A personal story by Josefina Loza, Parent, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

I’ll never forget the day I was told I was neglecting my daughter, a claim that cut deeper than any other pain I’ve ever felt. For me, that moment came when my daughter Alejandra was in the midst of a mental health crisis, exacerbated by bullying at school and the turmoil of our divorce. Despite my constant efforts to seek help for her anxiety and depression, the healthcare system failed to understand her needs as a biracial child. I am sharing my story to highlight the importance of cultural competency in mental healthcare, a mission championed by iCAN.

It all started when Alejandra began experiencing severe anxiety and depression due to being bullied at school, compounded by the stress of our family’s divorce. Despite numerous attempts to seek professional help, each therapy session fell short as they focused more on her biracial identity rather than her mental health. After a series of unsuccessful therapy sessions, it became clear that the cultural competency of the therapists was lacking. They failed to address the core issues of Alejandra's mental health, leaving us feeling alienated and distressed.

When Alejandra’s condition worsened, I sought help from a hospital, only to be met with accusations of neglect from the hospital liaison. They recommended checking her into a mental health facility, stripping away my guardianship. In my desperation, I called my attorney, who immediately met me at the hospital. With her help, I was able to navigate the overwhelming situation and fight for Alejandra's release.

I was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety as I signed the consent forms, feeling helpless and stripped of my parental rights. Despite my fears, I knew I had to trust the legal advice and fight for Alejandra’s well-being. Signing those forms felt like I was giving up, but it was the only way to keep her safe at that moment. Waking up the next day, I felt a mix of relief and devastation. Alejandra was safe, but the emotional toll of the accusations and the helplessness lingered.

I realized how critical it is for patients, especially children, to have healthcare providers who understand and address their unique cultural backgrounds. The experience left me emotionally scarred but also more determined to advocate for better mental healthcare services. Many parents face similar confusion and fear, highlighting the urgent need for improved communication and cultural competence in healthcare.

iCAN, the International Children’s Advisory Network, is dedicated to ensuring that patients are at the center of healthcare decisions. I urge you to support iCAN and join us in changing the healthcare system to better serve every child. Together, we can ensure that no patient faces a life-altering decision without fully understanding their options. I stand with iCAN in the fight for patient-centric care, and I hope you will too.

My journey with Alejandra’s mental health struggles has been a harrowing experience, filled with emotional distress and frustration at the lack of understanding from healthcare professionals. It is my hope that by sharing our story, I can shed light on the importance of cultural competency and the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to mental healthcare. Alejandra’s resilience and the support of organizations like iCAN have inspired me to continue advocating for better mental health services for all children, ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve.

Alejandra is the founder and CEO of Hiya, a jewelry line that promotes self-care and mental health awareness. The mother-daughter duo is in Bari, Italy, presenting Hiya’s research on peer-led mental health initiatives at iCAN's 2024 Research & Advocacy Summit. Hiya strives to empower young people to speak up, be kind, and create a culture of good mental health for their schools and communities.