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among Children and Teens |
Mental Illness was once thought to affect only adults, but today, it is evident that the young are very much subject to the same disorders as the old. No one knows for sure the causes of these trends. The causes are as varied as the individual subject to them. Sometimes heredity is a factor, sometimes environment is implicated. Often a combination of the two is observed. Most sources say that at least 1 in 5 (20%) of youth have a diagnosable mental condition. Very few are receiving treatment.
Statistics don't lie. These conditions are on the rise, and at a time when programs are losing funding, and insurance companies are severely limiting options for treatment. Treatment, for those lucky enough to get any, is very successful and can prevent worsening problems later. Maybe the Columbine tragedy and others could have been prevented if programs were in place to train those who work with young people to recognize the signs of mental illness in the young, and if payment for the treatment of these disorders by insurance companies was somehow mandated by law, or provided for, through educational funding. We can't afford to ignore the statistics.
Some signs to watch for that indicate a mental health problem are feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anger that won't go away. Other indicators are alcohol or drug abuse, self-destructive or risky behavior, and a tendency to overreact to everyday occurances
"We gain strength and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face...we must do that which we think we cannot." - Eleanor Roosevelt