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In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Erin Kerry to discuss her childhood experience with psychiatric medication, misdiagnosis, and the healing journey that followed. Her story highlights an important truth: symptoms don't always tell the whole story.
Many children receive psychiatric diagnoses when underlying medical, neurological, immune, or environmental factors may also be contributing to their struggles.
This episode is not about being for or against medication.
It's about helping parents understand the whole picture.
One of the most frightening experiences for parents is watching their child suddenly change.
Mood swings, emotional outbursts, aggression, anxiety, or behavioral changes can feel alarming—especially when they seem to appear overnight.
The reality is that many conditions can contribute to these symptoms.
This is why comprehensive evaluation matters.
Behavior is communication.
Sometimes emotional symptoms are rooted in mental health challenges.
Sometimes they're connected to underlying medical issues.
And sometimes it's both.
Erin described periods when her behavior changed dramatically, leading clinicians to focus on psychiatric explanations without fully exploring potential contributing factors.
Her experience serves as a reminder that parents deserve thorough answers before accepting a lifelong diagnosis.
Mental health medications can be incredibly helpful for some children.
For others, medication may be one piece of a much larger treatment plan.
The key is understanding both benefits and risks.
Children's brains and bodies are constantly developing.
Medication responses can change over time.
Regular follow-up allows providers and families to monitor:
Parents should never feel uncomfortable asking questions.
You are an essential part of your child's care team.
Every medication carries potential benefits and risks.
That's why informed decision-making is so important.
Some psychiatric medications may cause:
Certain antidepressants also carry FDA warnings about increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some children, adolescents, and young adults.
This doesn't mean medications are inherently harmful.
It means close monitoring matters.
Erin shared her family's experience watching symptoms worsen after medication changes, which ultimately led them to ask deeper questions and pursue additional evaluations.
Her story highlights the importance of ongoing reassessment rather than assuming one treatment approach fits every child.
One of the biggest misconceptions in mental health care is that parents must choose between medication and non-medication approaches.
In reality, many children benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the whole child.
A dysregulated nervous system can contribute to:
Regulation First Parenting™ helps children build safety and resilience from the inside out.
Sleep problems can significantly affect mood, focus, and emotional regulation.
Brain health depends on proper nutrition and stable blood sugar.
Appropriate therapeutic support can help children develop emotional awareness and coping skills.
Accommodations and educational support can reduce stress and improve functioning.
The goal isn't choosing one intervention.
The goal is understanding which combination of supports best meets your child's needs.
Parents often ask whether it's appropriate to get another opinion.
The answer is yes.
Second opinions can provide valuable information and help families feel more confident about treatment decisions.
Trust your instincts.
Parents know their children best.
The more information you provide, the easier it becomes to identify patterns and potential contributing factors.
🗣️ "This episode is a heartfelt reminder: labels don't have to define your child. There are safer routes and whole-child approaches that can restore function and joy." — Dr. Roseann
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP and get your FREE Regulation Rescue Kit: How to Stay Calm When Your Child Pushes Your Buttons and Stop Oppositional Behaviors. Get your free kit here: www.drroseann.com/newsletter
Children are more than diagnoses.
A whole-child approach looks at:
When we focus only on symptoms, we risk missing important pieces of the puzzle.
When we support the whole child, we create opportunities for meaningful healing and growth.
If you're considering childhood mental health medication, know this:
You don't have to rush.
You don't have to choose between medication and support.
And you don't have to navigate these decisions alone.
The most effective treatment plans often include multiple layers of support that address the whole child—not just symptoms.
Remember:
Behavior is communication.
Labels don't define your child.
And healing is often possible when we look deeper.
No. Medication can be helpful for some children, but it should be part of a thoughtful treatment plan that considers the whole child, including medical, emotional, educational, and environmental factors.
SSRIs can help some children, but they may also carry risks, including mood changes, behavioral changes, and increased suicidal thoughts in some young people. Careful monitoring is essential.
Ask about side effects, expected benefits, monitoring plans, medication interactions, and alternative treatment options. Make sure you understand the full treatment strategy.
Children may benefit from therapy, sleep support, nutrition interventions, nervous system regulation, school accommodations, and medical evaluation of underlying contributors.
If symptoms worsen, new concerns emerge, progress stalls, or you feel your questions haven't been fully answered, seeking another professional opinion can be helpful.
If you've tried everything and still feel unsure about the next step, the Solution Matcher can help identify personalized recommendations based on your child's symptoms, challenges, and needs.
Start here:
If you'd like to learn more about Erin Kerry's work in mental health and nutrition, visit:
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and leading expert in emotional dysregulation in children. With over 30 years of experience, she helps parents understand the root causes of meltdowns, anxiety, ADHD, and challenging behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. Dr. Roseann teaches practical, science-backed strategies for co-regulation and how to calm a dysregulated child using her Regulation First Parenting™ approach. She is the host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast and author of The Dysregulated Kid.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Emotional Dysregulation in Children & Nervous System Expert
Regulation First Parenting™ | CALMS Protocol™
Host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast (Top 1% Globally)
Author of The Dysregulated Kid
