By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

Statistics about diabetes, intestinal disorders, poor general health, diminished physical ability and eventually becoming increasingly incapacitated as heavy adults have little impact on reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. Overweight children have learned to outwardly rationalize living in their fat bodies. Yet behind the façade of seeming indifference lurks the real feelings that most overweight children carry with them.

Depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem and fear of rejection are common among overweight children. Such symptoms often intensify overeating and a vicious cycle develops

There are similarities in a child’s compulsive eating and adult addictions. Such similarities are best understood as eating increases pleasure in part by stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. Such pleasure once established strongly impacts a child’s ability to diet and gain weight control. 

When a child feels upset, or depressed and perhaps unloved he often has the impulse to eat. He discovers that eating improves his mood.  A connection between food filling an empty stomach and improvement in mood is established. The next time it occurs and food again rewards the eater a pattern has started.  It doesn’t take long to establish a belief that food counters painful symptoms and compulsive eating begins. Once that belief becomes engrained to all intents that person has become a food addict. Eating fatty and sugar enriched food which is very tasty and fulfilling encourages the development of the addiction.

Like any addiction it will require motivation, persistence and a strong belief in wanting to overcome compulsive eating. As with many adults such motivation is often lacking to overcome the insidious nature of the addiction. Many children do go on diets, which work for a while but not for long. The diet is given up because the overeater has not changed his essential attitude about eating. Children who are overeaters need to change the belief that overeating is an antidote for unhappiness, feeling unloved and overcoming emptiness. They must learn that eating should be enjoyed but the essential reason to eat is to maintain health.

The emphasis must be on changing the belief systems that overweight children have. The belief that food is love or the child eats because it makes him feel good or he eats because he loves food need to be changed. Many children will not necessarily be conscious of these attitudes but most will understand that good health must be primary and the pleasures in eating, though important, are secondary in their eating habits.

My book “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” contains an easy–to–use diet plan that is effective, doesn’t require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to review “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.
 

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

Children, despite trying to hide their true feelings, suffer when they are fat. Some children successfully overcome negative feelings and handle their obesity in childhood, but they are a small minority who have overcome their negative attitude while remaining overweight.

Depression, anxiety, feelings of emptiness, low self-esteem and fear of rejection are common among overweight children. Such symptoms often intensify overeating and a vicious cycle develops.

Is compulsive overeating an addiction similar to addiction to alcohol, hard drugs and tobacco? There are similarities in its ability to increase pleasure in part by stimulating the pleasure centers of the brain. It is important to understand what impact this has on a child’s ability to diet and gain weight control. Certainly anything that is repeated enough will initially become a habit. Over time, if repeated sufficiently, it acts like an addiction. 

Although children follow similar patterns as adults there are some distinctive differences.  Children are apt to mimic overweight parents. They use overeating to punish parents, or to overcome feeling depressed, anxious, unloved or rejected.  A connection between food filling an empty stomach and improvement in mood is established. The next time it occurs and food again rewards the eater a pattern has started.  It doesn’t take long to establish a belief that food counters painful symptoms and compulsive eating begins. Once that belief becomes engrained to all intents that child has become an eating addict.

Like any addiction it will require motivation, persistence and a strong belief in wanting to overcome compulsive eating. Even for adults this task can be formidable.  Most diets work for a while but not for long because the overeater has not changed his essential attitude about eating. Here is where the parents input is essential. They must guide, reassure the child as it pursues weight control. Above all it must make certain that there are no obstacles in the child following a reasonable diet. 

Overweight children must overcome the belief that being overweight  is an antidote to unhappiness, feeling unloved and overcoming emptiness. A child must learn that eating should be enjoyed but the essential reason to eat is to maintain health.

Instead of more pyramids, diet programs and conflicts about selecting the best diet, the emphasis must be on changing the beliefs that children have. They don’t need to hear the theory of dieting, rather the emphasis is on that they are loved and helping overcome compulsive eating is healthy and should make them feel good.

Although love is the primary element in guiding them, the child should not believe that the failure to lose weight leads to not being loved.  The belief that food is love or you eat because it makes you feel good or you eat because you love food needs to be changed. In its place good health must be primary and the pleasures in eating become secondary in your beliefs. 

