The Spring Awakening of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
In 2022, spring awakens during the first week of May with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Given the pressures of the pandemic and the social anxiety of reentry, kids are having a challenging time. Recent health data reveals that as many as one in six children in the United States (between the ages of 6 and 17) has a treatable mental health (MH) disorder. These MH disorders range from depression and anxiety issues to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).
As expressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mental health includes children’s mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. It affects how children think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how children handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day.
TTC and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
As a provider of mental health services for children, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) takes this observation day very seriously. Since half of all mental health conditions start before 14 years of age, raising awareness is essential. An even bigger issue is that most MH cases in children are undetected and untreated.
Thus, it is essential that children’s mental health becomes a healthcare priority. Moreover, in 2022, a national campaign to raise awareness and funds to promote better mental health for children is needed. Indeed, TTC sees too many adolescents struggling with MH conditions. Thus, let us turn Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week into a spring awakening of awareness, education, and access to help.
WhyChildren’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Important
When it comes to children’s mental health, the consequences are real. If we fail to address adolescent mental health conditions, they extend to adulthood. Did you know that mental health conditions affect physical health? Therefore, kids with MH conditions that linger into adulthood have limited opportunities. It becomes more challenging for them to live fulfilling lives as adults and avoid substance use disorder (SUD) problems.
A major goal of TTC is to help families care for and strengthen their children’s mental health. During the pandemic, there has been a huge uptick in the number of children and families facing mental health challenges. By helping families form healthy boundaries by talking to each other, our youth healthcare professionals open the doors to MH recovery.
Please jump on board a beautiful bandwagon and help spread awareness about children’s mental health. Too many children and families are in need. During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, let us acknowledge their struggles and provide access to help. If you need help, please contact us at TTC and talk to someone today.