Reply to How Do We Fix The Mental Health Crisis Among Affluent Teens?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think it starts young. Child is struggling a little in school...rush to get a diagnosis and meds. Child is struggling emotionally...rush to the shrink and meds. Parents are always trying to fix things instead of being patient and teaching coping mechanisms. [/quote]

You don’t think therapists teach coping mechanisms?[/quote]

I didn't say that therapists don't teach coping mechanisms. I said that parents rush to therapists/psychiatrists instead of trying to teach their kids coping mechanisms themselves. So many parents want a quick fix for their kids problems instead of realizing that kids may just be going through a phase or are maturing at a different rate than peers. These kids go from ADHD drugs to SSRIs to anti-anxiety meds...all by the time their 15 years old. I'm not saying that their aren't some kids for whom these medications are essential. But anyone who thinks there's not a ton of overdiagnosing going on these days is kidding themselves. [/quote]

Well said.[/quote]

And yet, every time a kid fails at school or struggles at an activity, there is a chorus of voices, including non-parents like teachers or coaches, blaming parents for their kids' struggles. You can't be both hands-off in promoting resilience and solely responsible for your kids' struggles. It's time that we examine the role that all adults, not just parents, play in perpetuating this cycle.[/quote]

Resilience has nothing to do with anxiety and depression and maybe  that is the  problem.  Parents are ultimately responsible for their child's needs and  that includes mental health.  If  your child is having  a mental health issue, you take them for an evaluation and therapy and do  family therapy as well.  Then, you reach  out to  the school and do what ever is equal to  an IEP/504 at your school.[/quote]

I think most parents do this, but the reality is that the process is not at all as simplistic as you lay it out to be. Nor is it cheap. Couple on the inter generational  nature of mental illness and the likelihood that HHI parents are also managing careers in order to pay for said therapies. It’s massive burden.

Something’s gotta give, and that’s what we are seeing. [/quote]

Low income have Medicaid which pays and other free resources.  This is not an income issue.  It’s a time issue.  Parents need to find help, take the kids and make changes at home to better meet the kids needs.   High hhi have zero excuse and if your career is the priority over your kids then it’s clear where your priorities are.  Kids need involved parents.  Kids, even teens need that 1-1 time and support.  [/quote]

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