Every overweight child can learn to lose weight but the effort must start with his deep desire to become healthy and weight loss is one of the elements to make that happen. Children want to lose weight and look better. They will become happier and more self-directed as this control develops.

My book “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” contains an easy–to–use diet plan that is effective, doesn’t require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to review “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 17, 2011

No longer is there any doubt that a national calamity has befallen this country. Not only have adults claimed the distinction of being overweight but now countless kids are in the same camp. Two-thirds of all adults are overweight or obese. Two-thirds. And between 20 to 25 percent of all children fall into the same category. Good health, athletic prowess, self-esteem and parental controls have not stemmed the tide.

No amount of education, persuasion, rewards, lowering of self-esteem, government influence, have had any direct benefit to help the increasing numbers of children who have succumbed to uncontrollable eating.  They are the true victims of the widespread lack of control. The majority of children who remain overweight as they grow into adolescence and adulthood will have a much more difficult task to lose weight and regain good health; a high percentage remain overweight.

What do children of different ages think about being overweight? Listen in:

“Mommy, why am I so fat,” one eight year old boy complained. “Because you eat too much, Danny. You need to eat less,” his mother replied. “But mommy you feed me all the food I eat, are you making me fat?”  “Of course not, I love you and it’s fun to watch you eat.”  But mommy I’m getting fat.”  “Then stop eating so much.”

A ten-year-old girl could hardly look at herself in the mirror. “I hate myself,” she murmured to herself. “Why can’t I just stop eating so much? That’s what daddy always tells me. He doesn’t think I’m pretty anymore.” She began to cry and turned away from the mirror.

A 13 year-old-boy was embarrassed to get dressed in front of other boys. He hated being fat and looking so sloppy and felt so badly when the girls snickered at him. Yet he can’t stop eating. “I can’t help myself,” he whispered. “I feel so lonely and nobody likes me. I need to eat.” In front of others he put on a good front and pretended he liked being fat.

A five-year-old girl in kindergarten sees how different she looks from the other kids except for two boys who were almost as fat as she. “Maybe they’ll play with me,” she thought. “They won’t laugh at me. They’re just as fat as me.”

One sophisticated 11-year-old girl tried to throw away all the fatty food from the refrigerator and was caught by her mother who angrily scolded her for her actions. “But mother, I can’t seem to help myself. I’m eating so much. Why don’t you stop buying all the desserts and ice cream and pizzas and all the junk food you buy.”

“Because the problem is not my buying it but it’s your eating so much,” her mother responded. “You have to learn to control yourself, that’s all there is too it.” “But I can’t and you can’t either,” she said as she looked at her very obese mother standing before her.

Blame is not the answer to controlling overeating. But children do suffer when overweight and need to develop a new set of eating patterns and consistent support by the family. Parents, whether overweight or not, need to acknowledge that the child needs their cooperation and support.  Through this mutual understanding children can successfully learn to control their weight.

My book “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” contains an easy–to–use diet plan that is effective, doesn’t require any special foods and works for any age. The diet is easily explained to children. The mental imagery exercises that can enhance weight control are often seen as fun games by many children who try them as part of their diet.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to review “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

November 1, 2011

Take a journey in your mind to find places where your lover may reside. It is time to move into the world of the imagination that will guide you in new ways and offer you new ideas to find new friends and lovers.

As you open your mind to your inner world you will find ideas that will surprise and delight you. You will live a life different from any you have ever known. You can change your future by following your inner self.

You will journey into a world of love that only the imagination knows and find love in ways you haven’t explored before. The meaning of love will expand as you discover great and new kinds of love. You will learn how to reach out in ways that lead to the wonders of romance. By following your imagination, your relationships will take on new meaning.

The following examples are created by your imagination but could easily become real experiences. Your imagination becomes a stimulus for change.

In these exercises I indicate a man seeking a woman. If you are a woman change the imagery to reflect your seeking a man. The imagery also works if you’re seeking a same sex partner.

Close your eyes and take two deep breaths and relax. Follow the different imagery exercises as you seek out new venues, new ideas and new introductions to potential lovers. Your own imagery may differ considerably from what is written. Follow your own ideas that spring from your unconscious.

