Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week -- held every year during the first week of May (National Mental Health Awareness Month) -- is a national campaign that raises awareness and funds to promote better mental health for children.
As we focus on the emotional wellbeing of children and youth during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (CMHAW), we see this as an opportunity to change hearts, minds, and attitudes regarding mental health. To that end, the 2021 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is “Flip the Script on Mental Health.”
Addressing the mental health needs of children is the responsibility of all community members. Children and youth learn from their parents, caregivers, family members, teachers, doctors – the adults they are taught to respect and rely on. In these roles, we impact how children and youth think about and care for their own mental health and how they treat others who have mental health challenges. We have our work cut out for us. Now is the time to shape a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.
This CMHAW, we hope to educate individuals and communities about the importance of teaching children and youth:
1. That caring for their mental health is a vital part of living a healthy, fulfilling life.
2. That experiencing mental health challenges during their lifetime is not uncommon (1 in 5) and that it is not just ok, but it is important, to ask for help when they do.
3. To offer acceptance, support and respect for others who have mental health challenges in their lives and communities.