EXCLUSIVE: Glasgow mum calls for better mental health support for children after son tried to end his life
Kirsty says her 10-year-old was rushed to hospital after taking an overdose, but didn't get follow up help.
Last updated 10th Feb 2022
A petition demanding more support for children struggling with their mental health has been launched by a Glasgow mum, as psychaitrists warn of a staffing crisis in services for young people in Scotland.
Kirsty's 10-year-old son who has ADHD and autism was rushed to hospital for taking an overdose.
She exclusively told Clyde 1: "He was taken to A&E in January because he had taken some of my medication knowing that it was going to make him very ill.
"But doctors put it down to an accidental ingestion and told us they can only deal with the physical health side of things.
"If an adult who had tried to take their own life appeared in front of them then they wouldn't be discharged until seeing a mental health nurse."
"We are constantly worried about what he is doing"
Kirsty claims her son has been given talking therapy which isn't working for him because he struggles to open up to strangers.
She added: "The last few months have been exhausting.
"My husband and I are taking sleeping in turns and we are always looking out for any noises he makes.
"We are constantly worried about what he could be doing and if he is finding another way to hurt himself."
"They should get the same treatment as another child with a broken leg"
Kirsty is meeting Dr Sandesh Gulhane, the Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, this morning.
She hopes it will put pressure on the Scottish Government to treat children's mental health with more urgency.
"Adult mental health services are really struggling just now because these people who have significant issues were not helped when they were young.
"If they had the right support they might not require as much help meaning there wouldn't be as much strain on the NHS.
"If a child is presented in front of health staff because of poor mental wellbeing they should get the same treatment as another child with a broken leg."
Psychiatrists warn of staffing crisis
It comes as psychiatrists call on the Scottish Government to "pull out all the stops" and explain how it will meet its target for investing in mental health services for children and young people.
The call from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland comes as new research by the professional body found that almost nine in 10 (88%) of leading child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) psychiatrists surveyed said the services they operate in are insufficiently or very insufficiently resourced.
About 84% said they had seen a significant increase in the need for mental health services during the Covid-19 crisis, and more than six in 10 (62%) said the pandemic had a very negative impact on the wellbeing of children and young people they provided care to.
However, more than nine in 10 (92%) of the 51 respondents said that the staffing situation had got worse due to the pandemic.
Child wellbeing IS a priority, says government
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, said: “We know the pandemic has been an especially challenging time for children and young people and we have prioritised the health and wellbeing of children and young people as we have worked through the restrictions.
“The Scottish Government has responded with record-breaking levels of investment, including our £120 million Recovery & Renewal Fund, to transform the mental health system.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde told us: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on the mental health of patients and we absolutely understand Ms Solman’s anxiety regarding her son’s care.
"Across NHSGGC, we aim to deliver care tailored to individual patient needs and as such we assess each patient separately so they get the right care for them.
"We would be keen to meet with the family to reassure them about the care Kyle has been given.
“We have recently invested in additional resources including new staff and we are also utilising funding provided from Scottish Government to deliver the Mental Health Recovery and Renewal plan which will help improve access to mental health services for children and young people as we recover from COVID-19.”
Where to find support
If you, or someone you know, needs help with mental health issues, you can use these resources:
Samaritans Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Childline Call 0800 1111
Breathing Space Call 0800 83 85 87
NHS 24 Mental Health Hub Call 111, or 999 in an emergency