Behind the secure lock down of the children's psychiatric unit, they appear to be simple teenagers, but with closer inspection there is a startling discrepancy that divides these kids from the usual adolescents known to most. Within the unit's drab surroundings, young boys and girls wandered aimlessly, wedged between the narrow and naked halls, and at that moment I couldn't help but reflect on how this pale and confining environment resembled more of a prison than an institution for mentally ill children. In this bleak realization, I have witnessed random and irrational procedures that fringes upon their constitutional rights as human beings. These children have disturbing similarities, regarding punishment, to those who have committed crimes. The only difference between the two is that their offenses are against themselves. My mind cannot grasp that a child who is in dire need of support and guidance would be stripped of their personal belongings that had no connection towards ensuring their safety. In one particular case, a young girl who in the beginning of her admission exhibited slight depression and anxiety, however, with further analysis done by the directors of psychiatric health, it was revealed that she had a severe chemical imbalance called bipolar. As time progressed her behavior became more erratic.  Their solution in eradicating her suicidal tendencies was to isolate her, along with the removal of her most treasured possessions, in addition to her clothes, undergarments and items as harmless as a book. Another example of inappropriate " treatment" occurred with a young girl who had a severe phobia of the outdoors, she was subjected to regular social outings without an ounce of acknowledgement of her anxiety, it was as if her fears did not exist, or even more importantly was of little concern. These are only mild glimpses into the ignorance and apathy that hospital has deemed responsible for our children.

Mental illness is not a rarity that only plagues few and far between, it affects society as a whole, these children represent our future and must be taken seriously. We as adults need to put aside the stigma associated with psychiatry, and realize that this is a legitimate illness. These distressed youths are the products of neglect, sexual and physical abuse, not to mention valid physical dysfunctions of the mind. So often we ignore these turbulent lives, allowing our hearts only to bleed for those with diseases that we can see and repair, such as cancer, diabetes, and even something as minor as a broken limb.  The longer we tuck these issues under the rug the longer they will suffer from the cold indifference of society.  On behalf of these shunned patients there must be an increased awareness, if not these children will grow up to believe their anguish is not of consequence, let alone their lives.