IMAGERY EXERCISES

Imagine the following: I am walking on a forest path and on the same path a woman walks toward me. My interest is kindled as she looks up and smiles.  Rather than go forward I stop and talk.

Your first words are important. “Hello, it’s a beautiful day to walk. Do you walk in the forest frequently?” Making the transition to walking together needs a warm introduction since you will have to turn around if she agrees to walk together. If there is any kind of positive response to your very general comments, you can immediately ask if she would enjoy walking together for awhile and sharing the beauty. Without a specific direct “yes” go on your way after wishing her a pleasant walk.

Now for your surprise. As you walk let the conversation develop spontaneously. Be specific and free. You speak for both persons. Listen to what the woman says and heed it.

Although walking in the forest is not usual for most people the concept of approaching a new person is similar in whatever venue you meet. Keep in mind that most people would merely say “Hello” and continue on.  The purpose of this exercise is to awaken you to the many situations where a pleasant hello can lead to a new friendship.

The next example is more apt to happen.

Imagine walking through a food market. I come to the wine aisle and see an attractive woman reading a wine label who seemed puzzled. She frowns. I asked if I could be of help and she quickly answered, “Yes, I don’t understand what this label means. Is it a Grand Cru at such a price or am I confused?” 

If you know the answer, offer it.  If not, say you would be happy to find an attendant to answer her question and with her acquiescence, do just that. Of course you could meet a person in any part of the market.  Offering your help is a quick way of introduction. Keep very alert to helping a woman in your imagery and you will soon be very ready to do this in real time.  You can’t imagine how many people need help in markets, shops and department stores.

After starting your own imagery, if you are not coming up with positive ideas, you are sabotaging yourself in some fashion. Your imagination is very accurate in picking up attitudes, wishes, doubts and fears. You must enter the imagery with a very definite positive belief that you will find what you seek.

The imagination is a great tool to lead to major changes in your life. Simple and effective to do. If you desire, your circle of friends will grow and your life will become enriched.

If you would like additional examples of this technique please read , “New Ways to Find New Lovers.”

Reaching the highest levels of love, intimacy, communication and sharing come from the building of understanding and trust. For in-depth suggestions, advice and methods to improve your relationship read “A Guide to Healthy Relationships.” 

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to review “A Guide to Healthy Relationships” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts. 

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.
 

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

October 29, 2011

We have become a country of out-of-control binge and compulsive eaters.  Everywhere you see admonitions to eat better, eat healthy foods, eat for weight control not for pleasure. A healthy diet will prolong your life in years and in health.  The attack on diets has extended to the school cafeterias, to fast food chains, to even the most prestigious restaurants. No question that the direction is correct but is all this flurry of excitement producing the desired results.
The jury is still out from polls, evaluations and parental watchfulness, but continuing to be aware of the rapid growth in the number of overweight children and adults indicates the anticipated changes are slow to arrive.

It is valuable that the government has produced new criteria for establishing healthier diets. But it will have little impact until individuals change their attitude about eating. We must primarily eat for health and only secondarily for pleasure. Most healthy diets can be both delicious and highly satisfying, however.

Whether you call the needed changes overcoming negative mindsets, overcoming negative attitudes and behavior regarding food, developing a self-regulated behavioral program for adults and children or just using plain will-power, the essential need is to transform attitudes.

It is not as difficult as you might surmise.  Here is a brief rundown on what you need to do.

1. Use whatever diet you prefer that cuts your calorie input by 500 calories a day. That will give you a weight loss per month of 4 to 5 pounds from diet alone. You can lose more through exercise and fluid loss.

2. Use water to fill your stomach with each meal and with each snack. Drink one glass of water before starting to eat and at least one glass during the meal. Drink. ½ glass with each snack.

3. Learn to enjoy and respect the readings on your bathroom scale.  Weight yourself each morning and when the scale indicates you have gained weight from the previous day do not despair. Rather realize that most weight gain on a daily basis is water retention from excess salt. Eating an additional 800 to 1000 calories of food in a single day can cause an elevation of weight up to three pounds due to salt and water retention. It takes an extra 3500 calories  to produce one pound of actual flesh. By drinking an additional 1 ½ glasses of water per pound gained you will lose your extra weight in 1 or 2 days. Kidneys will excrete the excess water and take the salt with it.

