24 February 2000
Dear Sir/Madam
The Mental Health Foundation must endorse The Guardian's concern at the prescription of anti-depressants and other drugs to children as young as one-year-old for psychiatric problems (The pre-school pill poppers, The Guardian, 24.2.00).
Based on our two-year Inquiry into the mental health of children and young people, Bright Futures, we know that mental health problems in children are on the increase. We also know, through supporting and evaluating school and community projects, that work to promote the good mental health of children and young people is effective. These interventions are not based solely on drugs, but also on helping children to develop networks of friends, increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence and giving them the skills, confidence and ability to relate to a wide variety of children and adults. In essence, some of the key factors that we need to help us grow up to be mentally healthy adults.
Of course there will always be children who have more severe mental health problems, and we also need to ensure that there are flexible and appropriate services to meet their needs. But in order to ensure that we are enabling all children to fulfil their potential we must be open in talking about mental health issues. Child mental health is key to development and should be seen as an essential part of the work of schools, GPs and all professionals who work with children.
The Mental Health Foundation believes very firmly that mental health should be placed centre-stage with children's physical and academic achievement - then society will work towards positive mental health rather than only trying to provide medication when things go wrong.
Yours faithfully
Ruth Lesirge
Director, Mental Health Foundation
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