Common Sense

Photo credit: www.usatoday.com

Washington, DC has become a place of sound bites, posturing, and token measures meant to appease as opposed to addressing issues in a meaningful way. Next week I head to Washington, DC for the annual meeting of the Child Welfare League of America. As part of the conference, delegates will walk the halls of Congress advocating for the needs of vulnerable children and families. Without exception, we will get a cordial reception by all our elected officials. Their staff will acknowledge our contribution to the field, our indispensable services, and assure us that they will advocate for those we serve. However, even the most effective of our legislators, like Representative Karen Bass, are up against a system that is driven by priorities that do not include the needs of those for whom we care.

The current debate on “gun control” is the most recent example. Will the modest measures that have survived the winnowing legislative process make any difference? Without being too skeptical, I suggest that more attention has been placed on the actual process than the intended outcome. As a result, no measurable benefit will come from whatever legislation may emerge. Perhaps less legislation and more common sense measures is the answer.

How can we address maintaining a secure society let alone one that is safe for our children without addressing the need for resources to provide adequate care for those who are most vulnerable? For many, they are made vulnerable by crisis and trauma that impact their mental health. Mental illness is an epidemic in our country that barely is recognized. The majority of those suffering mental illness are untreated either because of a failure to diagnose or limited access to care. Those experiencing mental illness are not to be feared; treatment can be very effective. But without an awareness of the illness and the necessary resources to provide effective interventions, it can be deadly!

I can only hope that the lack of mention of the need to reinforce the mental health service delivery system in the gun control debate is an attempt to appropriately disconnect the two and develop legislation that exclusively addresses the resources needed to adequately provide good and quality mental health services.

Common sense dictates that we keep guns out of the hands of those who would do us harm. Common sense motivates us to keep those most vulnerable safe. Common sense helps us to establish priorities in allocating precious resources to address the most vulnerable effectively.

At the end of the day, measures in Sacramento, CA and Washington, DC are important, but never a substitute for common sense and the commitment of each of us to hold the safety and security of our society, and especially our children, as a priority.

Now is the time!

One of the most disturbing revelations I have heard in the 25 years of working with very vulnerable children was from a young boy in a residential program who mentioned to me that he had been abused at gun point. This encounter led me to ask: what drives someone to be so abusive? Why is a child the object of such violence? How does someone so disturbed have access to a gun?

The answer to the last question is that guns of all sorts are easily accessible in our society. As a nation we have lost Presidents and, most recently, innocent children to gun violence and we have yet to effectively address this issue. Perhaps the senseless act of violence in Newtown, Connecticut just a month ago will prompt some action. I can only hope that this is the case and that we can muster the resolve and courage as a nation to insist that our elected officials act. 

Violence is part of our human experience; it is a reality that we confront daily on our street corners, in our homes, in places near and far. For those we serve at Hillsides such violence is the cause of the trauma that they experience and the root of the disturbances that they display. The mental health issues that we address are typically based on this trauma.

Understandably the Newtown deaths have called attention to the mental health of the perpetrators of gun violence. While it is a concern and must be addressed as part of a comprehensive solution to such violence, it is just one element of an overall approach.  It is important to understand that the vast majority of those who suffer from some form of mental illness are, more often than not, the victims of violence and not the perpetrators of it.

More than anything else, it is important to address mental illness as any other health issue. Health is restored when ailments are quickly identified and treatment is sustained. The same is true with regard to mental health. The issue really is that mental illness is often denied and minimalized with the hope that it will pass. As a result, the vast majority of people with mental illness do not receive treatment. The lack of resources to effectively address the demand for care only makes the situation more critical.

The tragedy in Newtown has prompted all us to take seriously the role we have to play in supporting members of our families and community who may be suffering from mental illness. This is a time for us to be attentive to those among us who are vulnerable and need some assistance. This is a time for us to be supportive of measures to increase access to mental health services. This is a time for us to insist that the appropriate resources are made available to effectively treat those who are experiencing some form of mental illness. This is a time for us to do everything we can to eliminate gun-related violence.

Senseless?

There is no good explanation for the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. There are no simple answers to the question: How can we prevent this from happening again?  Efforts to pin blame are ineffective and serve only to vent our anger. It will be awhile before emotions subside and we are free to examine the situation. However, already some indisputable facts are clear:

• Only one third of those diagnosed with mental health disorders in this country are treated.
• Violence is ubiquitous in our culture.
• Assault weapons are incredibly accessible.

