I was a severely unwell child and as a result, I was say I spent at least 1/3 of my childhood living in hospital. I have severe chronic pain which I was born with, which means I have no idea what life without being in pain is like. I remember living in hospital and going under so many surgeries as a kid. Being in agony, being prodded on a day to day basis. Being on medication which made my hair fall out, made my head foggy and caused severe hallucinations. Being in pain. Never being a ‘real’ child.
I was depressed from 5 years old, the constant battle with my health made me so mentally unwell too. But no one seemed to care about the impact it had on my mental health - it was only about making my physical health ‘better’. I cannot imagine how many other children and teens go through this with no mental support guiding them through it. I’m in my late 20’s now and still struggling without support, it just makes me upset that at the very least children should have mh support allocated that to them.
I think any child staying in hospital on a ward, regardless the length of time should see a child physiologist to speak to them without a parent present (I would have lied if my mum was there out of embarrassing her with a ‘taboo’ subject). Then continue to visit at least once a week to aid with the mental aspect of being an unwell child. A questionnaire for a child to fill out, making it ‘fun’ but having questions to know what is going through their head. Help put in place to help the child when leaving the hospital each time, I struggled with that and going back into the real world. Having someone visit in your home to ensure you’re settling in and aid that transition.