The parents of a 12-year-old girl who killed herself last week are calling for greater access to mental health care for struggling children.
Grace McSweeney was just 12 years old, her mother says she battled depression after being bullied for most of her life. “I think because of the bullying, she didn’t know how to deal with things, with real life situations.”
Grace tried to hurt herself earlier, but her parents caught her in time and counseled her. Sessions with an OHIP covered therapist were helping but wearing thin. Grace’s mom, Lauren Smith, says the counselors were ‘terrific people’ and that “Grace went from zero to a hundred in a matter of time. The counseling was working, but they only offered 8 sessions.”
Two Fridays ago, Grace swallowed a bunch of over-the-counter medication. Throughout that weekend she did not feel well, and then on Monday her health rapidly deteriorated and she was taken to Brantford General Hospital.
She was flown to McMaster Children’s Hospital, where she went into cardiac arrest for the second time and doctors were unable to save her.
Grace’s parents hope her story will help other children struggling with mental health issues, they say the system must change.
Jeremy Krentz, Grace’s dad says, “There are no resources available, no help for them. It’s hard to access, you can’t even access the stats, it doesn’t exist, there’s something wrong.”
Grace’s parents have another important message for parents, “hug your children every night. You never know when your last time will be.”
If you or someone you know has mental health problems, you can call The Kids Help Line at 1-800-668-6868 or go to kidshelpphone.ca.
