Perspectives on ER Visits and Prevention with Jeremy Sprott

We know that the number of teen suicides is rapidly increasing
and that children present with symptoms of depression and other
mental health issues from a younger age than ever before,
creating a growing need for mental health support in the
emergency rooms of psychiatric hospitals. Today we have a
conversation with Jeremy Sprott who is one of our board members
and the owner of a company called Mental Health Solutions where
he and his team offer these much-needed mental health services by
responding to and assisting patients who have attempted suicide
or self-harm. Whether the patient has cut themselves, overdosed,
or threatened to commit suicide, these situations are extremely
hard for parents who often feel guilty for not noticing the
warning signs. In this episode, Jeremy talks to listeners about
the trends in child and adolescent mental health, advising
families on when someone needs to be brought in, what they can
expect from the ER procedure, who decides on the facility, and
what they have to keep in mind about the reviews that many of
these places have. But, as with all other things, prevention is
better than cure, and in this light, Jeremy talks to parents
about spending quality time with their kids and creating a space
in which they can safely share what they are going through
without feeling like they are a burden on their parents. Joining
in, listeners will also hear about the tricky balance between
having resilience and keeping quiet about struggles, the value of
preventative therapy, what kids need most from their parents, and
why we need something more than anti-bully campaigns. 





Key Points From This Episode:


Jeremy talks about his background in Christian youth ministry
and counseling. 

What it is like to be part of a team that responds to crisis
calls in psych hospitals.  

Starting his company after recognizing a need in the
emergency rooms in the Houston area.

The observable trends in the kids and adolescents coming in
for psychiatric services. 

When families need to call 911 or consider bringing someone
in for a mental health need.   

Jeremy walks us through the procedure once a patient arrives
at the emergency room. 

Hear what goes on behind the scenes while families are
waiting for feedback in the ER lobby.

The role-players who participate in the conversation about
which facility a patient will go to. 

Why reviews about psych facilities are not always reliable
sources of information. 

Common circumstances that result in adolescents needing
mental health support.  

Encouragement to parents who blame themselves for not having
seen the red flags.

The importance of spending quality time with your kids and
why they often avoid sharing. 

Understanding that, while resilience is important, it is okay
to admit when you are struggling. 

Viewing therapy as a means of preparing kids and teens for
whatever life brings.  

Jeremy talks about the misconception that a person of faith
should not need counseling. 

What kids need most from their parents when they are going
through a difficult time.  

Why you should be real in the process instead of pretending
that things aren’t messy. 

Bully-proofing our children instead of trying to get rid of
all the bullies we encounter in life. 






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Jeremy Sprott on LinkedIn


Jeremy Sprott on Twitter


Mental Health Solutions


Mosaics of Mercy


Sherry Burkhard