We received over 1000 responses to our recent survey; thank you for your feedback. The results of the survey are clear: The Balanced Mind Foundation is needed now more than ever! I want to share some of the most revealing responses.

Over 60% of our respondents children have been hospitalized.

Over 60% of our respondents have had to endure a hospitalization for their child; 40% have been hospitalized more than once. I know from personal experience how painful this is. While difficult, it can often provide a respite for both the child and the family, and draw attention to the gravity of the situation. We will be discussing the decision-making process involved in hospitalizing a child in a future eNews.

How many times has your child been hospitalized?  If more than one child has been hospitalized, respond for the child with the most hospitalizations.
 

The Balanced Mind Foundation children have an average of three diagnoses. 

Our children are gravely ill! The Balanced Mind Foundation children have an average of three diagnoses. If nothing else, this demonstrates that the DSM-IV does not adequately address the needs of our children. The Balanced Mind Foundation has been following the activities of the DSM-V committee; I take every opportunity to remind these experts that our children do not fit into neat categories and they are severely impaired. We need better diagnostic tools and better treatments for our children!

What are your child's current diagnoses?

You want more information about teens and the transition years.

You’ve spoken and we are responding!  You want more information about teens and the transition years. Please see the article by The Balanced Mind Foundation President, Jean Meister in this issue. Our newly designed website will make it easier to find information on this subject.

You also want in person support groups.

 The The Balanced Mind Foundation Board of Directors has already identified this as a top priority. In 2010, we will be actively pursuing this goal…stay tuned!

Your responses tell us that The Balanced Mind Foundation is needed now more than ever. But, we can’t do it without you; over 80% of our support comes from members like you. Please make a donation to The Balanced Mind Foundation, so that we can continue to meet your needs. 

Together, we can make a difference for our children.  Thank you for your support!