Supporting Children’s Mental Health: Awareness & Action Guide
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health: Awareness and Action Every Day
Mental health concerns affect children as well as adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over one in six US children has been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Each May, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and encourage support for these children, as well as for those who have not yet been diagnosed or received treatment. As a parent, caregiver, or someone who works with children, learning how to promote positive mental health can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Understanding National Children’s Mental Health Awareness
The first National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day began on May 7, 2005, bringing national attention to youth mental health through an event hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Observed annually during the first complete week of May, this initiative explores the social well-being of children and adolescents living with serious mental illness or other mental health challenges.
This awareness campaign works to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and create positive impacts in communities nationwide. Leading organizations like Mental Health America and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) sponsor events highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
Recognizing and participating in awareness events
Each year, SAMHSA partners with other national organizations to host events that individuals can attend online or in person. They provide fact sheets, educational resources, and guidance for families. Past events have included:
- Discussions on trauma-informed mental health care for children
- Inspiring stories from Olympic champions about mental health
- Mental Health Awareness Month activities
- Expert testimony on youth mental health needs
- Suicide prevention initiatives
You can visit SAMHSA’s website and check with local mental health organizations to learn about upcoming events. Beyond attending organized events, you can observe these awareness days by actively supporting the mental health of children in your life. If you’re unsure where to find support, consider starting with online resources or low-cost community health centers. For children experiencing severe emotional disturbance, reaching out to a therapist promptly is crucial.
Practical ways to support your child’s mental health
There are several approaches you can use to support your child’s healthy emotional development throughout the year:
Teach them to identify emotions
Regular check-ins about feelings encourage children to be honest about their emotional state. However, children often struggle to put their emotions into words. They may not yet know how to explain what they’re feeling or recognize when those feelings might indicate a problem. Educating them on how to identify emotions and ask for help when needed can be invaluable.
Consider introducing a mood chart with graphics, establishing a daily feelings check-in routine, and modeling how you identify and handle your own emotions. For children with autism, learning to manage emotions can be particularly challenging. With proper education, treatment, and intervention, they can develop improved communication and social skills.
Recognize warning signs
Even when children understand their emotions, reaching out for help with mental health symptoms can be difficult. It’s important to watch for warning signs such as:
- Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Sleep difficulties
- Emotional outbursts in specific settings or situations
- Hyperactivity or inattentive behaviors
- Social difficulties or isolation
- Self-harm
- Academic struggles
- Developmental delays compared to peers
- Frequent yelling or screaming
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Panic attacks or anxiety
- Destructive behaviors
- Physical aggression
- Lack of empathy or remorse
- Extreme attachment or separation anxiety
- Missing or broken belongings (possible sign of bullying)
If you notice concerning behaviors in your child, consider reaching out to a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink to discuss your child’s mental health and explore intervention options if needed.
Prepare them to navigate unsafe situations
Since trauma commonly contributes to mental health issues in children, help your child learn to identify unsafe situations and know how to respond appropriately. For example, teach them the correct names of body parts and explain boundaries regarding appropriate touch.
Assure them they should report any scary, threatening, or strange events to you immediately, and that you will always listen without judgment. If your child reports a traumatic experience, use age-appropriate language to discuss what happened and seek appropriate mental health support as soon as possible.
Ensure their fundamental needs are met
Meeting your child’s basic needs is essential for developing a secure attachment style. These include not just physical necessities like food, water, shelter, and medical care, but also emotional support, unconditional love, meaningful conversation, and quality time together. Children who feel emotionally disconnected from their caregivers may develop insecure attachment, which can lead to mental health challenges and difficulties in future relationships. Children with special needs may require additional support to meet their unique requirements and experience optimal quality of life.
Express love and affection consistently
Research shows that demonstrating love and affection to your children significantly supports their mental health. Learning about the five love languages and discovering which ones resonate most with your child can be helpful. Once you understand how your child best receives expressions of love, you can focus on those approaches to help them feel supported and secure.
Model positive mental health habits
Studies indicate that young children mimic their parents, making it important to be mindful of the examples you set regarding mental health. When you demonstrate care for your own well-being—whether through self-care practices, expressing emotions appropriately, or seeking support when needed—you equip the children in your life with the knowledge and skills to do the same.
By implementing these strategies consistently, you can create an environment that nurtures your child’s mental health and emotional development, helping them build resilience and psychological well-being that will serve them throughout their lives.
