The data is undeniable: an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with mental health disorders as they enter school. As these numbers rise, we must confront an important question: what kind of society will we have 20 years from now?

This is a complex issue. It’s not always easy to distinguish between genuine pathologies and those behaviours that result from the state of our society. While some conditions are rooted in genetic, biological, or environmental factors, others stem directly from the lifestyle we lead. And therein lies the problem: we live in a world that is increasingly unnatural for the human body and mind, one that is not conducive to well-being. Toxic lifestyle patterns are passed down to our children, who are even less equipped to cope with them.

I’m not here to diminish the struggles that families face. I know many real stories, and I hear the pain in their voices. I understand the exhaustion of parents. But here’s the hard truth: too often, people are looking for salvation outside themselves, waiting for someone or something to fix their situation. The reality is, however, that many of these diagnoses could be prevented or significantly alleviated by changing our lifestyle. We are, in many ways, the architects of our own suffering. And this suffering is not inevitable—it’s a direct consequence of:

• Poor food choices and malnutrition
• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Excessive screen time and blue light exposure
• Addiction to social media and video games
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Early weaning and insufficient breastfeeding
• Elective C-sections
• The overuse of medications
• The decline of effective parenting skills

This is not just a problem for individual families—it’s a societal issue. We could blame the food on store shelves, the healthcare system, or the government. However, everyone around you is doing their part, earning their own profit, but ultimately, the responsibility falls on you as you are the one who chooses.

So, what can we do about it?

The first step is to take responsibility. Recognize that you have the power to make a difference. Change begins with the individual. Educate yourself, seek professional guidance, and take action. There is so much you can do to improve the situation—not just for yourself, but for the future generations we are responsible for.