In New Jersey, schools, hospitals, advocacy groups, and community organizations offer various mental health resources for young people in crisis. However, many families struggle to access and navigate these services, leading to frustration and delays.
Shilpa Kulkarni of Livingston knows this challenge all too well. Her 14-year-old son, Shiv, died by suicide in July 2021. Shiv, described by Kulkarni as a “bright” and “well-liked” child, struggled with depression and his identity as a gay young person. Despite seeking help from psychiatrists, hospitals, and state agencies, Kulkarni faced long wait times and a lack of clear communication about her son’s needs.
“I wish I had known more about the resources available,” Kulkarni said. “When I went to the hospital, I wish there was someone — a parent who had been through this — to talk to.”
Kulkarni, along with two other caregivers, shared their experiences during a panel at the Rutgers Youth Mental Health Equity Summit. The event aimed to address mental health system challenges and foster collaboration among New Jersey’s behavioral and mental health organizations. It also offered grants to connect community groups, schools, and advocacy organizations, creating more coordinated care for youth.
Joshua Langberg, director of the Rutgers Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness, emphasized that breaking down these service barriers is essential. “The only way we’re going to solve the mental health crisis is by connecting children, youth, and families to comprehensive care, including wellness programs and therapists,” Langberg said.
The state’s suicide rates among young people highlight the urgency of improving mental health services. In 2023, five children between the ages of 10 and 14 died by suicide in New Jersey. Nationwide, suicide rates are rising among LGBTQ+ and Black youth, with Black youth experiencing the fastest increase in suicides.
Dr. Linda Oshin, a Rutgers University professor who studies youth suicide, noted that today’s young people face unique challenges, such as social media and societal violence. While many youths are discussing mental health, parents and caregivers often struggle to understand how to help. “A lot of resources weren’t developed for Black youth,” she said.
The conference also featured sessions for caregivers and community organizations to learn about anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, and substance abuse. Langberg pointed out that social isolation is a major contributor to depression among youth. “The pandemic took away interpersonal connections, and young people are struggling to rebuild those skills,” he said.
To address these challenges, Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed $43 million for the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network, which aims to provide mental health services to students across 15 treatment centers.
Despite these efforts, Kulkarni believes more can be done. After Shiv’s death, she and her family created Shiv’s Third Eye, a nonprofit that supports parents and families dealing with youth mental health issues. Kulkarni hopes to raise awareness that mental illness can affect any family, regardless of background or culture.
“No child or family is untouchable,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. It can affect anyone.”
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