Hi TOK List,
As you know, I have been tracking the
mental health crisis in our youth. Here is a brief op-ed in
the times reviewing some of the disconcerting data on
depression and suicide rates among teens.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/opinion/suicide-young-people.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_200107?campaign_id=2&instance_id=14975&segment_id=20104&user_id=8e4f03af2447d5adeb5069c9fb9bdf47®i_id=352238940107
It is by a psychiatrist, and, as is too
often the case in psychiatry, depression is characterized in
the piece as a disease like entity. Indeed, the author seems
to believe that if we would only prescribe more meds, teen
mental health would be better. I strongly disagree.
I also believe the piece is a good
reminder why we need clear and straightforward discussions on
what depression IS. FYI, I was invited to do an NPR academic
minute on this topic, which will becoming out in march. Here
are the takes if you want to get ahead of the release
😊.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dms79kvhllm5mmt/AAAVQPmCkLBwLok1gKghcFipa?dl=0
Here is the basic question I would ask
regarding these alarming rates:
Are we raising our children in an anti-fragile way that
fosters in them the capacity to grow into adults who can
love, play, and work with deep purpose?
Here is what the kindergarten teachers are
saying about the job we are doing in the schools:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201912/kindergarten-teachers-are-quitting-and-here-is-why
Best,
Gregg
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