Significant strides have been made recently in reducing the stigma and shame associated with seeking mental health treatment, both in our community and nationally.
Locally, Tykes & Teens alone has more than 900 active clients. While it can seem concerning that so many youth in our community are receiving counseling, this is a positive step, as parents are seeking help sooner when early intervention can impact brain development and prevent more severe mental and physical health issues later on.
While there is more awareness than ever before, we still have a long way to go in changing perceptions about mental health. Mental health is simply brain health. Many people are not aware of the science behind the causes and treatment options, and the startling link between compromised mental health and a shortened life span. According to the Adverse Childhood Experience Study (ACEstudy.org), children who are exposed to traumatic experiences at a young age are at a much greater risk for negative health outcomes as adults. These adverse experiences are: neglect, physical or sexual abuse, parent incarceration, parent substance use, domestic violence and parent mental illness.
[For more of this story, written by Jeffrey Shearer, go to http://www.tcpalm.com/opinion/...0007f-380147071.html]
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