Children’s Mental Health Week

Childhood should be a time of wonder and delight! But sometimes, through various challenges and hardships, whether from family problems, bullying or other difficulties, young people and adolescents may face mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and more.

Children’s Mental Health Week is here to educate and inform the public about the struggles that many young people can have, as well as providing resources for how to intervene or seek help.

History of Children’s Mental Health Week

The original Children’s Mental Health Week was observed in 2015 when it was founded by Place2B, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the improvement of mental health among children. Starting in the UK, the event has gained traction and is now celebrated in other places throughout the world.

Each year, Children’s Mental Health Week is observed with a dedication to raising awareness about the struggles and difficulties that even some very young people have.

Convinced that children do not need to struggle alone, the idea for the week is that educators, counselors, parents and others in the community will work together to make a difference in the lives of children who are struggling. Building a community of support will help all children have access to the mental health resources they might need, whether today or in the future.

How to Observe Children’s Mental Health Week

Those who are looking for ways to observe Children’s Mental Health Week may consider some of these options for getting involved with the events:

Connect with a Child

Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, neighbors and so many other people in the life of a child should be aware of the risk that a child could suffer with mental health issues alone. In honor of Children’s Mental Health Week, become educated and aware of various signs that a child may be struggling, and then learn what resources are available to them.

Of course, in the midst of difficulties, it is vitally important to exercise kindness and compassion, even when these struggles come along with difficult behaviors. A child who knows that they have connection and care is much more likely to feel safe to share and subsequently receive the care they desperately need.