatic environment for health care workers, and this program is aimed at limiting the impact of stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The program trains appointed PICU employees to serve as supportive peers to lean on in times of need.

Listen to learn how they started the peer-to-peer support program and why similar programs could benefit workplaces of all kinds.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Navigating next steps as a family after inpatient psychiatric care can be tricky. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Helen Ramsbottom, RN, and Melody Hackfeld, RN, both case managers with Cook Children's psychiatric department, about how to manage a child's mental health care after they are released from an inpatient psychiatric unit. They also discuss resources and support groups for parents, such as Links of Hope.

In addition, we learn about the ASQ tool, which is used by nurses in the emergency department at Cook Children's to identify suicidal patients. The tool is comprised of questions that are asked to every patient, regardless of their reason for visiting the emergency department. Since 2017, 640 suicidal children have been identified and received the support they needed. You can learn more about the ASQ tool in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing and on Checkup Newsroom.

Listen to this episode of Raising Joy to learn more about:

• What to expect when your child is discharged from an inpatient psychiatric unit
• How to create a transition plan to help your child adjust to being home
• How to support your child's long-term mental health

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Managing emotions as a parent when your child receives a complex medical diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Katie Senter, a member of the Family Advisory Council at Cook Children's. Katie's daughter, Louise, has a very rare medical condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, which is a chromosome disorder that typically causes severe intellectual disability.

Katie shares her personal experiences of coping with Louise's diagnosis, and offers practical advice on how other parents can manage their own emotions during this difficult time. She also talks about the importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.

If you're a parent who is struggling to cope with your child's complex medical diagnosis, this episode is for you. Katie's story is both inspiring and informative, and her advice can help you on your own journey.

Listen to this episode of Raising Joy to learn more about:

• Katie's experience of receiving Louise's diagnosis and how she coped with her emotions.
•  Practical advice on how to manage your own emotions as a parent of a child with a complex medical diagnosis.
• The importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Having a child in the NICU can be a very stressful and emotional experience for parents. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Landy Blackmore, whose daughter, Tillie, was born prematurely and spent time in Cook Children's NICU. Landy shares her personal story and offers practical advice on how to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a child in the NICU.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, scared, or simply exhausted, Landy's insights and support can help you navigate this difficult time.

If you're a parent whose child is in the NICU, or if you know someone who is, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

By Heather Duge

Cook Children’s Emergency Department nurse manager Kara Dorman has seen an alarming trend – a significant increase in patients coming in with a seemingly invisible problem. Patients may enter the ED for an injury or illness but have a mental health concern that also needs to be addressed.

“As we track suicide screening numbers, it has been horrifying and mind-blowing to see all these kids who visit the ED for medical problems and screen positive for suicide risk,” Dorman said. “These are kids we wouldn’t have known about if we didn’t ask.”

Many times asking the hard questions is the most challenging part of identifying those who need help. That’s when Team HOPE, a specially trained group of 25 employees at Cook Children’s, enters the picture.

Dorman and ED chaplain Cameron Brown lead the team, which includes patient care technicians, paramedics, nurses, security officers, chaplains and child life specialists. The team meets monthly, participates in education and shadows the inpatient psychiatry unit for eight-hour shifts.

Dorman and Brown proactively round on patients using Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to build early rapport. TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. The team uses the Ask Suicide Questions (ASQ) screening tool and TBRI training has been instrumental in the screening process.

The ED screens patients during intake to ask questions about their mental health. From January through July 2023, 405 patients ages 8 and older who came to the ED for medical conditions were positive for being at risk for suicide and 19 were suicidal at the time. In 2022, Team HOPE assessed 32,000 patients ages 8 and over who came to the ED for medical conditions – 640 were positive for being at risk for suicide and 22 were suicidal at the time.

Building Early Connections

If a nurse in the ED feels like they need help, they can call Team HOPE. An intake therapist will perform a behavioral health intake assessment and provide tailored resources for the patient to get help.

Oftentimes, patients come in and don’t want to speak to anyone.

“A huge factor in saving lives when treating mental health illness is connection,” Dorman said. “Good eye contact and modeling a calm demeanor when entering the room is the first thing. We share power and control with patients such as giving them choices of what drink they would like to take with their medicine and offering green scrubs instead of an open gown. We talk about transitions of care ahead of time and introduce their new nurse before shift change.”

Behavioral health carts filled with games, clay, stress balls, model magic and journals are other tools the team uses for distraction and to get rid of nervous energy. Brown not only provides patient families with support but also the ED staff. She checks in during each shift with team members.

“I ask how they are coping and assess how they are handling things,” Brown said. “I help them when patients are dysregulated and give them permission to ask for help.”

