The numbers are scary to say the least. But what do they mirror for us as a society? These questions are posed by a post that references a new study out of the UK on the increases in prescription drugs to meet the mental health needs of children.
“An article in the UK Telegraph yesterday takes a look at the increasing medication of children for “mental illnesses.” Titled “Child mental health fears prompt rise of ‘quick fix’ drugs“ it saw the tendency toward “Mc”Donaldisation” of childhood mental health, and that it is feeding on “peoples’ desire for instant satisfaction and a quick fix.” Parent Empowerment Blog
It all raises questions of a different order. Who can put a time limit on transformation? Does the rhythm of the psyche follow the rhythms of our nine-minute news cycle? Are some of the challenges at-risk teens face today a direct correlation to the pressures of society?
One of the values of the limiting of media for students at the Family Foundation School is that it creates an environment for the adolescent psyche to relax from the culturally imposed pressures.
By Richard Reeve
The opportunity to work with the at-risk teens and the families we serve at the Family Foundation School is a privilege none of us takes for granted. The challenges we encounter on a daily basis provide everyone involved, students, parents and staff, an opportunity for growth and development.
Likewise we are thankful for the challenges we face as an organization since they to are the vehicle of growth. We have faced challenges on many fronts – the economy, our critics, the inner dynamic to evolve without loosing our core values, and although these are stressful and challenging, they have also caused us to refocus, come together, re-examine, redefine – and get stronger as a result.
As the turkey dinner gets set here at The Family Foundation School today, we remain mindful that one goal of our work is to restore family relationships which have been strained and broken, hoping for future holiday’s that will embody harmony within families that today are experiencing separation.
Each day we witness multiple miracles. Sometimes they take the form of a student resolving a resentment; or a new found willingness to try a different manner of living. Perhaps its a turning point that gains acceptance with self and others. Central to these moments is always a change of heart. May the Thanksgiving holiday bring with it for each of us a furthering of the change of heart that results in healthy-mindedness, sobriety…recovery.
(Throughout the day, posts of gratitude from our staff can be read here.)
Study links teen drinking and behavioral problems
