#insideMWHC sat down with Licensed Professional Counselor LaToya Ray and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Stephanie Fidgeon from Mary Washington Hospital Snowden at Fredericksburg, to talk about strategies in helping your child to identify and express emotion, and steps to take if you feel like your child is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.

This podcast was recorded in February before the outbreak of COVID-19 closed schools and changed our way of life, but the advice from our experts will still apply.

Please know that if your child displays emotions and/or behaviors which cause concern, contacting a therapist is always a good option. If your child makes statements or displays behaviors consistent with wanting to hurt themself or others, contact 911 or bring your child to emergency department immediately.

Two excellent local resources are Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (540.371.2704) or the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (540.373.6876).