Mental Health Resources for Children with CHD
In a study from 2021 by the American Association of Pediatrics, it was found that children and adolescents with CHD had a much higher likelihood of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder and having to be put on mental health medication (1). And according to the American Heart Association, “25% of children with Congenital Heart Defects have problems with intense worry, fear, and anxiety” (2).
It is also clear that more research needs to be done as kids with CHD are living longer lives (Praise The Lord!).
In our own family, we have seen Jones exhibit problematic behaviors, worries, his need for control, clinginess, etc. I believe these things are entirely understandable after all he has been through in his short life! All children face things that can cause them to worry or feel small amounts of stress but children with medical conditions face things that aren’t exactly normal for young children. Being poked for labs, frequent or prolonged hospital stays, being separated from peers, having X-rays, echocardiograms, medical procedures… the list goes on and on. This does not even touch their worries about the future.
No wonder they deal with and exhibit big emotions and sometimes unhealthy coping skills. And it is our job, as their parents, to guide them through these things.
So I have put together a list of resources focusing on the mental health of children with CHD. This list could be helpful to any parents, but you will find some specific CHD resources.
*some of these links may be affiliate links, meaning I would earn a small commission if you buy them.
Books (managing emotions):
The Manatee Who Finds Mindfulness: By Alyson Murphy - This book is beautifully written for young children and is about a manatee who gets lost from his mother and uses mindfulness techniques to keep himself calm.
In My Heart and Brave As Can Be: By Jo Witek - These books are my boy’s favorites. Jo does an incredible job using words that children can connect to regarding feelings and fears. Great for identifying emotions together.
God Made All Your Feelings: By Amanda Flinn - Sometimes, it can be hard to explain to children why God gives us feelings that don’t always feel good! Amanda does a great job walking through how God is with us through each one. Each page has a scripture reference too.
I Love You When You’re Angry: by Erin Winters - This one is great to have in your arsenal as it assures your little ones that no matter how big their emotions are, you will love them through it.
Big Bright Feelings Books (7-book series): by Tom Percival - A great sequel in which you can choose the emotions your child is struggling with.
Ninja Life Hacks Self Management Boxed Set: By Mary Nhin - Mary has written a ton of these Ninja Life Hacks books, which are super engaging to young children (especially my ninja-loving boys). This boxed set focuses on managing certain emotions, but she has several other helpful ones too.
Slumberkins: Okay, I have linked this entire website because I can’t pick just one. Slumberkins is a fantastic company created by a therapist and early childhood educator who focuses on children's emotional well-being. They have created cuddly stuffed animals, books, affirmation cards, and goodness to help your kids wrangle those emotions.
Books (CHD Specific):
Hank The Heart by: Dr. Ryan Moore & Dr. John Hutton - My little Heart Warrior LOVES this book. He loves that it describes special hearts just like his! I love that it explains things in easy-to-understand terms, and I even find myself referencing it when I have questions.
The Art of Being a Heart by Kaitlin Pond - Written by a Pediatric PA, this book helps kids learn about the heart’s job. Great for siblings, classmates, and friends that want to understand what the heart is all about.
Extra Special Heart by: Carlie Valentine - a beautiful story about inclusion and the strengths children with CHDs all hold within their spirits!
Matty’s Heart Cath Coloring Book- This book explains what a heart catheterization procedure might look like for children. It also doubles as a coloring book which can calm kids as they wait for their procedure.
The Hospital Bedtime Story: By Jessica Ehret - This book is a great one to have on hand for upcoming hospital stays. Pack it in your bag or read it ahead of time to prepare your little ones for the sights and sounds of the hospital.
Like Me by Laura Wifler - share this sweet book with your little one and let it help boost their confidence in knowing that God made each of us unique and different.
Journals & Workbooks
I have always found that writing helps me process my feelings and the world around me. Cultivating this habit at a young age, especially for our little heart warriors, can be a helpful coping skill.
The Big Life Journal - The one I have linked here is specifically for ages 5-11, but they offer different journals based on age groups. The perfect way to learn more about themselves and their feelings.
Loom Parent Child Journal by Promptly - This journal allows parents and children to journal back and forth with each other, offering a new and unique way to bond. Plus, it can be easier to write it out than say it sometimes.
Emotions Journal by Promptly - this emotions journal includes journal prompts, drawing prompts, quotes, affirmations, and illustrations to help them work through big emotions.
Apps & Electronics
Zenimal Meditation Device - This one might be hard to imagine, so click on the link and take a peak, but this little guy is shaped like a turtle and is loaded with meditations and sleep soundtracks. It is screen-free, which is why it is first on my list!
Headspace for Kids - This popular app for kids now has a specific area within the app made for kids. 11 meditations cover a wide range of emotions. It is $12.99 a month, but they have a free trial to test it out first!
Calm app - This is one of my personal favorites. I love their sleep stories for adults and use them almost every night to calm my mind. They also have guided meditations for kids! Bonus: if you have a tonie box… Calm has a character for that!
Breathe, Think, and Do with Sesame Street - In this app, your child will work to help the sesame street monster find ways to calm down and problem-solve!
My Unsolicited Advice:
Sunshine works wonders- Take your child outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. That always helps us if we are dealing with big emotions. Even in the hospital, we would beg to take Jones outside… IVs and all!
Be Open- We are open books for Jones regarding his medical condition. He knows he can ask questions and feels comfortable talking with others about what he has been through. They need to see that it is lovely for them to be exactly who God made them!
Ask for Help - Sometimes, we are not equipped as parents to handle mental health situations with our kids on our own. Don’t ever feel guilty for finding a professional to help!
Resources:
(1) Vincent J. Gonzalez, Rachel T. Kimbro, Katherine E. Cutitta, John C. Shabosky, Mohammad F. Bilal, Daniel J. Penny, Keila N. Lopez; Mental Health Disorders in Children With Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatrics February 2021; 147 (2): e20201693. 10.1542/peds.2020-1693
