National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness that children’s mental health is as important as their physical well-being.
Approximately 1 out of 8 adolescents (aged 12 to 17) reported having a major depressive episode in the past year. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that in 2017, 13.3 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 (3.2 million adolescents) had a major depressive episode in the past year.
Research shows that early intervention is important and that the earlier a child or adolescent receives treatment, the greater the likelihood of their recovery and ability to live a full and productive life.
Focusing on suicide prevention among teens
This year, SAMHSA is focusing on reducing and reversing the prevalence of a serious public health problem among children and adolescents – namely teen suicide, which is on the rise.
SAMHSA’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day event’s theme is “Suicide Prevention: Strategies That Work.” The event will take place on Monday, May 6 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the live stream here.
It’s important for parents, caregivers, children, and youths to know that suicidal thoughts are preventable and that there are a number of free and confidential resources that will guide them.
Helpful resources include:
- SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255): This is a toll-free hotline that has trained counselors available 24/7 to deescalate crises and to connect callers with appropriate resources. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for those in need.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center: This is a comprehensive resource that has detailed guides on identifying those at risk of suicide, strategies for helping them, and organizations that can help.
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: It is important that children and youths receive the care they need. This treatment services locator allows users to search for mental health treatment for children and adolescents.
- You Matter: This is a blog through which youths can discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness, including personal stories of suicide prevention.
This story was contributed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
