sfw | HEALTH
Just a Regular Day Emily’s story lights the way for others By Donna Farris, Avera Health
T
hey say a parent is as happy as their unhappiest child. For Emily and Jason Feldhaus, this meant many years of struggle, mental anguish and stress as they sought ways to find the right combination of treatment for their troubled son. Starting at the young age of 8, Emily could see the signs. Thankfully, she worked as an emergency department nurse at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. But no emergency training could prepare her for what she was about to encounter. He was only 11 years old when their son attempted to take his own life. It was a day like any other when they came home and found their beloved son with a suicide note and a weapon. Moments later, their son was on his way to the Avera Behavioral Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD. For the next 12 days, he remained in the care of the doctors and nurses at the Avera Behavioral Health Center. Although extremely difficult for Emily and her husband, they knew he would not be safe at home and that he needed the help of professionals. The family made the difficult decision to turn the situation over to those who could help him best. After two weeks at the Avera Behavioral Health Center, he began to show signs of improvement. Even a small smile gave the family much-needed hope. Emily credits the caring staff and healing environment for helping her son make progress. Discussions began about his return home. Emily was very hesitant and still questioned his safety; often internalizing the situation by even feeling guilt and shame. As her husband struggled alongside her, they relied on the compassionate staff at Avera to put their family together again. Emily took on extra hours so she could be by his side during the time they were allowed to visit. Often demanding to go home, he remained under the care of the staff at Avera Behavioral Health Center until he was ready to be discharged. Intense medication and therapy were pivotal in his success. However, that didn’t change his mindset that they were trying to change him as a person. He couldn’t even see for himself how much he was hurting.
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SiouxFallsWoman.net | June/July 2022