Sometimes that means walking through a scenario such as thinking through how to go in the patient’s room while maintaining a calm presence. 

Suicide Prevention Training

Dorman and Brown attended QPR training, which is an emergency response training for someone in crisis, hosted by the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. This training helped them learn how to ask difficult questions when concerned about someone having suicidal thoughts.

“This has been helpful in having conversations with friends, family, fellow coworkers and when checking in on each other in different units,” Dorman said. “Team HOPE members are a resource for not only our patients but for ED staff members as well. The QPR training helped our team gain knowledge and feel empowered to role model that having conversations matters.”

Ellen and Tom Harris established the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation in 2014 after their daughter died by suicide. They know how unexpected depression and suicide can be after experiencing it with their daughter.

Jordan was valedictorian of her high school class, a National Merit Scholarship winner, a Stamps scholar at the University of Michigan, an athlete, musician and a friendly, compassionate young woman. The JEH Foundation honors Jordan’s life by raising money to support research on depression and offering training to help people recognize signs of depression.

"Jordan was the kind of person you would never expect to take her life,” Ellen said. “She was a wonderful, kind, funny and loving person with loads of friends and interests.”

After Jordan developed depression during her senior year of college, Ellen and Tom brought Jordan home until she felt ready to go back. Her upbeat personality hid the severity of the depression. Ellen said the confusing part of depression is that people who take their lives don’t want to die – they just don’t see any other way out of the dark hole.

“The night before Jordan passed away, she was on her computer searching for a therapist,” Ellen said. “She was trying to find a way out.”

Ellen and Tom’s goal through the foundation is to help people out of the dark hole. They offer free QPR training to the public.

During the 45-minute sessions focusing on Question, Persuade and Refer, people build confidence in asking the hard questions about suicide, learn how to persuade someone to seek help and understand referral options.

The sessions also include myths and facts about depression, nationwide statistics about the depression epidemic, ways to be aware of someone struggling and verbal versus nonverbal cues. Dorman had the desire to bring their training to Cook Children’s and four months ago 25 employees at the hospital participated in a session.

“If we can save one life, everything we’re doing has been worth it,” Ellen said. “I’m thrilled to provide training for employees at Cook Children’s. It is critical hospitals have this training because the earlier you can catch depression and start treating it the greater the outcome.”

Dorman said one interaction in the ED can be the moment that changes the trajectory of a patient’s life – bringing them hope in a dark time.

“We want to connect with these patients and empower them to seek help,” Dorman said.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you are concerned about a child’s mental health, please reach out to one of these resources or your child’s pediatrician. It is important to get help early so that children can get the support they need.

Jessica Gomez, Psy.D., is the executive director of Momentous Institute, a nonprofit that offers mental health services and operates an elementary school. As a first-generation Mexican American, she knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in a culture that doesn't prioritize mental health.

In this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Gomez shares her personal story and discusses how her experiences have shaped her work. She also talks about the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care and how we can break down the stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you are concerned about a child’s mental health, please reach out to one of these resources or your child’s pediatrician. It is important to get help early so that children can get the support they need.

If you are not sure if your child is a danger to themselves or someone else, call the numbers below for advice or help.

Cook Children’s Psychiatry Intake Line: 682-885-3917 (press emergency prompt.)

Tarrant County MHMR Crisis Line:

• Call or text 800-866-2465. Available 24 hours a day.
• Provides face-to-face assessments to help families decide how to help their child.

If you need to talk or if you are concerned about someone, please view the following resources and call for advice or help.

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text 988 for free and confidential support for people in crisis.
• Available 24/7, call or text 988 for access to mental health crisis services.
• Crisis Text Line (Text HELLO to 741741). These services are free and confidential.
• Please note: the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to work as well.
• Lifeline (988lifeline.org)

The Trevor Project for 24/7 LGBTQ Crisis Support:

• Support line: 1-866-488-7386
• Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200
• Chat online at www.thetrevorproject.org

 Collin County – Lifepath Systems

• Crisis hotline available 24/7: 877-422-5939
• Lifepathsystems.org
• Trained behavioral health professionals are standing by to assist you.
• This service is available for all adults and children living in Collin County, regardless of insurance or income status.

