Let’s Talk About It: Why Children’s Mental Health Awareness Matters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there was a special day set aside just for
children’s mental health. You might have heard about it at school, online, or from a friend. But
even though we talk about mental health more today than ever before, there still isn’t enough
focus on how these issues affect children and young people.
Here’s a fact that might surprise you: 1 in 4 kids and teens experiences a mental health
condition. That could mean anxiety, depression, ADHD, or something else that affects thoughts,
feelings, or behavior. But what’s even more shocking is that, on average, young people wait 8 to
10 years after symptoms begin before they get any help or treatment. That’s almost a whole
decade of struggling in silence.
Why does this happen? Sometimes, adults don’t notice the signs, or they might think kids are
just “going through a phase.” Sometimes, kids and teens feel embarrassed or afraid to talk
about their feelings. But mental health conditions are real, and they deserve attention and
care—just like physical health problems.
So, what can we do to change this?
- Speak Up
It’s important to talk about mental health. If you’re feeling down, anxious, angry, or just “off” for a while, tell someone you trust—a friend, a parent, a teacher, or a counselor. If you notice a friend seems different or is having a hard time, reach out to them. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. - Learn the Signs
Mental health struggles can show up in lots of ways, like changes in sleep, appetite, or mood. Maybe you (or a friend) feel sad a lot, don’t want to hang out with others, or just can’t concentrate. These aren’t things to ignore. They’re signs that someone might need support. - End the Stigma
A big reason kids don’t get help is because there’s still a lot of stigma, or shame, around mental health. We have to change that by talking openly about it and letting people know it’s okay to struggle. Supporting each other and challenging stereotypes is how we move forward. - Get Help When You Need It
If you ever feel like you need help, reach out. There are counselors, teachers, helplines, and mental health professionals who care and want to support you. No one should have to wait years to feel better. Mental health matters for everyone—especially for kids and teens. The more we talk about it, the easier it gets for everyone to ask for support when they need it. Imagine a world where every young person feels safe and comfortable reaching out for help. That’s a world we can build together, if we keep speaking up and looking out for one another. You are never alone in how you feel, and help is always possible. Let’s work together to make sure everyone gets the support