Hard to write about...

Depression is HARD.  Its hard to talk about, its even hard (for me anyway) to write about.  My family has been thrown in to the depths of the ugliness that depression is.  I am so thankful that both of my older two children have been able to ask for help before it was "too late".  We are working through things with the help of a wonderful organization, Catholic Community Services. 

Just as we are gaining hope for Megan as we are seeing her getting stronger and healing, Josh had another trip to the ER this week.  His depression had not been severe enough for him to qualify for CCS's services until now.  I have honestly been more concerned for him and lost more sleep over my worry about him over the past several weeks than I have Megan.  I know she is getting the help she needs and is going to come out of this ok.  Josh was just floating out there grasping for the help he could get but it was not doing much for him.  Now he has the solid help he needs through CCS and I am hopeful for him and for our family. 

What does this solid help look like you might be wondering.  CCS assigns each child in their care a therapist who is on 24hrs M-F and then there is always an on call person on the weekend.  They meet with their therapist at least once a week and then have at least one family session with this therapist each week.  They are assigned a Family Support person and a Community Support person.  Between these two the child has 2 hour sessions out in the community (playing board games at the library, working out at the YMCA, walking the mall, doing crafts, getting an ice cream etc.) 5-7 times a week.  The FS and the CS are trained in crisis management and work together with the Therapist to help the child meet certain goals.  There are also Wrap meeting from time to time where the child's natural support (friends, family etc) are invited and they are given ideas in which they can utilize their strengths to help the child meet certain goals.    They also offer med management through CCS.  All of this is covered 100% by our insurance. I love the real life holistic approach and I feel so blessed that we found them and have them working with us.