This winning story was received during our 2016 summer story contest by Annmarie Arensberg, Hospital Admissions Supervisor at KVC Prairie Ridge Children’s Psychiatric Hospital in Kansas City, KS. 

At KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital, we help children and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and feelings of violence. Recently, one young man we were providing behavioral and psychiatric treatment to successfully completed his treatment and returned home. As a part of KVC’s Hospital to Home Program, we follow up with families after discharge to ensure that their child is still doing well back in their home environment. After five days, I called to see how he was doing. The boy’s mother shared the following update:

“My son is doing amazing since discharging from KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital. I was so impressed with your services and the staff, especially Dr. Naveed. I appreciated the effective new medications and treatments he introduced to help my son. The treatment team listened to me and worked to address my needs and concerns. My son’s behaviors have improved dramatically. Other than some normal teenager stuff, he is doing wonderfully back at home. I want to thank KVC Prairie Ridge Hospital and all of the staff for such a positive experience!”

Hearing updates like this make me so proud of the work we do. It’s amazing to see the transformations in the youth who come to hospital and to be able to help them heal and grow stronger. It’s always sad when they leave the hospital and go home, but it’s also wonderful to know they are returning to the community stronger and healthier than ever.

If you know a child or young adult struggling with depression or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact our psychiatric hospitals at 1-866-KVC-CARES (582-2273), or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).