4. Establish a stabilization period by only dieting one month at a time and in the alternate months learn to control your food intake so you neither gain or lose weight. You become adept at weight control by doing it on the alternate months. When you reach your ideal weight you will be much more capable of maintaining your weight loss.

You can learn the entire diet and weight maintenance program by reading my book  “The Psychiatrist’s Diet.” Here is an easy–to–use diet plan that is effective, doesn’t require any special foods and works. Follow this unique program that has been used successfully by hundreds of my patients.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to review “The Psychiatrist’s Diet” and sign-up to receive my highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts. You can link to Amazon and B & N and buy the book for $3.99.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.
 

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

October 28, 2011

Living the good life has been expressed by countless writers over millenia of time. The ideas and philosophy can be simply stated. Live as though you will live forever, yet live each day as though it is your last one. Emphasize creativity, freedom, self-direction and love.

Always believe that you can overcome all obstacles, yet retain a sense of reality so that you don’t hit your head against a wall in frustration when you err in your judgment as to what you can accomplish.  Be willing to shift directions, establish new goals, overcome frustration, know you can overcome barriers and that the light is always ahead no matter how dark it may appear at times.

The area of creativity is a key to vital and imaginative living. Find ways to overcome blocks in creativity, procrastination and self doubt. A key component to achieving success is to eliminate comparison with others One’s uniqueness is the sine qua non for a creative lifestyle and belief in one’s self is the essential personal ingredient. 

The health of your body and brain are essential to reach and maintain your optimal lifestyle. A good diet and physical exercise are required. No need to have a fancy diet. Simplicity rules. Just maintain your weight and reduce it, if feasible, if you are overweight.

Friendships, love, intimacy and sharing life are other important areas to cultivate as you strive to live the good life.

I firmly believe that each of us can overcome all barriers to a fulfilling life. Childhood, through adolescence, adulthood and the wide-open retirement period, should only be seen as periods of transitions to a continuing and improving productive and happy life. Each phase can be the time of a person’s maximum productiveness and creativity. Each phase can be the time to ever-increasing fulfillment as we move wholeheartedly into the future.

We all go through life cycles of varying lengths with death as the inevitable end of the cycle that was set in motion by our birth.  Neither is controlled by us. In-between birth and death is a wonderland of opportunity. For many it is not until we enter the second half of life does the real possibility of living freely actually take place. It is a time to do everything possible to live healthfully, vitally and productively and thus make these final years, no matter how long or short, as happy and bountiful as possible.

But always know that it is not in the final years or the earliest years or the years in-between. The time is always now and each time period is your time to fulfill your life.

Visit www.DrMarvinBerenson.com to sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts. Every two weeks Dr. Berenson will discuss various subjects that will include: creativity, imagery, ways to improve your life, overcoming emotional barriers, diet and exercise programs, improving relationships and other ways to help you lead a more fulfilling and happier life. Among his 11 books are some that can enhance your life.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

October 28, 2011

Climate change deniers despite their small number continue to influence many people still on the fence about the causes of global warming. When Richard Muller, a well-known scientist and a former skeptic about global warming, decided to scientifically investigate the validity of climate change and rising temperatures he sent a powerful message to other deniers.

Muller and the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature team found that global warming values published by other scientists were accurate. Their confirmation of previous scientific work regarding climate change should have a major impact on convincing other deniers that climate change is real.

As many other have noted, it is now time to finally put to rest denying that the widespread use of fossil fuels for nearly two centuries is causing a runaway change in warming that threatens the existence of earth as we know it. The rapid increase of atmospheric CO2 and its associated greenhouse gas methane is well documented and needs no introduction to most readers. That humans are a major source in its creation should be fully accepted.

350. org., the widely respected organization founded by Bill McKibben, has taken a number for the name of the organization that is believed to be the maximal concentration of CO2 allowed to sustain the integrity and well-being of our planet.  CO2 has now reached 392 and is rapidly accelerating. Some scientists believe that a target of 600 and higher is in the cards. The extent of devastation to earth when that level is reached is unimaginable.

