COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A local teen is using her story to help make changes to Colorado’s mental health system.
16-year-old London Schecter was in Washington, D.C. earlier this month advocating for the youth.
Schecter shared her story with lawmakers in the hopes they’ll address the gaps in mental health care.
“I knew I needed help after I tried to overdose,” said Schecter.
Mental health journeys are personal, but they’re also powerful.
Schecter knows what sharing her experience can do for others.
“Just knowing that you are not alone,” said Schecter.
With the help of a Children’s Hospital Colorado program, the teen learned how to get herself out of a dark place.
Schechter said there’s a problem for others, though.
“There’s a waitlist,” said Schecter.
Plus, it took years for the Schecter family even to find a resource that worked for London.
“Which is why we want to get more funds so we can open things like that,” Schecter continued. “There needs to be more options.”
According to Children’s Hospital Colorado, the state has been in a youth mental health state of emergency for five years now.
Organization leaders say there is still a ways to go before the state of emergency gets lifted.
London is back in town after three days in D.C. for the Children’s Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day.
That’s where advocates told lawmakers how they can help address the crisis.
Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Vice President of Advocacy and Community Health, Zach Zaslow, said those conversations included Medicaid support for kids.
“It’s not just funding, it’s also making sure kids are getting access to the care they need,” said Zaslow.
Zaslow said Colorado also needs to invest more in its preventative efforts.
“Rather than, you know, waiting until kids get to the point of having a serious mental illness or being in crisis, it’s getting them support in their school, in their home community,” said Zaslow.
He said 50% of lifelong mental health needs start before age 14 and 75% start before age 24.
“If we can be reaching people between birth and young adulthood and getting them the resources that they need, that’s going to lead to longer, healthier, happier lives,” Zaslow continued. ”And, you know, it’s less expensive for the healthcare system.”
London said creating art has been a part of her healing journey, and she wants others to find what works for them.
“I want people to know that it is okay that you ask for help, it is imperative to ask for help when you need it,” said Schecter.
The 16-year-old is hopeful lawmakers will put the resources in place to allow people to get the help they need.
London’s parents add that it is important for family to be a part of the conversation too, so they can learn how to properly support their loved one going through hard times.
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