Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC)

Elizabeth Bernstein’s article, “Angst is Rising, but Many Must Forgo Therapy” (Oct. 7, 2008), should prompt many to consider the impact of the economic crisis on the mental health of children. As Executive Director of an outpatient mental health clinic for children in lower Fairfield County Connecticut, I am acutely aware of how parental stress can impact the emotional stability of children. Tension associated with work anxiety, job loss, and the threat of home foreclosure, can interfere with the fundamental desire of a parent to guarantee the safety and well being of their family. Feelings of failure in these essential areas often lead to feelings of despair, with an increase in psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety, along with the threat of amplified rates of alcoholism and domestic violence. The foundation of a child’s security lies with his or her parents. Children depend on feeling cared for and protected, and when parents take on multiple jobs, work longer hours and exhibit increased anxiety due to economic strain, children suffer, often developing mental health problems of their own. As discussed in the article, in grim economic times, the demand for mental health services increases, while the ability to pay for these services declines. In times like these, families increasingly rely on sliding scale fee and subsidized services offered by community organizations as they cannot afford the fees associated with private practice. Unfortunately, as families experience the stressors of the economic downturn, so do corporations, foundations and individual donors, who provide essential funding to community organizations. As we face an uncertain economic future, it is important to remember the impact on our children and the role community organizations play in combating the emotional consequences of this crisis. Sincerely, Sherry Perlstein, MSW, Executive Director