This article discusses mental healthcare and grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for crisis support.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — More than 200,000 children across Georgia are dealing with grief, and the transition into the new year can enhance those feelings, according to local mental health advocates.

Detrell Hawkins, southwest regional coordinator for Kate’s Club, a nonprofit that supports grieving youth and families across the state, said the start of January doesn’t reset grief for children.

“When we think about January, we think about a new year. New you, of course. And for those who are grieving, especially when you consider children who are grieving or anyone who is grieving, it doesn’t reset just because it’s January,” Hawkins said. “That grief doesn’t just go away. Many times, it resurfaces.”

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Hawkins said it’s important to have spaces like Kate’s Club so children can know they aren’t the only ones going through grief and can learn how to cope with those feelings in a healthy way. She said the difference these types of spaces make is immeasurable.

“Because a lot of times, the only reason kids don’t talk to their parents or talk to the people around them is because they feel like they can’t relate,” Hawkins said. “They feel like they’re going to be shunned out, or they feel like they’re going to be embarrassed to bring up this topic or tell somebody truly how they feel, which, in return, only breaks them down even more. So the first step is allowing or letting those children know that we are here.”

Ja’Quan Riggins, a local mental health expert in Albany, said one of the most important things someone can do is start a conversation so children know it’s okay to talk about these things.

“As with anyone for children who are grieving. You don’t know what to do with it. You don’t really know how to express it,” Riggins said. “So many times when children start without either... they’re quiet. After joining the school groups or clubhouse, I see the weight begin to fall off.”

Mental Health Resources in Southwest Georgia

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 988
  • suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line
• Kate’s Club
• Albany Area Primary Health Care
• Phoebe Behavioral Health
• Georgia Crisis & Access Line
  • 1-800-715-4225
  • georgiacollaborative.com

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