Some tough lines about children's mental health

Here is a very informative story about the mental health crisis facing children in this nation. It is important to raise awareness of this concern, especially since today is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. The article discusses how love is the healing energy that has transformed so many lives of neglected children.

http://www.minnpost.com/donshelby/2011/05/03/27933/some_tough_lines_about_childrens_mental_health

"It breaks you down when you are helpless to make your own child smile. We cling to a belief that childhood is supposed to be a happy time. The facts prove otherwise. Mental, behavioral and social problems steal happy childhoods from thousands of kids in our communities. The worst part of the story is that we blame the child. We hear, “He has a behavior problem. She acts out.” Our society often punishes the children, when what they need is the help of people a lot smarter than I am".

For those of us who are mental health professionals, this article is filled with facts and information about The Washburn Center for Children in Minnesota whose outreach is far and wonderful.