Dr. Arun Gandhi Brings His Grandfathers Message Of Peace & Non-violence To San Diego February 2013

Oct. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 1st, 2012:  It has been officially announced by the corporate office of the Family & Youth Roundtable that Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) will give the opening ceremony at the 4th Annual Children’s Mental Health Stigma & Disparities Conference February 2013, children with depression or other social, emotional challenges are left untouched.  Recent statistics state 1 in 5 children have social emotional challenges (In a classroom of 40 students that's eight children). The desperation felt by parents, teachers and others is devastating communities all over the nation.

Parents feel their children are misunderstood and mistreated, yet parents feel powerless to help make things better for their child.  Parents feel discouraged, and blamed.  These parents avoid interactions with schools and community.  These children are often bullied, ridiculed and tormented in school and in their community.  Untreated these children are faced with increased medical problems, truancy, difficulty concentrating in school,  poor relationships, serious alcohol and drug addictions and high suicide rates.  

79% of these children and their families avoid seeking help due to stigma. Their parents not only face the challenges of having a child with social, emotional challenges, but also confront the stigma that accompanies treatment and feel social rejection.

Almost 10 percent of children ages 9-17 that have serious emotional challenges demonstrate severe functional impairment. One out of every eight children with social, emotional challenges has a substance abuse problem. Of these children less than 60% are appropriately diagnosed; these children are often incarcerated, rather than treated.

It is time to learn what research and the experts have to say, so that together, we can address the issues faced by these exiled children and families.

In an effort to begin community dialogues and action around these issues, the Family & Youth Roundtable is hosting a conference in San Diego on February 13th – 15th, 2013 that will feature keynote presentations by Dr. Arun Gandhi, Dr. Ross Greene, and Dr. Patrick Corrigan also featuring some amazing breakout sessions and workshops by leading experts like Dr. Suganya Sockalingam, Helice “Sparky” Bridges and many more amazing experts who know we must reduce stigma in order to afford all children the opportunity to live healthy and thriving in their communities.