Twenty “angels” and their “guardians” perished as these realities came together and brought evil upon a most unlikely place. 

Mental illness continues to be an unspoken disorder that more often than not goes undiagnosed and when diagnosed untreated because of a lack of resources, the fear of stigma and denial. Very successful therapies are available to address mental illness. Like any illness, the sooner the issue is diagnosed and treatment initiated and sustained the greater likelihood of success. Only when we begin to treat mental illness as any other life altering or threatening disease can we begin to hope that it will cease to be a factor in such a horrific event as the massacre at Sandy Hook.

When mental illness is ignored in a society where violence is considered entertainment disaster is inevitable. Maybe I was especially sensitized to this because of the events of this past week, but as I sat in a movie theater Saturday, I was impressed by how ubiquitous violence has become in our culture and how entertaining it is. Although no studies indicate a relationship between violence on the screen with actual acts of violence, I don’t think I am risking my credibility by suggesting that there may be a correlation.

Why are we an armed society? This question is not an affront to the 2^nd Amendment. The right to bear arms for either personal defense or sport does not require the kind of military like assault guns that have been used in these most heinous crimes. In the most recent cases where assault weapons destroyed innocent lives, they were obtained legally. Some gun shops indicated that sale of the same kind of assault rifle has multiplied significantly in the days since the Sandy Hook incident. How can that be? How can the instrument of such violence become the gift of choice for Christmas? Surely we must understand that the proliferation of assault weapons will only lead to more senseless violence.

As we mourn, testimonials have emerged to the innocence and vitality of these “angels” and their heroic “guardians.” May they be more than heartfelt expressions of grief but become a reason for our resolve to address the issues that contributed to this tragedy.  To take no action is to be party to future atrocities.

Mitigating Tragedy

Once again, the nation is shocked dealing with the absurdity of a mass shooting rampage in Aurora, Colorado. The senseless nature of the act is mind boggling. At some level, we have become disabled by the shear magnitude of such violence. How can such a bright, capable graduate student defy all typical expectations associated with someone like him to become the perpetrator of the worst mass shoot in our history?

On one of the recent news programs, a former FBI profiler questioned whether an insanity plea could be argued in defense of the shooter because he was so rational and intentional in executing his plan for mass destruction and chaos. As I sat there listening to the commentary, I was struck with the reality that reason sometimes has nothing to do with sanity.

For those of us involved in the mental health field for many years, the profile of this young man is not unusual. The fact of the matter is that most folks who have any sort of chronic mental illness often begin to display it as they approach adulthood. Sullen, withdrawn behavior that may have been excused as a phase of adolescents can indeed be an indicator of mental illness and often comes as a surprise to those closest to the individual. I don’t know the details surrounding the shooter’s life to analyze his mental health state, but it certainly seems to me that it is a factor in understanding how such an otherwise nondescript graduate student could achieve such infamy.

I do not offer these observations in any way to excuse the violence or to suggest leniency, but rather to raise the question that seems to be missing in the discussion. What is the mental state of this young man? How does it influence our understanding of this tragedy? How can we prevent a recurrence?

As we move from shock to understanding and hopefully resolve to avoid repetition of this kind of situation, I suggest that we adopt a greater vigilance when it comes to the mental health of our young people. There is no need to become paranoid, but rather attentive to be a true resource that supports the well-being of our youth. A mental health diagnosis continues to bring with it tremendous stigma. Incredibly, in some sectors, it is almost taboo to consider a mental health disorder. Like a physical illness, mental health requires attention to be preventative and offer successful treatment.

Lost in the debate is perhaps the most reasonable solution. Screening for mental illness should be as routine as an annual physical, not by way of exception. Physicians, educators, families need to recognize the signs of a mental health disorder and feel free to seek treatment. Resources needed for treatment are required and may just be the best investment in riding the nation of this kind of heartbreak.

Happy Birthday Hillsides

According to our documents of incorporation, Hillsides was established on September 8, 1913 making it 98 years old! In just a couple of years we will mark our centennial and there is a committee of our Board of Directors already anticipating the event.

We sometimes find the enterprise of providing services to such vulnerable children and their families very overwhelming, but at least, we have a well established donor community, an organization that is competent with a great reputation, and a publicly funded social service system in place. So I can just imagine how daunting it must have been for Deaconess Wile, our founder, to have begun this work from scratch.

