Teenage Mental Hospitals in America Pale in Comparison to Their European Counterpart
Teenage Mental Hospitals in American Pale in Comparison to Their European Counterpart
Teenagers struggling with mental health is not new. It has gotten more common and more severe unfortunately. Between 2007 and 2021, death by suicide for those of ages 10-24 increased by 62%. We are experiencing a mental health crisis with no end in sight. It is not exclusive to one gender, age, race, religion, or region. However, different countries have different systems for treating this type of illness, some more successful than others. The United States behavioral health centers for teenagers is often a short term solution following a major crisis, while European teenage behavioral health centers tend to focus on over-all, continuous care. With some adjustments to the United States system, it could be much more successful. Teens are only sent to a behavioral hospital following a major mental health crisis. No to little help is provided leading up to said crisis. The system is largely reactive rather than preventative. The signs are unimportant and ignored until someone is in crisis. Many signs of severe depression in teenagers include withdrawing from friends and activities, irritability, lack of motivation, and a disturbed sleep schedule. These signs are not taken seriously and tend to be attributed to moody or lazy teenagers rather than a serious mental crisis.
Help typically only comes after a serious mental breakdown or attempt on their life because all of the smaller signs are not taken seriously. Once a teenager is admitted to a hospital specializing in mental health treatment, the goal becomes quick reform and release. Unfortunately, the help is minimal as the focus is centered on turning the patient back over into normal life as soon as possible. The average length of stay in the United States following such a major crisis is between 7-13 days. This statistic shows the emphasis is more focused on a quick turn around than true help. One to two weeks is not enough time to make an appropriate amount of progress on a person suffering so deeply. Especially not with the way things are done in these hospitals. Shields and Davis talk about every issue within these mental health facilities. The problems range from lack of personalized care, to lack of healthy food, and lack of outdoor activities were all reported. Healthy food and outdoor activities are smaller steps that go a long way for one's mental health. Additionally, personalized care is kind of the whole point and it is a shame that is disregarded. Situations can be similar but are not the same. Every patient should have a one on one therapist and their own unique treatment plan designed to help them specifically. The disregard for continuity of care following the inpatient stay was also noted. It was described as difficult and the staff was said to be unhelpful in regards to finding placements in programs for follow up care.
Europe does things a little differently inside their facilities. Studies were done directly on the patients within their treatment centers. Patient satisfaction was measured within several categories. Asking the patients what specifically was helpful and unhelpful was useful to show those in charge what needs to be modified to better help the patients. Europe also employs people with personal experience to assist in treating those currently struggling. They are the ones providing personal conversation, connection, and relatability for the struggling patients. The same people are responsible for a patient's inpatient and outpatient care. Someone who knows the patient's situation, background, history, and treatment plan is responsible for following up with their treatment plan. This continuity of care is helpful for both better treatment and more efficient treatment.
Some people have a hard time understanding mental health, especially if they never experienced it themselves. In older generations, mental health tended to be brushed off as moody, ungrateful, or bratty. It was a weakness and someone suffering often needed to "get over it" and "be positive". These are not viable solutions. Mental illnesses are illnesses. A common analogy compares a person with a broken leg to someone with depression. If someone breaks their leg, they go to the hospital, get help, and their family and friends help them when possible. No one would tell them to "walk it off". Depression cannot be shaken off. It requires real treatment. America needs to remodel their mental health care systems. The system isn't working. Kids, teenagers, and young adults are dying. We need earlier intervention, personalized care, overall more effective and holistic care, and continuity of care. It may not be perfect and results may not be apparent right away, but we need to start somewhere. We need to protect our youth where we can.
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