We have come a long way in lowering the stigma against mental illness and promoting awareness of mood disorders.
Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. One of the problems is that the laws that were put in place to avoid abuse of those who have a mental illness can often keep them from getting the help that they desperately need.
Take the case of Jared Loughner. read more here
Although he was indicted for the shootings in Arizona and will probably spend the rest of his life behind bars, will he receive the mental health treatment that he so badly needs?
It should have never come to this. The tragedy should never have happened. Although many recognized Jared to be someone who did not "fit in" to society and exhibited unacceptable behavior, he was an adult. No one can force treatment upon an adult.
That is a part of the problem. Although violent behavior by the mentally ill only occurs in about 3% of patients, that is 3% too much.
A young adult who is undiagnosed or refuses treatment (which is their right) can lead an unproductive and often criminal life. They commit crimes such as theft and they indulge in illegal drug use.
A parent of a young adult who is out of control due to a mood disorder cannot do much to force treatment. All a parent can do is refuse to enable their adult child. This often means that the relationship becomes broken and the parent spends many sleepless nights worrying about what their adult child's fate will be. Tough love can be hard to live with but it is better than enabling their behavior.
This is why it is so important for parents of teenagers to recognize when something is "off" with their teen's behavior. If you can catch a problem before the teen reaches legal age, there is a better chance of avoiding their self-destruction when they reach adulthood.
How to recognize depression symptoms in your teen can help to save them from themselves. Teens who do not receive treatment often turn to drugs or even suicide.
There is help out there for parents of teens who need a mental health evaluation. Where to find mental health treatment is not difficult. Local and state agencies have resources and if you are insured, your insurance companies website has resources also.
Looking the other way when you feel that something is just not right with your teen's behavior could escalate into tragedy in the future. Mood disorders are treatable mental illnesses. Ignoring them will not make them go away.
Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. One of the problems is that the laws that were put in place to avoid abuse of those who have a mental illness can often keep them from getting the help that they desperately need.
Take the case of Jared Loughner. read more here
Although he was indicted for the shootings in Arizona and will probably spend the rest of his life behind bars, will he receive the mental health treatment that he so badly needs?
It should have never come to this. The tragedy should never have happened. Although many recognized Jared to be someone who did not "fit in" to society and exhibited unacceptable behavior, he was an adult. No one can force treatment upon an adult.
That is a part of the problem. Although violent behavior by the mentally ill only occurs in about 3% of patients, that is 3% too much.
A young adult who is undiagnosed or refuses treatment (which is their right) can lead an unproductive and often criminal life. They commit crimes such as theft and they indulge in illegal drug use.
A parent of a young adult who is out of control due to a mood disorder cannot do much to force treatment. All a parent can do is refuse to enable their adult child. This often means that the relationship becomes broken and the parent spends many sleepless nights worrying about what their adult child's fate will be. Tough love can be hard to live with but it is better than enabling their behavior.
This is why it is so important for parents of teenagers to recognize when something is "off" with their teen's behavior. If you can catch a problem before the teen reaches legal age, there is a better chance of avoiding their self-destruction when they reach adulthood.
How to recognize depression symptoms in your teen can help to save them from themselves. Teens who do not receive treatment often turn to drugs or even suicide.
There is help out there for parents of teens who need a mental health evaluation. Where to find mental health treatment is not difficult. Local and state agencies have resources and if you are insured, your insurance companies website has resources also.
Looking the other way when you feel that something is just not right with your teen's behavior could escalate into tragedy in the future. Mood disorders are treatable mental illnesses. Ignoring them will not make them go away.
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