Tuesday, May 3rd is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day and I'll be wearing green! Why? It's the color that proudly says "I support Children's Mental Health." This year, SAMHSA is focusing on trauma and resiliency in children's mental health, but creating awareness and spreading the message of diagnosis and treatment is equally important.
Statistics show that a child you know (1 in 5 children) has an undiagnosed mental health disorder that will impede academic success and social growth. Most mental health issues can be treated or managed as effectively as diabetes or asthma -- however, the stigma of a mental health label prevents many parents from seeking treatment.
That's what has to change and it's up to ALL of us. No more judgement. No more pity. No more avoidance of the issue or the person. Encouragement is what helps. Support is what produces change. And acceptance is the foundation of it all. Educate yourself about children's mental health disorders and awareness day by visiting www.samhsa.gov/children. And... WEAR GREEN!
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