As we prepare for the centennial, we are combing through a lot of memorabilia and, in particular, I am interested in everything and anything that can offer an insight into the life of this remarkable woman. We know she was a woman of remarkable faith and that she saw her dedication to orphaned children as an expression of her beliefs and values. As such even today, although there is no sectarian agenda, the values she espoused continue to serve as the bedrock of the organization. She believed in the singular value of each child no matter what their history or circumstances. She was driven by the dream of providing a home for these underprivileged children and amazingly generated the resources that initiated what is today Hillsides.

Much has changed since 1913, but some things have not--our commitment to all the children and families we serve, helping them to understand their inherent value and their potential for a full and healthy life. Ninety- eight years later the tradition continues of being a resource for the children and families of our day who need assistance in a time of crisis.

Thank you, Deaconess Wile, for your vision, stamina and unwavering commitment. As friends and donors of Hillsides, know that your support continues to honor the dedication of this remarkable woman. She is the best example we have of someone, who in spite of the challenges, persevered and was successful. This hope is precisely what we pass on to all we serve.

Green Exercise Boosts Self-Esteem and Moods

An apple a day isn’t the only thing that might keep the doctor away. Try spending five minutes of exercise outside to boost your self-esteem and mental health. In a United Kingdom study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, evidence showed that green exercise, which is activity in the presence of nature, leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. The study also indicated that exercise in the presence of water generated greater effects. More so, self-esteem improvements were greatest in children and emotionally challenged individuals.

We understand the importance that Mother Nature has on our children. From boosting self-esteem to lifting behavioral moods, our children and youth receive serendipitous benefits during their summer camp experience. Outdoor activities also help children burn off frustration or anxiety.  The outdoors soothes them and they return to the Hillsides campus more relaxed. 

Camping has always been a much anticipated summer outing. Our recreation department schedules several outdoor activities: swimming, archery, wall climbing, hiking, canoeing and fishing. Rotating hour-long activities provides them with the structure and the support they need.  Meal times are consistent with those on our campus, which helps the children maintain the comfort of their routines.

For many of our children Hillsides’ summer camp is the first time they will have enjoyed the great outdoors. With support from several organizations and volunteer groups, we have been able to take residents camping for nearly three decades.  Campers have stayed at various sites over the years, such as Laguna, Dinky Creek, Silverwood, Big Bear, Wrightwood and most recently, Teresita Pines.  

One thing is certain—as Mother Nature plays an important role in providing mental health benefits, our Hillsides friends also play a key role in continuing this longstanding tradition of exploring the outdoors and creating keepsake memories.

Storytelling and More...

The ability to tell your story can be cathartic and that is exactly the experience a number of our students had recently at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. Through the generous support of one of our board members, Lyn Spector, we have had access to a group of storytellers who have helped some of our students and residents express their stories and then see them performed by a cadre of professional actors. The recent event in downtown Los Angeles was different in that over several days the students were actually assisted to tell their stories themselves. The event was made possible through the efforts of The Moth and Participant Media in conjunction with the release of the film, “The Help.”

All the stories had the same theme--standing up, as in standing up for yourself. This theme is very consistent with the story portrayed in “The Help,” when a number of domestic workers come together to tell their stories of service in a still segregated South.

One of our residents recounted his poignant story of struggle, relating the improvement he has achieved and how he reached the difficult decision recently to move on from Hillsides, return home and accept the challenges this move presents. He ended his story by saying, “choices come with costs.” How true! Such an important lesson to learn, this one will serve him well throughout his life.

It is a story of self knowledge, courage, conviction and purpose and it points to one of the greatest gifts we offer our residents--to leave Hillsides enabled to stand up for themselves and understand the personal “costs” that must be calculated with  each decision.

I was inspired by their poise and ability to articulate what is a difficult story to share, but I could see in their faces the sense of accomplishment and freedom to claim their stories as milestones along their journeys.

Aside from the support that this project received from The Moth and The Young Storytellers Foundation, this would not be possible without the vision and determination of two of our finest staff members: Rebecca Ruswick, one of our teachers at the Hillsides Education Center, and Sherri Ginsberg, our librarian, who along with the residential staff supported these residents throughout the week and were there with me to applaud their accomplishment.

These are challenging time for those of us committed to serving such vulnerable youth, but it is worth the effort when the “return” is so great and we are able to see them stand up for themselves.

Decisions Postponed

As I prepare this blog I have received word that the President has signed the legislation that extends the debt limit. My immediate reaction is relief--not that we increased our debt ceiling, but that finally the barrage of vitriol inundating the air waves for the last month will perhaps end soon. I am afraid, though, what we have experienced is just a dress rehearsal for the next round of elections. Meanwhile, what some say was a fabricated crisis to advance a particular agenda has kept us as a nation from addressing the needs of the most vulnerable among us, who are truly victims of what was unquestionably the excesses of the last decade.

I will leave to others more versed in these issues to analyze how we got into this situation. We can blame it on the polices of former administrations, the financial meltdown in 2008 or the increased costs of entitlements, but it would seem to me that the balancing of our budget at both the State and Federal level on the backs of the most vulnerable without soliciting  the support of those most able to assist is the most un-American thing I can imagine.  

Some have described the “deal” reached in Washington on the debt limit as a compromise. I suggest that it is rather a tactic in a strategy to build the political momentum that either side needs to address not just the pressing issue of debt reduction, but also entitlements.

Entitlements are the safety net that supports education, services to the needy, and access to health care. How can we consider cutting these crucial services and asking the most vulnerable to sacrifice without soliciting the support and sacrifice of those far less vulnerable? How fair is that in such a great nation?

Let there be no doubt the impact of potential cuts would be significant for the children, youth and families we serve. Further cuts at the federal level to education funding would only make it more difficult for local school districts to provide for children with special learning challenges. Cuts to services for foster care will only further jeopardize children and youth who are already very vulnerable. Reductions in health care would continue to limit access and ironically drive up the costs of providing care.

You don’t have to be an economist to know the solution to this problem. Several examples from our own history demonstrate how we can successfully reduce our national debt while maintaining our commitment to the needy. The solution requires not only prudence and discipline with regard to spending, but also requires fair access to resources to maintain the safety net and invigorate the economy. The sacrifices can not be borne just by some; they must be taken up by all.

A Valentine Heart

Visibly upset after a session with her therapist, the adolescent resident, who was in tears, came into the art shop asking to paint. She was given a blank canvas. She began to throw paint from a brush and with broad strokes formed a heart while tears continued to stream down her face. Slowly gaining her composure, she silently tended to the painting rhythmically, applying more paint in order to define the heart. Putting aside the brush, she began to intentionally “work” the paint with her fingers forming impressions that penetrated the layers of colors and gave the canvas a texture that draws you to almost feel the sinews of the heart. No longer crying, she stood back and breathed a heartfelt sigh and with that released the pain that she brought to the canvas.

This image dominates my own heart as I come to this Valentine’s Day week. Grateful that this young girl has not only the opportunity to express her aching  heart, but more importantly because she was able, in such an intense way, to release her hurt allowing her to move beyond it and heal.

What a privilege to be a witness to a child’s courage. What a gift to be party to such a transformation. How edifying to see such resiliency.

To all who have a heart for our mission here at Hillsides, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tragedy in Tucson Touches Close to Home

Mental illness can be a debilitating disease with significant impact on all parties. Though the mentally ill are not typically violent, their frail state of mind can turn to violence more often than not towards themselves.  The tragedy that happened in Tucson this past weekend is yet one more reminder of how fragile life is and how we can never be attentive enough to those who suffer from such an illness.  Representative Gabrielle Giffords’ brother-in-law, who is an astronaut, summed it up when he said, “…we are better than this…” and indeed we are. Overshadowed in the violence were the many acts of kindness and care that were displayed in the midst of the carnage. Ultimately, these acts are examples of who we truly are as a society.

The one common denominator for many services we offer at Hillsides is the mental health issues of the majority we serve. We know their pain firsthand and attend to them with an array of services that ease their suffering and stabilize them sufficiently to recover. We attend to them without reservation in spite of the inherent risks. But it is a challenge and is very demanding.

Treatment is essential for any one with mental illness. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental illness often impedes access to services. Without treatment the risk of violence is increased.

Let the tragedy in Tucson help us resolve to be attentive to those we serve, confident that our interventions will reduce the risk of such a tragedy occurring. Let us also strive to be understanding of the subtle way that mental illness can present itself and, as a result, be better equipped to offer assistance. Finally, let us also put aside our fears and commit to be attentive to the needs of the mentally ill.

At a time of lingering, limited public resources no one is spared the impact of budget cuts. Whether it is protective services for children, special education funding or mental health services, the reality of budget cuts will further weaken a system of care that will jeopardize the well-being of the most vulnerable. More than ever, we need to be especially attentive to those around us that will be negatively impacted by these cuts. We must never underestimate how our presence, our attentiveness and our interventions may be the decisive factor in getting help and easing the risk of violence.