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Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Promotes the Needs of Children and Youth with Mental Illness

An estimated two-thirds of all young people with mental health problems who need help are not receiving it. As a result, they may have a much higher risk of suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, other consequences of untreated mental illness include high school dropout, which often leads to limited employment opportunities and poverty; involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice system; and higher utilization – and therefore, higher costs – of healthcare services.

A report from the Center for Mental Health Services states that, at any given time, at least one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health problem. Nationally, at least one in 19 or as many as six million young people may have a serious emotional disturbance (SED). In New Jersey, this figure translates into nearly 75,000 children and adolescents having an SED. Too often, children’s and adolescents’ mental health disorders are not recognized and appropriate help is not sought.

“Mental disorders in children are just as real and treatable as they are for adults,” said Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies. “Left untreated, children's mental health disorders can lead to problems at home, trouble in school and the community, substance abuse and even suicide. It is important that the communities around the state explore ways to better treat children with behavior and emotional problems.”

The Fifth Annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 6, 2010 is a day for everyone to promote positive youth development, resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day raises awareness of effective programs for children's mental health needs; demonstrates how children's mental health initiatives promote positive youth development, recovery, and resilience; and shows how children with mental health needs can thrive in their communities.

It is important to not stigmatize mental illness, which could present a harmful barrier to a child’s willingness to seek help. Depression, addictions, anxiety and other mental disorders must be attended to just as physical illnesses are treated.

“We must tear down barriers—not only stigma, but also insufficient funding—to ensure that children and adolescents can access the treatment and support services they need. In addition, we need to demonstrate that they must not hesitate to ask for help and inform them of resources available to them,” Dr. Wentz added.

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