Children’s Mental Health Week (May 1-7)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness claims that “four million children and adolescents in this country suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairments at home, at school and with peers.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness claims that “four million children and adolescents in this country suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes significant functional impairments at home, at school and with peers. Of children ages 9 to 17, 21 percent have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder that causes at least minimal impairment.” If these disorders are not addressed at an early age, children are more likely to drop out of school, go to jail and end up committing suicide.

What mental health conditions affect most children?

• ADHD
• Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia)
• Schizophrenia
• Adolescent depression
• Anxiety
• Disruptive behaviors
• Pervasive development disorders (autism and Asperger Syndrome)

Children’s Mental Health Week aims to educate the public about recognizing the early signs of mental disorders in children. With early detection and intervention the long-term effects of the disorder can be minimized.

Watch this PSA which features U.S. district judge Katie O’Malley:

Find resources for assessing and screening children’s mental health on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and Children’s Mental Health Matters!

-Trish Smith