When grownups struggle, so do children. Now, when many measures of reliability (peace, safety, unity, the stable pulse of the natural world, agreed-upon truths) no longer seem to apply, anxiety can breed cynicism and fatalism.
When young people most need us to communicate using language that structures feeling and parses complexity, words often fail us. We scream, gesticulate, plant flags, act out. If the grownups can’t effectively process their experience and manage their emotions, what chance do children have?
We must do all we can to promote children’s mental health and see to it that their strained and anxious parents can access services for themselves and their families.
Democratic leadership at the state level and here in Ridgefield has been tireless in its efforts to secure funding to increase mental health services and supports in schools and provide strategic, future-facing solutions that address the emotional needs of the youngest and most vulnerable among us.
State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo has been one of the most consistent, persistent and passionate voices advocating for mental health access for kids who need help. Re-elect Aimee. Support solutions that heal and strengthen.
Sylvia Steinert, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
Barlow Mountain Road
Executive Director and Faculty,
Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy