Resources & Education

mental health, depression, mental health, anxiety, children, self-care, mental health awareness

Mental Health Awareness Month

Posted by Kristen Fitzgerald on 5/2/2023

Share:

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognized in 1949, it has never been more pertinent than now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being, the value in raising awareness and helping those in need receive treatment.

Individuals often suffer in silence due to misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental illness. Recognition and education are important ways to remove the stigma associated with mental health. This month helps facilitate the time and space to start a conversation on this topic. Talking openly about mental health can reduce misconceptions, stigma and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network. If you do not suffer from a mental health illness, education can still help to provide you with tools on how to help or support those who do.

Prevalence of mental health conditions in children, aged 3-18 years, in the U.S.:

1 in 6 (17%) children and adolescents will experience a mental health condition.
20% of children and adolescents live with a mental health condition.
11% of children and adolescents have a mood disorder.
10% of children and adolescents have a behavior or conduct disorder.
8% of children and adolescents have an anxiety disorder.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among children and adolescents.
~13% of children and adolescents have engaged in self-harming behavior.

Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental health disorders. Warning signs of a mental health issue in children are often behavioral symptoms as they are still learning to talk about thoughts or emotions. Symptoms in children may include changes in school performance, hyperactive behavior, frequent nightmares, frequent disobedience or aggression, and frequent temper tantrums. In adolescents, warning signs of mental illness can include excessive worrying or fear, prolonged feelings of irritability or anger, isolation from friends and social activities, changes in sleeping habits, and extreme mood changes (uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria).

If you are not directly experiencing a mental health issue, but know someone who is, the best thing you can do is reach out and start a conversation. Educate yourself on the realities of living with mental health issues and confront any feeling of stigma or judgment you may have. Just supporting those in your life can help spread the message of awareness and acceptance.

(CDC, 2023; NAMI, 2023)

Add Comment Back to Resources & Education