As a registered nurse I am able to observe and serve in many capacities. I have noticed that many young adults, adolescent and children are not using their five senses to navigate through the world. As a result they are not able to cope or communicate effectively with others, because of abuse and neglect by adults. As a result these individuals have anger issues, anxiety, depression or trust issues, and may become homicidal or suicidal.
Parents do not have the tools or the patience to assist their children with these issues. Many of them are not parenting and leaving their children to their own devices. Some of these parents are refusing to pick up their children from the mental health facility after treatment. Thus leaving them in state custody just reinforces their depression and trust issues.
It is apparent that family counseling is essential for many of these families. Psychiatry facilities interact with families but they are not set up to offer intense family therapy. One or two sessions of family therapy is not effective. If the medical community does not embrace treating the family as well as the patient, we will continue to have this revolving door of patients that can not cope. This could be addressed in an outpatient setting.
I am not saying all children admitted to psych facilities have the same issues but many on them have been abused by adults and not parented in a positive way causing depression, anxiety and anger resulting in suicidal or homicidal ideation.
Currently, patients with mental health issues are treated for approximately 10-14 days in a facility if they are homicidal or suicidal. After treatment they are discharged back into the same environment, and some times the parents or guardian refuse to pick them up. If the children age out of the system, (over 18) and not suicidal or homicidal they may become homeless, resulting in other issues.
They are often readmitted back to another facility within 30 to 90 days with the same behavior, and it become a revolving door, especially if they do not take the prescribed medication.
Corporations now manage many mental facilities, and do not listen to health care professionals about effective treatment. Everything is profit oriented. At one time children were not given a diagnosis of schizophrenia because it was known that they have vivid imaginations and may have imaginary friends. Now it is a common diagnosis for children so it can be billed.
Capitalism has it place but it is not a great incentive in healthcare, because we all suffer. Strong mental health is essential for a productive community. The Governor in my state reduced mental funds, so apparently is not a state priority.
If you or someone you know had thoughts of suicide please get some assistance and call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. “The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States” (988 Lifeline, 2023).
References
988 Lifeline
Houston Suicide Support: 832-416-1177
All Things Health and Wellness 