Stories That Should Not Be: A Call to Action for the Mental Health of Children and Young Adults

LaSalle Sr. High School Class of 1988 Valedictorian, circa 1988

I can’t sleep.  Tomorrow is a big day – and there is a lot on my mind.  We are hosting our first Mental Health Summit at Blissful Meadows in Uxbridge, and I’ve been thinking about why all day.  It starts in 9 hours. 

Children and faculty killed in Tennessee. 

The fact that there have been nearly 400 school shootings since Columbine. 

What is the number of these attacks premeditated and committed by students? 

What about other acts of violence with other weapons? 

What about children who are hurting themselves, or worse, attempting or succeeding at suicide?

I think about our students today.  I think about myself as a student.  I think about Bill.  He was two years older than me and this ahead of me in high school.  He shot hoops with me in my friend Kevin’s driveway.  He had a beef with my friend Doug, who lived across the street.  Kid stuff, right?  Let me tell you about Bill:

LaSalle Sr. High School Class of 1988 Valedictorian, Circa 2020

44

Percentage of teens who reported that they persistently felt sad or hopeless in 2012

His full name is, William C. Shrubsall, and his story is a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of children as early as possible. As a teenager, Bill was found guilty of killing his mother, followed by a life marred by a series of violent crimes. This tragic case emphasizes the need for communities to take a proactive approach to nurture the psychological well-being of our youth to prevent similar outcomes in the future.

6

About how many months it takes to get a therapy appointment for a child in Massachusetts

Bill grew up near me in Niagara Falls, New York. In 1988, at 17, he brutally killed his mother with a baseball bat the night before his graduation.  He was the valedictorian of his class.   He was supposed to go to Boston College.  That’s a big deal in Niagara Falls.  He did not make it to Chestnut Hill, however.  He was convicted and sentenced to a juvenile facility but was released on parole in 1995. After his release, he continued to commit a series of violent crimes, including sexual assaults, in both Niagara Falls and someplace in Nova Scotia.  He was eventually captured and sentenced to life in prison in 2001.

30

Percentage of children who went to Boston Children's Hospital in 2022 who were NOT in active mental health treatment

For me, memories of Bill, and other Niagara Fallsish things underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues in children at the earliest possible stage. There are several reasons why early intervention is crucial:

441

Number of licensed psychiatric beds for kids in Massachusetts as of September 2022

27

Percentage of those beds that were offline in September and unavailable due to shortages in staff

Prevention of Escalating Problems: Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into more severe mental health disorders, which may lead to tragic consequences. In the case of Shrubsall, his violent tendencies were already evident in his teenage years, but they were not adequately addressed, leading to a life of crime.

Better Outcomes: Research has shown that early intervention can improve outcomes for children with mental health issues. By identifying and addressing problems early, children have a greater chance of overcoming their struggles and leading healthy, productive lives.

Stigma Reduction: Early intervention can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. Children who are supported and educated about mental health from a young age are more likely to view mental health as an integral part of overall well-being rather than something to be ashamed of.

250

Average number of kids “boarding” on any given day in emergency rooms at hospitals across Massachusetts

9

Average number of days children boarded at Boston Children’s Hospital’s ER in 2022

Steps to Improve Children's Mental Health:

As a community, we can take several steps to ensure the mental health of our children is given the attention it deserves:

Increase Awareness: Educating parents, teachers, and caregivers about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in children can lead to early identification and intervention.

Access to Mental Health Services: Ensuring that mental health services are easily accessible and affordable for all families is critical. This includes providing services in our schools, community centers (which we need more), and other locations where children spend their time.

Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to play an active role in their children's mental health can lead to better outcomes. Parents should be encouraged to talk openly with their children about their emotions and seek professional help if needed.

Comprehensive Mental Health Education: Schools should provide comprehensive mental health education in their curriculum. This will help students understand the importance of mental health and develop coping strategies to manage stress and other challenges.

When a child comes to the school door on crutches, we know what to do.  We open the door.  It’s easy when we can see the bandages or a cast.  But what happens when we cannot see the pain so quickly?  What do we do? 

More about tomorrow’s Mental Health Summit coming soon…

Stats compliments of Boston Magazine, December 2022