Who’s to say that what we call a mid-life crisis only occurs when a person is in his forties or fifties? Why shouldn’t we accept the notion that it can, and does, overtake the lives of some teenagers – and be just as understanding and forgiving with them as we are with the man who becomes bored with life and suddenly changes careers when he’s forty-five?
There have been more deaths in our community of young men and women, ages sixteen to twenty-five, from drug overdose, severe anorexia and depression than many of us realize. Several such cases have received widespread publicity, while with others the cause of death is an aneurism or heart attack. The best antidote is constant and open discussion, which forms the basis of prevention.
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For the parent in search of a yeshiva/seminary program for a son or daughter with special needs – be it a drug history, eating disorder, depression, or some other special need – we have outlined seven major factors to consider. To reiterate, the program that parents want will provide safety and protection from harm; a structured environment; specialized services such as counseling; a good mashpia; just the right size for the young person’s situation; case managing/mentoring; and follow-up transitional services when the boy or girl returns home. Again, it is especially important to focus on the transition from the yeshiva/seminary to the home in order to sustain the progress that̓s been made.
For thousands of families in Jewish communities throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, deciding on the right program for the post-high school year – or, in some instances, the last year of high school – is one of the most important choices parents will make for children who heretofore had been making poor choices for themselves.
All our children should experience the best possible opportunities for learning, independence, and religious exposure. By following the guidelines listed above, parents of the relatively small percentage – but significant number – of youth who face these experiences with extra challenges will, with Hashem’s help, achieve the positive results for which they’ve always davened and wished.
