Mental Health

Mental illness is a bitch. Nonetheless, I contend that mental health is not based on nature like many new theorists like to believe but based on nurture. Mental illness is the rare wild card that hits people in their young adulthood. It hits when people should be at their brightest and best. Watch out for:

Creative types- I'm talking about writers, musicians, painters, sculpters. These people feel deeply and in turn use their craft to bless the world in a beautiful way.  I contend that you cannot find one real artist that wasn't crazy and needed meds to get them through the day...and eventually killed themselves. And...the better their craft the more sensitive they are.

Deep thinkers- These people tend to be natural leaders. They may be ministers or professors (or wanna-bes). They are very intelligent.They always have a well thought out theory about everything. They are naturally more serious and contemplative.

Introverts

Those who very sensitive

Those who have a history of abuse or neglect in their childhood.

Most people who suffer from mental illness may be three or more of these types. If you see a child who has some of these traits, WATCH THEM for early signs. I really believe parents need to keep a journal for each of their children for when things come up. I believe people may be more susceptible but its usually an event that tips them overboard. If your child is quiet, were they always quiet or did something happen to make them go into their shell (divorce, mom now working, being at a new day care facility)? If your child is naturally more serious or sensitive than others, that is fine. Just encourage them to laugh and enjoy life. They need to be trained to lighten up. A major part of mental illness is taking oneself entirely too seriously.