Teaching our children.....

Here are two articles that discuss teaching children about mental illness:  http://bit.ly/12RIvBk and http://bit.ly/12tyyPs.   One focuses on what to say to a child about the mental illness of other people.  The other discusses what to say to a child about mental illness if they are struggling with mental illness. Or if they simply fear that they might be mentally ill.  I think this a really good set of suggestions.  And I also think that having discussions with your children is important.  All children have some contact with mental illness as they grow up.  Whether it is seeing someone talking to themselves on the street or watching the reports on TV, it is out there.  And of course, many children experience the mental illness of a loved one.  If you have been a longer-term reader of my blog, you have read my story about dealing with the mental illness of Maxine.  My Mom was severely and chronically mentally ill.  Among the memories I have about coping with Maxine and her illness, there aren’t any about an understanding adult talking to me about what mental illness is.  Any knowledge I have was obtained through my own efforts and experiences. I believe that knowledge is power.  If we can provide children with knowledge, they will be better able to cope.  As the article points out, we may also see decreases in stigma.  Compassion can be taught.  

What did I find most important as I read this article?  Well, first of all I was struck by the thought that this is really like discussing sex with your child.  Ignoring your responsibility to educate your child can be destructive in the long run.  And secondly, I was very aware that the content of your conversation with your child is very important.  You can increase the child’s fear of mental illness as easily as you can pass on comfort and understanding.  Stigma can also be taught.  If you are a parent, you have an incredible opportunity.  You can create a new generation that has an understanding of what mental illness is.  What (and how) you teach your child can result in a society that looks at mental illness in a different way.  This could be the last generation that fears and abuses the mentally ill.  What a concept!

On a personal level, this type of approach really appeals to me.  I think that we have significantly advanced our knowledge of what mental illness is and how to treat it since my grandmother and mother were so seriously ill.  There is hope today.  While we still have a long way to go, there is possibility.  If we educate our children appropriately, we are passing on that possibility to a new generation.  I would have benefitted greatly from hearing reassurance from the adults caring for me.  I would like to see dialogue on a national and personal level that allows children the opportunity to deal with mental illness in a more reasonable and realistic way.  We need to acknowledge the fear and discomfort that families go through as they live with mental illness, while still providing hope and access to solutions.  Our children will truly benefit.  As will the mentally ill.  

Please read the articles.  They provide common sense ideas about how to talk to your children. I recommend the ideas presented in the articles wholeheartedly. As we debate mental illness on a national level, I think that we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and our children. Let me know what you think after you read the articles.