We will experience longer period of extreme hot weather, hurricanes, acidification of the oceans,  rising seas, costal flooding, water shortages and desertification of certain parts of the earth even as other areas are deluged by floods. Social unrest, famine, vast dislocations of populations barely describe the potential changes that lie ahead. Much of this is predicted to develop my 2050. By the end of the century the conditions can reach catastrophic proportions.

What can we do? First and foremost is the awaking of all people to the need that major shifts in energy production must occur NOW. Slow pacing is not enough. This country must take the lead instead of now falling behind most other major countries. The entire world needs to devote their efforts to stop the burning of fossil fuels and create renewable energy sources. Unfortunately there is scant evidence that such a world-wide move is imminent.  Certainly some countries have elevated the task of finding new sources of energy and many have moved far ahead of the United States but it’s a drop in the bucket for what must be done.

Perhaps someday future legislators in the United States and elsewhere will be selected in part because of their conviction and willingness to work to stem the tide of world-wide air and water pollution. Unfortunately choices in the United States do not give us a clear-cut choice. Both Obama and the entire Republican Party fortified by the Tea party have put the need of controlling climate at the bottom of their agenda.

People as a whole need to arouse our leaders to bring climate control into the foreground of their political agenda. To delay is destructive to the future of our country and to our children and grandchildren whose lives will be radically affected by rising global warming. Time is slipping away. Some time in the future the window of opportunity will inexorably close. That time is near.

For those deeply concerned for the future of our planet, read "Rescue," a novel that focuses on the increasing dangers to earth as global warming and worldwide pollution sweep the world. It offers solutions to the immense crisis that faces us.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com. to review “Rescue” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D.

October 21, 2011

Does it matter how much man has contributed to the global warming crisis or how much comes from the cycles of nature? No doubt remains among the vast majority of the world’s scientists that man has been a major factor in causing our climate change. But what matters now is how to stop the rising temperature. Very little time remains before that point of no return has passed. Some believe it may have already passed. What matters is directing all our energy to that part of global warming that we, man, has made and that we can still influence.

No longer can there be doubt that climate warming is upon us and the temperatures are accelerating at a rate beyond anything ever known. The rise has coincided step by step with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution as more and more fossil fuels were burned.  Can there be any doubt? Not only have scientists seen and feared what they knew was happening but we only need to look out and it is there for all to see. The proofs of climate change are everywhere.

Scientists have checked and rechecked  and found evidence and produced  replication. Those who doubt have become blinded by some unknown force that can’t be comprehended. But the world’s peoples must see and not be swayed by the deniers. The world’s people must support what must be done. Global warming is no myth. Widespread changes in weather conditions are not happenstance. The warming atmosphere and ocean, the acidification of the oceans, the pollutions of our waters, floods, more intense hurricanes, worldwide smog and the damage to our lands from the byproducts of carbon use are real.

The scientific evidence is there and it must be heeded. To close our eyes in this final hour left before the acceleration intensifies and pollution beyond our control overwhelms our land can no longer be countenanced.  No country stands alone here. Every country will suffer and suffer beyond belief.  Not only will weather change but society will change.  As water becomes scarce countries will fight to gain water rights. Decreasing food supplies will cause starvation and wreak havoc on the world. New viruses will sweep over us and bring decimation to the population.. Forests will succumb to the wildfires that will spread throughout the world.

It will be hot, hotter than we ever remembered. What were occasional heat waves will become the norm. Floods will appear sporadically over much of the world. Ceaseless rain will make normal commerce impossible. And in other areas an endless drought will bring irreparable damage to much of society. And what of the worlds’ oceans? Acidification will strike down the beauty of all our corals and the remaining fish will dwindle and the fish that live will be come more and more contaminated.

And our social state, the peace that we know, will disappear and violence will grip the world in a frenzy of anger, starvation and thirst. The conscience of the world will vanish as people will go for the throat to preserve their lives. The irrationality of the world will rise and a time may appear when it will have no bounds at all. For by then what seems to be irrational would have become the way of life and people will suffer and turn against their neighbors and many will die.

Can this really happen? Is such a scenario possible?  How frightening it is to contemplate, but unless global warming is stopped our future will be like none ever experienced. Everyone’s child, rich and poor, black and white, red and yellow, will taste the impact. No wall will stop the rising waters. No amount of money will prevent the ravages of an untamed society from casting spears at those picked for blame.

