More Than 2 Million Teens Live with Depression

Image via WikipediaIn the past year, more than 2 million teens have suffered a major bout with depression. The average shows that 8.5% of Tweens and teens between the ages of 12 and 17 mentioned having a major depressive episode; the differences however, show 12.7% of girls and 4.6% of boys. Depression is leading cause of suicide, the third leading cause of death for 15 - 24yo in the US.

Research has shown more than 67,700 Tweens and teens aged 12 to 17 answered questions pertaining to mood and depression, including how the depression affected their lives in reference to family, friends, school and other activities. Those who reports bouts of depression, the most common symptoms included lack of sleep, energy, concentration or self-image.

What has brought this surge in depression among these “kids?” There are many theories, if you ask 100 people you will probably get 100 different answers. My thoughts are this……times have changed. Now that statement makes me feel old, but it’s true. The world has changed and our kids are facing things we may have never dreamed of. Peer pressure is now more than skipping school, it’s drinking, sex, drugs, and violence. It seems that many times they have no conscience, no idea of the repercussions – and if they are caught “it’s wasn’t their fault, (insert a number of reasons)”

Today, many kids are left home alone, live with parents who are addicts, abusive or just never there. In turn, they go to friends or find those who “are like them,” and with no real direction find themselves in situations that instead of bringing fun and excitement, instead results in depression, addiction and the idea that life is hopeless.

Another reality is that kids are doing too much, or are expected to do too much. Just as there are kids who are abused and neglected, there are those who are pushed to be better than everyone else, to live up to parent’s unrealistic expectations, or become a better athlete or scholar than their siblings. These things can bring on depression and the feelings of inadequacy, and the desire to just “get away.”

There is no one reason for the depression and hopelessness our kids feel. Watch TV and they see death and destruction, go to school and they see fights and abuse, go home and it’s much of the same.

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ADHD Results in Lost Work Hours

Image via WikipediaIn 1845 Dr. Hein rich Hoffman wrote "The story of fidgety Phillip," the story of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), a so called problem for children. What people do not realize is that when these kids grow up, ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)/ADD does not go away - it goes from disrupting class in school to losing nearly a month's worth of work - per year.

Researchers at the Netherlands institute of Mental Health and Addiction, state that the lack of ability to concentrate can take 22 days of work away, which includes 8 additional absent days. One idea is for the employers to not only screen workers, but provide treatment for those who do live with ADHD. It makes sense to help those who are looking for employment.

7,075 people between the ages of 18 to 44 in 10 countries were interviewed by the researchers; the results showed an average of 3.5% were diagnosed as ADHD. In the US alone, research shows 4.5%, resulting in 28.3 days of lost work. While the US rates are high, France has the highest rate at 6.3%; in contrast the lost time was only 20.1 days.

While this may be a reason for lost days of work and lower productivity, what is the best way to “deal” with it? All too often, in this day and age, there are people who look for an excuse to take time off work and a reason for what is in actuality not wanting to work. It’s a tough call, if you do not help them, it’s discrimination – if you do help, and they are lying you are enabling.

Flip a coin and hope you are right.

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Death Penalty for Child Rapists?

Image via WikipediaThe rape of child is one of the most heinous crimes known.

In Louisiana the question has gone before the courts to decide whether the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment when it comes to the rape of a child. Some say simply putting them in jail will take of the problem - they are not accepted in jail and often killed not long after arriving. I have heard of child abusers being separated from the general population for this reason. But what about actually sentencing someone to death?

The argument is while death may fit the crime; will the possibility increase the brutality, to include death of the children who are raped? It is a gamble - without a doubt? We have an obligation to protect our children, but if these rapists know they will walk, they will look for victims.

Los Angeles is one of only six states who have laws in place that will send a child rapist to death row. The other five states include, Georgia, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. Others believe simply putting them in jail is punishment enough, that they will get what they deserve in time - why should they go peacefully and never have to deal with their actions when their victims will carry it with them forever.

There is no easy answer, it is agreed that child rape is so evil it is not possible to understand the rapists logic. We need to protect our children in every way possible.

So, death penalty, castration or prison? I think prison - the person who acts in this manner does not call for light sentencing.

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Taking Away Childhood in Search of Mental Illness

Image via WikipediaSince it is not possible to detect mental illness before birth, some are taking the next step and having their babies evaluated for mental illnesses at younger and younger ages.

There is a list of mile stones that "should be reached" according to age, if they are not hit on the mark - then there must be a problem. Are we reacting too quickly?

Infant mental health has become more popular in recent years as statics say that the prevalence of ADD and Autism has jumped to 1 in 150 children in recent years. Are these numbers accurate, or are they merely a way to explain away discipline problems or a child not "performing" to where the professionals think they should be.

Now, I am not completely disregarding the need for early intervention - there are many cases when it is necessary and vital to a child’s future development. But do we need to go "looking" for reasons to treat them, or a way to make them "perfect" in our eyes. Heaven forbid our children should have a problem in their life, what will people think of us as parents? If we are trying to make kids perfect what will happen when they are older and come realize that life is not perfect?
My 2nd daughter did not begin talking 'normally,' until she was nearly 3 years old. She did smile, walk and laugh - but did not talk as "most 2 year olds did." Today, she is 17 and perfectly normal. She just didn’t feel the need to talk. Having an older sister she just followed her around and did what she did. No mental disorder just a toddler with more important things to do with her time. I wonder if she was 3 years old now what would have happened to her. I am glad she was born when she was - at least we saved her childhood for her.

I am not sure I will truly understand the reasons fro adding labels to infants to young to understand what they people are saying they have. How can they know?

When did we start living by labels?

Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

Image via WikipediaThere has been a recent interest in Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder. According to two psychologists, a husband and wife team believes that children who exhibit certain childhood traits may actually be presenting the early signs of Bipolar Disorder.

According to the article, children who show separation anxiety, tantrums (when told "no"), hyperactivity, being inattentive, and distractibility are at risk. Now let me get this straight - these "symptoms" are normal for nearly every 2 year old and toddler - so are we to assume ALL children are Bipolar?

A toddler being mad because they are told no means they are - heaven forbid - "NORMAL." If that is not enough, the article refers to the idea of NOT telling a toddler or young child no, because it might "trigger a meltdown." Heaven forbid they should be disciplined!

These ideas and beliefs do nothing but harm to children and the stigma that goes along with mental illness. These beliefs are only good for one thing....the drug companies, since they are the ones who will benefit, in addition to giving these "psychologists" more money.

I am still trying to understand the concept of these so called doctors, preying on children who are being taught right from wrong, discipline and growing up with respect and honesty. What a concept!

And they want to say the children need medication. I would like to know where they received their degrees, lets find a could disease to give everyone? (Don't get me wrong, I do know and understand that there are children and adolescents that are Bipolar, but to come to the point where these doctors are is, I think, a bit of a stretch.)