Opinion

It’s tempting to blame the pandemic for the dizzying rates of mental health concerns among American teens. We are all familiar with the impact Covid is having on our lives, and the disruption it continues to cause in the lives of young people. Kids witnessed vehement disagreements between neighbors, friends, and family over the decisions that had to be made in response to the pandemic, and felt the stress at home as parents faced economic and work changes, all without many of their usual support systems. However, rates of mental illness among children and adolescents have been steadily rising throughout the last decade. In 2019, nearly 20% of deaths in the 10-24 age group were suicides and nearly 16% of high schoolers had made a suicide plan. Even back in 2019, more than one in three teens suffered persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Speaking Truth Clay Center, Kansas – There are people whose life is one chaotic moment after another. Constant crises.

Dear Amy: I live with my fiance and our cat, and I’m really happy. We are getting married at Disneyland next year! I have everything I’ve ever wanted for my dream wedding, including riding in Cinderella’s crystal coach.

Q: I am 43, and I keep hearing these ads for brain boosters. Should I take them? -- Sara T., Memphis, Tennessee A: Brain health depends on the health of your whole body.

Dear Amy: I have never had a ton of friends. As something of an introvert, I value quality over quantity.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an active 70-year-old female in good health. I have an issue with sleep that is affecting everything in my life, because I am tired most of the time. I started taking Lunesta about 20 years ago. I had teenagers and a stressful job at the time, and just needed some help to sleep. The doctor promised me that it was not addictive. Well, it is! I am now retired, and the kids are gone, so there is really no reason that I should not be able to sleep without medication -- but I can’t get off of it. I take it at bedtime, and on a good night, I sleep about four hours, sometimes less. It doesn’t seem to be doing its job, but on the other hand, I can’t NOT take it. If I don’t take it or try cutting it in half, I do not sleep at all.

Speaking Truth Clay Center, Kansas – Hate. This is an often-used word in our culture.

Dear Amy: My husband of just under two years does things behind my back that he knows would hurt me. While we were dating we promised exclusivity to each other.

From open plains to outer space, Ron Evans experienced a remarkable journey. He was a Kansan who played a record-setting role in the United States’ final mission to the moon.