Imagine having two teenaged children admitted to the ER for acute psychiatric care needs within the space of a year. Lena's son and daughter were both considered to be at risk for suicide. As a mother, it was devastating for her.

 

In August of 2013, in the grip of manic anxiety and with self-inflicted wounds, 16-year old Grace landed in The Comprehensive Children's Psychiatric Emergency Program (CCPEP) at Bellevue Hospital Center. And in 2014, 15-year old Jordan modeled his coping mechanism after his older sister, and was subsequently admitted to Bellevue, overwhelmed by stress.

 

Based on candid family revelations, there may be a genetic correlation between the siblings' self-destructive tendencies. In 2004, Lena voluntarily admitted herself for in-patient psychiatric care for an extended period; she wanted to end her life. During that time she was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, which initiated a difficult trajectory for Grace a few years later, but not before Lena's younger brother did, in fact, commit suicide in 2007.

 

There were other troubling events swirling in the mix for this family. In 2013, Jordan's friend was struck by a car and killed, the same year his sister was admitted to Bellevue's ER on suicide watch. Whether their challenges were a result of DNA or circumstance, the outlook was not favorable.

 

Prior to coming to Bellevue, Grace suffered her worst moments as she was processed in and out of seven different hospitals between the summers of 2012 and 2013, sometimes without resources for follow-up care. Since Lena was already documented with Bipolar Disorder, the doctors at those hospitals were quick to arrive at the same diagnosis for Grace. Medication cocktails that included a host of anti-psychotic drugs in progressively higher doses were prescribed, agitating her condition. At times, she was left despondent and drooling. Understandably, Lena was concerned that her daughter might never be a functioning adult.

 

Finally, Lena was directed to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program at Bellevue Hospital Center, where the doctors evaluated her children's needs with an open mind. They asked pertinent questions without making assumptions and afforded Lena the respect and courtesy of a collaborative approach to her children's treatment plans. What followed was nearly 18 months of intensive individual adolescent therapy, medication management, family counseling and mental health rehabilitation. The doctors determined that mother and daughter were both misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. When Grace was taken off of the anti-psychotic drugs and both she and her brother were treated with the appropriate anti-depressants, everything changed for the better.

 

For six months each, Grace and Jordan participated in the Day Treatment Program, stepping down from in-patient care to a comprehensive support system that included high school classes, talk therapy, and medication management until they were ready for re-entry to a new school and social activities. Today, they still receive therapy, take appropriate medications and continue to develop their coping skills.

 

Lena believes that Bellevue Hospital renewed her family, and most likely saved her children's lives. She is especially grateful to Dr. Eric Alcera (Deputy Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, and Director, Child and Adolescent Day Treatment Program) who provided exceptional care and concern for her children when they were in crisis. She also credits the Children of Bellevue program and its highly responsive staffers for helping her to become a better parent with enhanced tools for communication.

 

Both siblings have found outlets for their creativity and, along with their mother, Lena, they are looking forward as they continue to learn and grow as individuals and as a family. Jordan, who has a passion for drawing with pen and ink, is currently enrolled in art school; Grace will graduate from high school soon and is planning on attending cosmetology school to develop her talents as a makeup artist and hair stylist. Lena wants to go back to school to find a new path, now that she and her kids are stronger and more independent.

 

Lena maintains a profound sense of gratitude to Children of Bellevue and Bellevue Hospital for the incomparable professionalism and life-saving measures accorded her family. With the desire to "give back," she takes this opportunity to address parents who are struggling to manage a child in crisis.

 

The impact of a family crisis is exhausting, a fact that Lena knows firsthand. "Find time to care for yourself. My daughter became dependent on me and I neglected my own care." She adds, "I had to stop being afraid to set boundaries with her, to be loving, but firm."

 

She highlights the importance of maintaining a support system and being involved with your child's treatment. "Keep asking questions!" she stresses. Rely on trusted family members and friends to "get you through the rough times."

 

Finally, Lena wants parents to know that "recovery" is a process; to be aware of setbacks, acknowledge progress and move forward.

For teenagers struggling with psychological problems, Bellevue Hospital Center offers an invaluable refuge.   The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program is a bright, encouraging support center that helps instill a sense of hope within patients who might otherwise feel nothing but dread.  The success of the program reflects the quality of professionals who work there.   We sat down with one dedicated social worker, Rachel Surwit.   She is also a member of Children of Bellevue's junior board.  

  

On May 12th, 2015 Bellevue Hospital was pleased to welcome a visit from the First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray.  The visit was prompted by the First Lady's commitment to fixing what she refers to as "New York's Mental Health Crisis."

  

During the visit she lent her support to Bellevue's Partial Hospitalization Program.  "The launch of Bellevue's Children's Partial Hospitalization Program brings us one step closer to the inclusive and interconnected mental health system that New York families need," said First Lady Chirlane McCray. "This program is bridging the gap for young people who have recovered enough to leave the hospital, but who need far more treatment than outpatient programs can provide. It will also provide much-needed relief to their families."

  

Click to read more about her visit the impact it will have.

   

Every spring, friends and supporters of Children of Bellevue, Inc. come together for our largest benefit of the year-- Toast to the Children.  Famed chef and Children of Bellevue board member, Tom Colicchio of Craft Restaurants and Bravo's Top Chef, serves as host and emcee of this incredibly popular food and wine tasting event.  Proceeds from the event support vital programs and services for children and their families at Bellevue Hospital Center.