We recently read an article published by Dr. Ovid, a pediatric neurologist, who warned of a “silent tragedy that is unfolding in our homes today.” The tragedy is MENTAL ILLNESS. He provided these statistics in his article: 1 in 5 children have mental health issues; 43% increase in ADHD; 37% increase in teenage depression; and 200% increase in the suicide rate among children aged 10 to 14.
We have discussed the cause of this in many of our prior articles. The face-down, device-addicted lifestyle of the youth (and adults) is killing them. Couple this with the current American family lifestyle and we have a generation of young people spiraling out of control.
Dr. Ovid states that kids of today are over-stimulated and over-given material objects but are deprived of the foundations of a healthy childhood, such as emotionally available parents; clearly defined boundaries; responsibilities; balanced nutrition and adequate sleep; movement, in general, but especially outdoors; healthy social interaction; and spaces for down time.
He goes on to say that the last few years have shown us “digitally distracted parents,” who pamper and let children be the ones who make the rules; a sense of law, to earn everything without earning it or being responsible for getting it; inappropriate sleep and unbalanced nutrition; a sedentary lifestyle; endless stimulation, technological teddy bears, instant gratification and absence of boring moments. That may sound harsh, but we see it every day with our patients and our patients’ children.
It is time to act and not let this phenomenon run out of control. We cannot sit back and just assume something is going to change. We cannot stress the answer to these issues more than we can today. Set boundaries and become the captain of the ship. You and the kids need to adopt healthy lifestyles – permanently. Dump the junk, dramatically reduce sugar, cook at home, eat your veggies, and regularly sit down to meals together; and disconnect so you can connect.
As we have said many times over – movement is life! Get outside! Ride your bikes, go fishing, walk the beach, take up bird watching, swim in the Gulf/pool, go camping/hiking, rent some kayaks and paddle the seas – the options are endless, especially here in SW FL.
At home, we cannot recommend more highly to shut off the television. We do not have television in our home – and certainly not in our living room. You may think that is radical. Remember, you are what you put into your body and mind. Watching most TV is not good for your mental and physical health and that of your children. Instead of watching TV, play games or do a puzzle together, cook something together, read (READ!!) – stimulate your brains! Dramatically reducing television and other device use has been shown to significantly improve mental health. Don’t use devices to cure boredom and keep kids (or yourselves) entertained. It may actually be time to go to bed. Make sure to get 7-9 hours of restful sleep. Use everyday life experiences to teach kids how to overcome life’s challenges, develop patience, work hard, think critically, and take responsibility. When teaching children these things, we must also embrace them.
Train children to stop thinking only of themselves. The biggest cure for most things is giving to others. Teach them basic manners – say please and thank you, open doors for others, apologize when wrong, and give hugs. Connect with your kids and put down YOUR phones!
The future is in our hands. Let’s make a difference for good!
