National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, May 9, 2012

More than 15 million children have a psychiatric or learning disorder in the United States, and fewer than half of them will ever get help. On average, a mental health professional isn't contacted until two years after troubling behaviors, emotions, or barriers to learning are first noticed. The stigma, lack of awareness, and misinformation surrounding most psychiatric and learning disorders prevent many parents and teachers from getting kids the care they need. It's easy to know when a child has a cold, but mental health problems are harder to identify.

Common Mental Health Problems

• One in every 10 children and adolescents suffer depression.
• Between 3 and 5 percent of children—or approximately 2 million children—have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Behavioral disorders affect 1-4 percent of 9-17 year olds.
• Twenty-five percent of 13-18 year olds have an anxiety disorder.

Indian Health Service is joining the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and our partners to participate in National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9, 2012. National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day provides an important opportunity for Tribal and Urban Indian communities to support this year's public health awareness efforts which are focused on recovery and resilience for children and youth. To learn more about awareness activities and resources, visit Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .

Resources

IHS Head Start Program

IHS Division of Behavioral Health

Children's Mental Health Awareness from the National Institute of Mental Health Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Parent Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Stopbullying.gov Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families [PDF-3.2MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Helping Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events [PDF-163KB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  from SAMHSA

IHS's Find Health Care

SAMHSA's Mental Health Services Locator Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov