Tackling Parental Hesitance in Mental Health with Ruchama Clapman
Parents don't realize that when, let's say, somebody has a grandparent living by them and dies and have young children, the young children usually during The Week- you know we call it shiva- when someone dies and we have Seven Days that we're home, the family members- um the children- are usually with their friends.
How do you help a community when parents are hesitant to seek help for their children? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', Mary Woods sits down with Ruchama Clapman, the founder of MASK, to discuss the critical issue of parental resistance in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.
For nearly two decades, MASK has been a beacon of hope in the Brooklyn, NY Jewish community, providing essential support and resources to over 16,000 families and reaching 24,000 through community awareness programs. Clapman shares her journey and the challenges she faced in encouraging parents to seek help for their children, often battling against shame, guilt, and denial. She emphasizes that early intervention can make a significant difference in a child's education, self-esteem, and future prospects.
MASK's efforts extend beyond just offering a hope line; they also provide staff training and awareness programs to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. Clapman's personal experiences and reflections shed light on the importance of community support and the effectiveness of treatment plans, which can be as impactful as those for other chronic illnesses.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the barriers to seeking help, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues early on and not letting shame or guilt stand in the way of recovery.