In this study, which was published Nov 13, 2020 on the CDC website, it was found that ER visits for mental health issues increased 24% in children ages 5–11 and 31% in those ages 12–17 compared to the same time period in 2019. Although we may disagree on how to deal with the spread of SARS-Cov-2, I hope we can all agree that this is very alarming.
Unfortunately, many of these encounters with the system will result in children being put on psychiatric medications that have serious side effects. Giving a child a pill is like putting a bandaid on a gaping wound that is being caused by the continued elimination of in person education. It is coming at the expense of our children's learning as well as their mental and emotional well being. Young people need in person interaction with their peers, as do people of any age, but for them it is particularly crucial, since their brains are developing and changing rapidly until their mid-20's.
Psychiatric medications essentially cause a biochemical imbalance in the body, including the brain. Despite what you have heard, there is no biochemical imbalance associated with any mental health diagnosis. Not a one, not even with schizophrenia. But drugs do cause biochemical imbalances and brain changes. For some people, this seems to improve how they feel. Eventually, though, because the body is always trying to get back to homeostasis, the brain will adapt such that it seems the drug is no longer "working," which will result in the dosage of the drug being increased or a new drug being added to the regimen.
I am for freedom of choice, but I believe psychiatric medication should only be used as a last resort, and only with fully informed consent of the person taking it. Sadly, a child cannot give informed consent, and they are dependent upon their parents to be looking out for their best interests. Unfortunately,parents are often not fully informed about the risks of psychiatric medications and the more effective/less dangerous alternatives to pills.
Unfortunately, many of these encounters with the system will result in children being put on psychiatric medications that have serious side effects. Giving a child a pill is like putting a bandaid on a gaping wound that is being caused by the continued elimination of in person education. It is coming at the expense of our children's learning as well as their mental and emotional well being. Young people need in person interaction with their peers, as do people of any age, but for them it is particularly crucial, since their brains are developing and changing rapidly until their mid-20's.
Psychiatric medications essentially cause a biochemical imbalance in the body, including the brain. Despite what you have heard, there is no biochemical imbalance associated with any mental health diagnosis. Not a one, not even with schizophrenia. But drugs do cause biochemical imbalances and brain changes. For some people, this seems to improve how they feel. Eventually, though, because the body is always trying to get back to homeostasis, the brain will adapt such that it seems the drug is no longer "working," which will result in the dosage of the drug being increased or a new drug being added to the regimen.
I am for freedom of choice, but I believe psychiatric medication should only be used as a last resort, and only with fully informed consent of the person taking it. Sadly, a child cannot give informed consent, and they are dependent upon their parents to be looking out for their best interests. Unfortunately,parents are often not fully informed about the risks of psychiatric medications and the more effective/less dangerous alternatives to pills.
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