Dallas Metrocare

• Hotline available 24/7: 214-743-1215
• Metrocareservices.org
• Offers child/teen mental health services

Denton County MHMR Crisis Hotline

• 1-800-762-0157

Grant Halliburton Foundation Mental Health Navigation Line (Dallas/Denton/Collin focused)

• Granthalliburton.org/navline
• Mental health navigators can help find resources for you or someone else.
• 972-525-8181

Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County

• Mentalhealthconnection.org

RAINN: 1-800-656-4673

• National hotline for victims of sexual assault
• https://www.rainn.org/

Recognize & Rise

• Recognizeandrise.org

SafeHaven 24-hour hotline: 1-877-701-7233

• Tarrant County domestic violence service provider

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• National helpline available 24/7: 1-800-662-4357

Transicare’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) – Dallas

• Transicare.com/services/MCOT

Texas Youth Helpline

• Call or text 1-877-921-6780 for free, confidential services
• Dfps.state.tx.us/youth-helpline

Wellness Alliance for Total Children’s Health of Denton County

• Led by Cook Children’s
• watchdenton.org

Additional resources in North Texas: 

• The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation: Suicide prevention training
• The Hope Squad: Students can help save a peer's life
• Hayden's Corner: Nonprofit established in honor of Hayden Hunstable to educate parents and children about mental health issues.

Resources from Cook Children's:

• Cook Children's Behavioral Health
• Cook Children’s Rees-Jones Behavioral Health Center
• Cook Children's Psychology
• Individual and family therapy
• Parent Education and Support
• Diagnostic Testing
• Childhood stress
• Helping kids deal with bullies
• Helping kids handle worry
• Helping your child deal with death
• Helping your child through a divorce
• Understanding depression

The JOY Campaign

The JOY Campaign launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative and aims to reach parents through honest conversations about the mental wellbeing of children and teens. Learn more about the Joy Campaign and available mental health resources here.

The Raising Joy podcast is part of the JOY Campaign. Our hosts Kristen Pyrc, M.D. and Wini King, Chief of Communications, Inclusion, Equity and Diversity at Cook Children’s, have heard incredibly impactful stories of personal struggle and resilience from our guests on the podcasts. Episodes are currently streaming on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Related stories on mental health:

Let's Talk: Seven Ways to Help Kids and Teens Open Up (checkupnewsroom.com)

Raising Joy: Conversations Matter With Brad Hunstable (checkupnewsroom.com)

Reunion: Suicide-Attempt Survivor Returns to Cook Children’s (checkupnewsroom.com)

4 Things Parents and Children Can Do While Waiting for Mental Health Services (checkupnewsroom.com)

Raising Joy: When Does a Child Need Psychiatric Care? (checkupnewsroom.com)

In Their Own Words: Three Parents Open Up about Losing a Child to Suicide (checkupnewsroom.com) 

Video: Child Therapists Share Six Ways to Cope with Difficult Emotions (checkupnewsroom.com)

More articles about children, teens and mental health | Checkup Newsroom

Getting back into a routine after a long summer break can be tough for kids of all ages. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Cook Children's psychologist, Whitney Appleby, Ph.D., about all things school. Dr. Appleby shares her expert advice on how to help kids get a good night's sleep, create a healthy routine, manage anxiety, and avoid burnout. As a mom of three, she knows the struggle is real, but she also knows that with a little planning and effort, we can set our kids up for a successful school year.

If you're looking for some helpful advice on how to get your kids back into a school routine, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy. For information about resources, view the crisis resource sheets below (available in English and Spanish). A PDF version is also linked under “Downloads.” 

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including mental health education, collaboration, encouragement, and information. 

On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet Sonya Parker Goode, CLC, CAMS-I, director of outreach and education with Grant Halliburton Foundation. She tells us how the organization has trained more than 300,000 students, teachers, parents, and professionals on how to recognize and respond to someone in major distress or suicidal crisis. Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation here.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  If you believe that your child is having a mental or physical health emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential resource available 24/7. If you have questions about your child’s mental health, contact your child’s pediatrician. 

Antonio Igbokidi, a third-year medical student at Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, joins the Raising Joy podcast to discuss his Barbershop Talk Therapy mental health initiative. Igbokidi started Barbershop Talk Therapy in 2021 as a way to create a safe space for men of color to talk about mental health. He never dreamed his program would take off – with more than 100 people now attending sessions across Fort Worth. On this episode of Raising Joy, we learn how Igbokidi’s idea came to fruition and what he plans next.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

At Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s not uncommon for 30 children and teens to be evaluated for mental and behavioral health concerns in the emergency department in a single day. On this episode of Raising Joy, Family Intake Therapist Brittany Smith, MSW, LCSW, tells us about her role in the ER, and how she helps patients and families during these visits. 

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you would like to learn more about scheduling an appointment with Cook Children's Behavioral Health, please call our Intake Department at 682-885-3917. Cook Children's Behavioral Health also offers resources and educational articles available to assist families, which you can find here.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit cookchildrens.org/joy.

New episodes of the Raising Joy podcast will be available each Tuesday. It is currently available on all major streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts.