Nurturing Resilience: A Therapist’s Insights into the Mental Health of NICU Parents

Having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience. On this episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C. Helen is a clinical therapist and licensed social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges NICU parents face, offering support and understanding for those navigating this unique journey. This episode emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for both parents and their newborns.

What is Raising Joy?

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Joy Campaign, which aims to encourage hope and resilience among children and teens. Cook Children’s Health Care System is located in Fort Worth, Texas and has seen the mental and emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on children and their families. In this podcast, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc explore topics of anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and suicide in order to bring hope and needed resources to struggling children and families. Raising Joy is produced by the public relations team at Cook Children’s. The theme music was created by Raymond Turner from the Sparklefly Recording Studio at Cook Children’s.

Disclaimer: The opinions and advice provided by our guests are not endorsed by Cook Children’s. If you
or someone you know are struggling, please reach out for professional help. Cook Children’s has a list of crisis contact information for youth and families on its website: cookchildrens.org/joy.