Joel Elston's story of being misdiagnosed with dyslexia as a child shows just how early this problem starts. As he recalled, "That's not it. That has nothing to do with not being able to focus for a long period of time on crap I don't like." Yet teachers and professionals persisted in the wrong label.

How many other children have been held back from their potential by diagnoses that don't fit? As Joel said, we are quick to tell kids "it's not your fault because you have ADHD." But this robs them of responsibility for their lives and learning.

Joel knows from personal experience that conditions like ADHD can be assets when reframed. But our system seems bent on only seeing deficits in need of drugs. As Walt pointed out, "If you're throwing medication at complaints of any kind...you're not doing your job." Medication should be a last resort, not the default.

The stories of wealthy families medicating their children from a young age were particularly troubling. As Joel warned, "We are stuffing stimulants in their brain when they're six years old. Their brains aren't fully developed." How can we claim to help children by exposing their developing minds to such risks?

Joel and Walt challenged us to rethink health itself. If we pursue understanding outliers who thrive despite difficulties, we could learn so much. But as long as illness and profit drive the system, our children will continue to suffer from misguided diagnoses and unnecessary drugs. It's time for a mental health revolution focused on wellness, resilience and holistic care for all children.

Episode page: https://www.loatoday.net/bad-therapy

#MentalHealthRevolution #StopMedicatingOurKids #LookForWellnessNotIllness