May 3 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day-Building Resilience in Young Children Dealing with Trauma: National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a key strategy of "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health", which is part of the Public Awareness and Support Strategic Initiative by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Improving Lives, Avoiding Tragedies
The recent tragedy in Arizona reminds us all of the importance of the early identification of mental illness and the critical need for intervention with effective services and supports. Serious mental illness impacts large numbers of our nation’s youth. Mental illness is treatable and the best outcomes occur with early identification and intervention. We can avoid the tragic and costly consequences of unidentified and untreated mental illness in youth by taking action. We can and should do far better for our nation’s youth.
In honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, advocates at a Congressional briefing today campaigned for programs that address the early mental health needs of children and adolescents.
One in five American children have a diagnosable mental health disorder and children in military families have an even higher incidence of emotional and behavioral problems. As a recent report pointed out, the country’s system for children who need mental health services simply isn’t sufficient to handle the volume or adequately meet the specific needs of this most vulnerable segment of our population.
Speakers addressed the importance and tremendous value of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant programs, with a particular focus on the Systems of Care, Safe Schools/Healthy Students and Project LAUNCH programs, and the benefits of early childhood programs.
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a longtime mental health advocate, has authored a new book, Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis. She has appeared on several shows, including The Daily Show, which you can view here.
In recognition of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, she has a post on the Huffington Post on the importance of recognizing the needs of youth and adolescents and how we can cultivate resilience.
Coping with plenty of leisure activities and sense of purpose in life
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