Ask Liz Week - Teens Heading for Mental Health Crisis?
Moultrie NewsMar 13, 2018
I caught a part of a story about teen depression screening on
Mom of 11 year old twins
Dear “Mom,”
That was great news from the
Safely plan for depression. Parents remove access to lethal means of acting out like weapons. And for pediatricians to have updated training on this critical assessment process. Great question. And prayers for you entering the world of teenagers times two.
If something bad happened to me as a child, but I am fine now-happy and healthy in my life, do I really have to tell? I’m 38 now.
Curious, concerned
Dear “Curious, concerned,”
Important question. And how wonderful that you have managed to overcome the issue enough to have a meaningful fulfilling life. People who have other stability in life be it family, faith, good friends and activities have more resilience and therefore can have no lasting negative effects. In the case of child abuse, if an abuser still has access to children, it is critical for other children to be protected. Abuse, especially sexual abuse, can cross generations because people don’t speak up appropriately. Many times it is out of fear or need to protect the abuser. There is a good saying, “families are as sick as their secrets.” I always recommend professional guidance on how (and who) for adults to report so it is safe and properly accepted and proper action taken. Children need age appropriate information about personal safety as well (such as understanding private parts boundaries and the difference between good touch, bad touch and confusing touch - and who to tell.) For internal mental health, the test is: if intruding thoughts, memories, dreams or flashbacks contaminate your life, you are not done with the issue and need loving appropriate treatment by a licensed professional.