Can we stop global warming in time to prevent such a future?

For those deeply concerned for the future of our planet, read "Rescue," a novel that focuses on the increasing dangers to earth as global warming and worldwide pollution sweep the world. It offers solutions to the immense crisis that faces us.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com. to review “Rescue” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.
 

By Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. September 20, 2011

I am 21 and the year is 2031. I live in Texas and California  and Wyoming and New York.

I live in a world where living has become a bad word. As I look from my home into the surrounding forests, I see flames consuming what remains of our forests. I turn the faucet on and water trickles into my glass. I wait while it fills, stemming my impatience for I am thirsty and my thirst has been years in the making. It is so hot and I fight the impulse to pour it over my head to cool me, if for only a moment, but I dare not, for I am thirsty.

As far as my eyes can see, parched land cracked into picture puzzle pieces surrounded me. Where has the rain gone? Is there no more water? I asked, my eyes glazed and my head crazed. I looked up into God’s waiting heart.  Is there no more water? Just a few drops. I don’t want much. Just a few drops. I walked back into my house and sat quietly in a corner, waiting, waiting.

Yesterday and the day before and before again, it rained and rained; the waters flooding the already drenched streets. When will it stop? I can no longer see; the downpour has blinded my vision. I scarcely noticed the downed trees and the cars flowing by. For my head was turned upwards, beseeching, praying. I didn’t want much. I only prayed for the rain to stop. Why aren’t my prayers answered? So much water. So much water.

I ran in fear as a swarm of strange enormous bees veered toward me.  Not again, I whispered as I escaped into a waiting shed where others huddled hiding from the eerie buzzing that filled their ears. I looked toward the floor and stepped back just as a black, slithery bug touched my foot.  Where had they come from I pondered. Stop your thoughts, fool, you know that new things appear today that weren’t here yesterday.  It’s so hot. Why is it so hot?

I cried in the deepest sorrow as I gazed at the fallen trees scattered throughout the forest. What had gnawed their roots weakening them until they gave up and fell with a dying crash? Strange vines crawled everywhere and the ferns that once flowered here were gone. Where is my forest I loved? I wailed.
 
Why does the name Glacier National Park exist, I asked bitterly? I can hardly find a glacier. Are there any left? The top of Kilimanjaro where glaciers once flourished and even the mighty Himalayas’ mantle of deep glaciers that fed the thirst of hundreds of millions of people at their feet now waited for their supply of snow. But the torrents of water from yesteryear now barely meander down the mountain sides.  The torrents of drinkable water are gone. Gone to where. How did this happen? Why are people dying of thirst when across the waters the rains go on forever. Why has God forsaken these vast mountain peaks? Why did the Himalayas’ snow and glaciers go away?

I turned to my father who cowered in shame and glanced sadly at my mother’s bowed head.  Whom do I turn to if not to them on this day when I turn 21?  Why won’t they look at me? They must now look to me. Will they accept responsibility for my decaying world? Do they realize that they had opportunities for years before I was born to stop this madness. Stop it before that point of no return had inexorably appeared and the tide could not longer be stemmed. Once the peat moss had opened it veins and carbon dioxide and methane bubbled from the warming land and the ocean floor spewed forth countless bubbles of methane the conflagration had come to stay. The gases rose up and laughed at our folly and filled the Heaven above until it changed into our personal Hell.

Today in 2031 other children are being born and when they reach 21 what world will they see?

When I was one I needed them to save my world and save my future. Now I tread in no man’s land.  Neither they nor I have a viable plan. The world is waiting for destruction from without. The world is waiting, just waiting. Where is my future?

For those deeply concerned for the future of our planet, read "Rescue," a novel that focuses on the increasing dangers to earth as global warming and worldwide pollution sweep the world. It offers solutions to the immense crisis that faces us.

Visit http://www.DrMarvinBerenson.com. to review “Rescue” and sign-up to receive Dr. Berenson’s highly informative biweekly newsletter and two FREE gifts.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D. is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, USC Keck School of Medicine, psychiatrist, lecturer, author and artist.