Have babies, young kids and adolescents always had health and mental issues that were somewhat ignored in the past; or, has there been an increase in problems lately? Substance abuse (i.e. drug addiction); eating disorders, depression, inability to learn, anti-social tendencies and an ever growing list of mental disorders with unique acronyms; all seem to be on the rise. Or were they present all along and we are now better equipped to recognize them for what they are?
Is There Anything To Blame?
We read reports that put the blame for many of today’s disorders on changes in the way we eat – additives in food; genetically modified crops; etc, etc. Others put our current ailments down to environmental problems like pollution and global warming. Another culprit is said to be the way that TV, movies and computer games have taken over our minds leading to unhealthy attitudes – especially amongst the young; this may also have led to a breakdown in family values. Personally, I feel that any (and all) such factors might play a part; but, huge leaps in diagnostics and wider knowledge and recognition of a problem’s existence have caused us to now be much more aware of such matters.
Now We Know It; How Should We Deal With It?
Fortunately; another thing that has changed over recent years is that more help is now available for more people. Any parent who starts to notice behavior patterns in their kids that are, somehow, marking them as different from other kids in the neighborhood; no longer has to ignore or struggle with the problem on their own.
The medical profession from the family doctor right up to the hospital specialists can now diagnose and treat conditions that were largely ignored in the past. Furthermore, the fields of psychology and psychoanalysis have likewise progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. This has led to a far wider acceptance of those who treat mental disorders.
Not so long ago; considerable stigma was attached to consulting any sort of psychologist; or, agreeing to submit to therapy from a psychoanalyst. Today, we view these as a normal part of looking after the welfare of our whole family. Particularly as an essential part of helping anyone with any type of ailment lies in early recognition of the problem so that effective treatment can be applied at the earliest date.
Concerned parents in Minnesota can now seek advice on Childrens Therapy in Minneapolis from well established and professionally staffed organizations like Options Family & Behavior Services.
