A despairing Emma Parrey knows securing a place at the long-stay Walker Unit is the only way to treat her daughter’s escalating mental health problems.
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The specialist facility in Sydney is secure, the average stay is six months, and a multidisciplinary treatment team takes a holistic approach to helping young people aged between 12-18 along with their families.
Ms Parrey knows being admitted to the facility is the only option for her 16-year-old daughter, Stephanie, who, over the past two years has endured numerous traumatic admissions to the short-stay 12-bed Nexus unit at the John Hunter Hospital that have failed to halt her downward spiral.
Stephanie’s private psychiatrist, and her FACS case worker, agree – intensive treatment is necessary.The only problem is getting her a referral to the service.
Ms Parrey says a referral from the Nexus unit to the Walker Unit was mysteriously closed and the relevant authorities will not accept one from Stephanie’s privately engaged psychiatrist.
“So where do I go now? Who will help me? Where do I turn?,” a despondent Mrs Parrey says.
“Since May, I have not been able to work with Steph being so up and down.”
She explains Stephanie has progressed from having, and acting on, suicidal thoughts to displaying homicidal tendencies.
Mrs Parrey says her daughter’s beautiful smile hides a deep pain and has the entire family living on a knife’s edge.
Preventing Stephanie from harming herself and others, places an enormous strain on the family.
Her two other children take a back seat, and it has also lead to the breakdown of the Emma’s relationship to her long-term partner.
Although, she will never give up on Stephanie. She vows to continue the fight, not just for her but many others in the same predicament.
“Their is still a stigma attached to treating mental illness and there are not enough services out there for adolescents,” she says. If Stephanie had broken bones or cancer, she would be getting the help she needs.
A great supporter of Ms Parrey has also set up a fundraising page for the family see https://www.facebook.com/thestruggleisrealfightforsteph/ if you would like to help.
There is also a change.org petition about the failing system Emma implores people to sign.
It is titled ‘I just want to keep my daughter alive’.
