Suicidal rates for adolescents in America have skyrocketed by 40% in the last decade. This alone exposes the gaps in treatment to support youth and emphasizes the urgent need for increased access to targeted mental health care. With 20% of children (ages 3-17) having a mental or emotional disorder today, these numbers are like nothing we have ever seen before in the United States.

Though this matter should be prevalent in the public eye year-round, February 3^rd – 9^th marks Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This observation draws attention to the millions of children suffering from mental health disorders and urges action to be taken for members of our society who are unable to do so alone.

Unfortunately, multiple factors hinder a child’s ability to receive proper mental health treatment. This can include a lack of resources provided to medically underserved communities, the overlooking of symptoms, social isolation from COVID-19, social barriers, inadequate insurance and financial burdens. To observe Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we can advocate for youth and increase public knowledge of this crisis to begin breaking down the many barriers to treatment that children are faced with today.

COVID – 19

In 2020, suicide was ruled the second leading cause of death for children 10-14. We can all attribute this correlation to a particularly devastating pandemic. COVID-19 forced the public to remain inside their homes, cutting off all social interaction and removing children from their daily lives at school. Online learning was implemented for months, activities outside were limited and social distancing measures were strictly enforced. The result was detrimental to all, but especially our youth in the most formative years of their lives.

The National Library of Medicine notes that all children are currently at greater risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness and sleep disturbances due to the social isolation and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barriers to Treatment

Certain factors increase a child’s risk for mental health issues apart from remnants of the pandemic, including children who are an only child in their family, who have parents with low education qualifications, from families of low socioeconomic status and who are living in a small size home. These factors further demonstrate how children are at increased risk for mental health issues when residing in medically underserved communities, which more often than not, are communities with low socioeconomic status.

Mental health treatment is costly and can impose an alarming financial burden on families. “The average cost of various service types per episode is $1,079 for psychotherapy, $683 for assessment, $227 for collateral services, $161 for case management, and $186 for medication support,” as noted by the National Library of Medicine, which can be unattainable for many.

Unfortunately, socioeconomic status is not the only barrier to proper mental health treatment for children.

Children are a forgotten group in the conversation of mental health. As a young person is constantly growing and changing their behavior, feelings of depression or shifts in mood are overlooked by those around them as simply “a phase.” This is evidently a leading reason why 60% of youth with major depression receive no mental health treatment. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and threats of self-harm are overlooked far too often and are alarming signs that are commonly dismissed.

Social barriers can also have a significant impact on a child’s inclination to seek help, as well as a parent/guardian’s willingness to seek it out for them. There is a large stigma around mental illness, especially in children. Embarrassment, fear and lack of education surrounding mental health can cause many children and guardians to avoid reaching out to a professional. Cultural beliefs, racial disparities, discrimination and language barriers all significantly contribute to this stigma and fear.

“Know Yourself, Grow Yourself”

Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that offers mental health training for school staff and support for families in need. Their mission is to help children learn life-long coping skills and equip parents and teachers with the resources needed to do so. In partnership with the Walt Disney Company, Place2Be is holding a weeklong event to raise awareness for children’s mental health and provide free resources to families and schools. This charity has also organized a fundraising pack for any organization that would like to organize a fundraiser to observe Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

The theme for this year is “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.” Place2Be chose this theme to encourage children to embrace self-awareness, build resilience and grow into the best version of themselves.

To organize a fundraiser or access free resources for the week of February 3^rd – 9^th, you can do so here.

Resources for Parents/Guardians and Children:

·       988 – Suicide and Crisis helpline: Call or text 988 to speak with a counselor.

·       211 – Community Support Services: Call 211 for confidential help locating resources near you.

·       Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) or visit https://findtreatment.gov/ to find treatment providers.

·       National Parents Council (NPC): Call the NPC helpline at (01)887-4477 for a confidential helpline service that provides helpful resources to parents. Visit their website here for access to the virtual training “Supporting parents to support their children’s mental health and wellbeing,” provided by the National Parents Council.

·       HealthyChildren: Visit the Healthy Children website for educational articles regarding children’s mental health disorders and emotional wellness.

·       The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): The mission of NCTSN is to, “raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.” Visit their website for child trauma and mental health resources, training for parents and information regarding treatments and practices for children.

·       The Child Mental Health Institute: The Child Mental Health Institute is dedicated to, “transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive.” Access a wide array of resources for families here.

·       WeAreCT: WeAreCT has many helpful resources for children and their families experiencing mental health challenges and substance use. Access their website for directions to resources and treatment opportunities in Connecticut.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out, listen without judgment and encourage them to seek help. If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or a crisis hotline for support.

Together, we can observe Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week this February and every day, as we advocate for proper access to mental health treatment for children and the provision of resources to every community.