In this column I am going to provide resources and leads to information, particularly on the world wide web. I prefer to do this instead of writing a regular column because there is so much valuable information already written that there is no need for me to re-invent the wheel. Also, this gives you a wider scope and access to more information than I can provide in one article. You may also want to bookmark some of the sources for referring to later on as issues come up for you.
A. What is a mentally healthy mind?
It is difficult to define it in a few words. It is more important to recognize when a person is functioning with a mentally healthy mind and when emotional distress is affecting him or her. Two articles help to understand :
1. From http://www.solveyourproblem.com/artman/p... Raising Mentally Healthy Children By: J. Bailey Molineux, Ph.D. Jan 23, 2003, 14:17
In this article Dr. Mollineus refers to two qualities that contribute to children's mental health- "The first is self-love, the quiet, inner sense that a person has about herself that she is a competent, valuable person who is worthy of giving and receiving love." And the second is "a sense of responsibility for one's own behavior".
He describes mentally healthy children are being able to face and handle most of the shocks and setbacks they receive in life and able to prevent themselves from behaving in ways that would hurt themselves and others.
2. From: http://www.holonnet.com/hiramoto/e-jouta... Author unknown proposes the following indexes as conditions and aims that must be fulfilled or should be pursued, for keeping mental health.
Ø Adapting to one's environment positively.
Ø Controling one's behaviour by one's will - one can stop the actions that hurt oneself and others.
Ø Aiming to live a life that is in accordance with one's character.
Ø Aiming to be independent of others.
Ø Trying to integrate one's mind.
Ø The mind as a whole should be growing up.- The nutrition for mental growth should be given, such as love, delight, satisfaction, being moved emotionally, laughter, contact with other's warmth and so on.
B. Mental Health in Children.
1. From: http://www.pacer.org/ebd/ebdart.htm Pacer Center: Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights. "Does my child have an emotional or behavioral disorder?" A very comprehensive article including- what to look for, cultural considerations, seeking assessment and the importance of early intervention for young children. Makes important points, e.g.:
. Ø When is the behavior 'normal' for children moving from one stage of development to another or when is it cause for concern; how one family may see the behavior as normal and another may be concerned. E.g. "For instance, children who have frequent, severe temper outbursts or who destroy toys may appear to have a serious problem to some parents, while others see the same behavior as asserting independence or showing leadership skills."
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