Mental Illness And Its Effect On Children

Mental illness has become a major public health issue in our society. It is estimated that mental illness will affect 25% of us at some time in our lives. Many children will grow up with a parent or relative, who at some point, will have a mental illness that will affect the family as a whole. Although most of these illnesses may be mild and short lived, they will have adverse effects on the children of that family. The children may become withdrawn and also find it difficult to concentrate on their school work. They may have to look after a sick parent or take care of younger brothers and sisters. They may be worried or ashamed of their parent's or family member's illness or behavior. There is also evidence that links parental mental illness to the mistreatment of children. I had an uncle who suffered from a bipolar disorder for most of my childhood. I can remember being afraid of him because I couldn't understand why or how his moods and personality would change so drastically. Mental illness in the United States is quite high compared to other countries. In the United States the only people really getting the proper treatment are those with the most money. Compared to Canada, Chile, Germany, and the Netherlands, the US has the lowest rate of treatment for mental illness. Canada is said to be the best country to live in for receiving benefits of their public services. As educators, care givers, and advocates for children, I think that it is very important for us to be able to interact with the families of the children we serve. Therefore we must be prepared to offer help or provide resources to families that will help them be more successful in the family life and healthy development of their children.

Gadit, A. (2007). Mental health model:comparison between a developed and a developing country. Journal of Medicine,1(1). Retrieved from www.scientificjournals.org.

Huntsman, L. (November 2008). Parents with mental health issues:consequences for children and effectiveness of interventions designed to assist children and their families. Centre for Parenting & Research.

Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2004). Parents with mental illness:the problems for children. Mental Health and Growing Up Factsheet. Retrieved from www.rcpsych.ac.uk.

The Birthing Experience

The experience of having a baby in China is much different then having one in a western country. Routine and free prenatal care is limited in some areas. Technically it is also illegal for the those giving the ultrasound to disclose the gender of the fetus. Many hospitals in China only give epidurals for those having cesarean births and women labor together in one room. This type of system may not allow for many family members to be present during a delivery. A similarity to the United States is that cesarean births have risen since the 1970s. Chinese doctors may also be very pushy to foreigners and not want to comply to your wants. As I read the information about having a baby in China, it made me realize what I took for granted during my pregnancy and birthing experience. My OBGYN made me feel relaxed and informed as a new expectant mother. I found out the gender of my son early own with no problems and had natural childbirth by choice. I also have had friends who have had their entire families present during the birth of their children. Some were even videoed.

The Joy of My Life!

On Sunday, September 29, 1996 at 8:29am my life changed forever! This is when my little miracle Kenneth Leroy Glover, Jr. was born. I guess I had a very easy delivery...only two hours of labor. He is my only natural born child. My husband and sister in law witnessed his delivery. They were both very supportive. I was scared since he was my first and excited at the same time. I remember my husband having a lot of nervous energy because he talked a lot! I thought to myself...man can he just shut up! I also remember being very tried and wanting to sleep after his birth.

NOTE TO ALL OF MY WALDEN FRIENDS!

Thank you for visitng my blog site.  I hope to build a wonderful relationship with you as we take this journey together.